Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Nature of work

Electrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They work for electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and by a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries and government. Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in areas including electrical design for residential, commercial, or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.

Job duties

Electrical and electronics engineers:

• Research the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks, electrical machinery and components and electronic communications, instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and components.
• Prepare material cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
• Design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems, and equipment.
• Carry out simulations, characterization, process modeling and integration in the development of new electronic devices and products.
• Supervise and inspect the installation, modification, testing and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
• Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
• Investigate electrical or electronic failures.
• Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for construction or maintenance.
• Supervise technicians, technologists, programmers, analysts, and other engineers.

Sample job titles

• avionics engineer
• control systems engineer
• electrical and electronics research engineer
• electrical engineer
• electrical power systems design engineer
• electrical systems engineer
• electronics engineer
• electronics test engineer
• instrumentation and control engineer

Skills

You should be interested in the design and operation of electrical systems and equipment. The ability to communicate and cooperate with others is important, as engineers often work in teams. You should enjoy problem-solving and be able to think analytically and logically. Computer skills would also be helpful.

Job requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in an appropriate related engineering discipline.
• A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.

Other considerations

The growing use of telecommunication, multi-media, and other electronic equipment in homes, businesses, and manufacturing facilities will help generate job opportunities for people with the appropriate electrical and electronics engineering skills. It is important that workers keep up to date with changing technology. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience. Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and gain knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing, or management.

Regulations

Contacts

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