Canada Engineering Jobs For Engineers: What Should You Consider? (+Requirements & Interview Tips)

Canada’s booming technology sector is experiencing huge demand for talent, particularly engineering jobs. There are several opportunities Canada has to offer if you want to work with the reputation of a country that values the advancement of the industry that they have.

Canada is one of the most desirable places for engineers in the world. It has a thriving economy and an excellent standard of living. The country offers a wide range of opportunities for engineers who wish to settle down in Canada permanently and those who want to take up employment temporarily. You can work as:

• Electrical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Structural Engineer 

With tremendous opportunities, it can be a great place to find an engineering job, so where do you start? This guide covers the ins and outs of engineering jobs in Canada, some of the top high-demand skills, and strategies for landing your dream Engineering job in Canada.

Working As An Engineer In Canada

Engineering jobs in Canada offer a rewarding career with excellent pay and benefits. Many organizations, including Forbes magazine, have ranked the engineering industry as one of Canada’s best workplaces.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB), engineering is one of the top professions in terms of job satisfaction and the highest-paid profession in Canada. 

The average salary for engineers is $80,000 a year, according to figures compiled by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. And that’s just an average salary that can be much higher.

Statistics Canada estimates that the employment growth rate for engineering occupations is much higher than the average for all job categories. The projected number of engineering jobs in Canada between 2016 and 2022 is expected to be 55,000.

Engineering jobs in Canada are available across various industries, including oil & gas, aerospace, mining, construction, and telecommunications.

Many companies employ engineers, including government agencies and private companies specializing in building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

You can even work for yourself as a consultant or contractor if you prefer working independently rather than being part of a larger organization.

Things To Consider

To work as an engineer in Canada, there are certain things you need to know and do. To find out what they are, read on.

Education: The first thing you need to understand is that the education required to become an engineer varies from province to province. Some provinces require a degree, while others prefer accreditation or certification. 

Some provinces also have their engineering association, which sets standards for engineers in those provinces. It is best to check out your area’s requirements before applying for any engineering job in Canada.

Experience: The next thing on the list is experience. Suppose you have graduated from an accredited university with a specialization in engineering. In that case, you will be required to have some years of experience before being considered for any engineering job in Canada.

It depends on how much experience you want before applying for any position and what kind of salary you want from your employer. You can look into this matter before deciding whether or not to apply for a job as an engineer.

Skills: You will find few companies willing to hire someone with experience, so if this is the case for you, try finding volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge. 

Moreover, you will need to have good communication skills, both written and oral. You should be able to work well with people across multiple disciplines and industries. Understanding how businesses operate and having an interest in technology is essential for success as an engineer.

Language skills are not essential for engineering positions in Canada, but it does help if you can speak one of Canada’s official languages fluently. 

If your first language is not English or French, we recommend that you learn at least one of these languages before moving here because they are beneficial when looking for jobs and meeting new people.

Engineer employment requirements in Canada 

In Canada, all engineers must be licensed by their province or territory. This process requires you to meet specific requirements before practicing your profession. These requirements vary based on the type of engineering license you want. For example:

P.Eng (Professional Engineer) license: You must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a Canadian university and three years of relevant work experience.

Ing (Inspector) license: You must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a Canadian university and one year of relevant work experience.

EIT (Engineer in Training) license: You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and three years of relevant work experience.

General Requirements

• To be a citizen or permanent resident.
• Get yourself registered with the provincial or territorial engineering society.
• Check previous employment and references.
• Attain the minimum standard set by the province’s language proficiency test
• Must achieve a passing grade on a character test.
• Take a Professional Practices Test
• Your proficiency in English or French is a crucial factor in your career.
• A professional engineer (P.Eng.) should oversee your work. 

Tips From Engineering Professionals

As an engineer, you have a lot of options when it comes to your career. You can choose to work in various industries, and you can even choose to work in the same industry as your degree.

Whether you’re looking for tips on how to get started with your career or just want to know more about the field, here are some tips from engineering professionals who have been there and done that

Make A Canadian Resume

A resume is one of the most important documents for any job seeker, but it becomes even more significant when applying for jobs in Canada. This is because Canadian employers thoroughly look at your work experience, skills, and education level before hiring anyone.

If your resume meets their requirements, then there are chances that your application will be accepted. Therefore, newcomers need to make a Canadian resume according to their profile.

A Canadian resume should 

• Keep your resume concise.
• Focus on past accomplishments rather than responsibilities or duties
• Tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for 
• Remember to include important project information (total cash value, scope, delivery method, etc.).
• Highlighting the constructive contributions you made to each undertaking.
• Put in the effort to describe every component of your role in detail.

Avoiding Mistakes As A Newcomer 

Being a newcomer in any field can be challenging. But being a newcomer in the engineering field can be even more challenging. That’s because you’ll join an already established group of people working together for years.

You’re often expected to know everything about the field, and finding your place is challenging. Here are some tips for avoiding mistakes as a newcomer:

Try to learn from others: Talk with veterans, attend professional meetings and read trade journals that cover your field of interest. This will help you get a feel for what’s happening in the industry and prepare you for future challenges.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Asking questions is essential to your success as an engineer. You’ll have questions about how things work and what they do, but you’ll also need guidance on approaching problems and overcoming challenges.

Refrain from assuming that other people know more than you just because they’ve been in the field longer; they may have forgotten specific details or techniques.

Just in case you’re unsure about something, ask! It’s better to ask for help than make a mistake because you want to avoid bothering anyone with your question or concern.

Work hard, even if it seems pointless at first: Sometimes, it takes time before something becomes transparent enough for us to see its value.

Just because things don’t seem relevant at first doesn’t mean they aren’t important later on down the road — so keep working hard no matter how discouraging it might seem.

Being too focused on one thing: Some engineers get stuck focusing on one thing for too long and never move beyond it — even if there are better opportunities elsewhere in their field. It’s essential to keep your options open.

Local experience is vital: Local experience is valuable in many ways. First, it helps you understand how things work in your new country.

Second, it allows you to learn from others who have been there before and can offer valuable advice on how best to adjust to your new environment.

Third, it helps build trust among colleagues who can recommend you for promotions or other opportunities when they arise in the future.

Common Questions In Interviews

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re a recent graduate or entering a new field. Engineers should prepare before they even set up an interview. They should know what they want in a job, what their salary expectations are, and what skills they have to offer.

Once they’ve done that research, they should be ready to ask questions about the company and position that will help them decide whether it’s worth pursuing.

 Here are some tips for asking the right questions:

• Asking about salary, benefits, and work-life balance can be considered inappropriate. Before discussing salary, you should wait until after you’ve been offered the job.
• You may ask about company culture and management style, as well as details about your role in the company and how your performance will be evaluated.
• You should also inquire about opportunities for professional development within the organization. This shows that you are interested in advancing your career with this employer.

The following are some questions that you might want to ask:

• What’s the company culture like?
• Is there room for growth?
• What’s the office environment like?
•  Do you have a natural work/life balance, or do you work all hours of the day?
• How does this position fit into the overall structure of the company?
• Is there a secret to surviving the initial stages of a new market that have helped other international candidates?
• What are the long-term goals for this department or project?
• What types of projects will I be working on? Is there enough variety to keep it interesting? Will I have time to pursue personal projects?

Recommended Cities/Provinces For Each Engineering Role

Engineers play a vital role in society, with their expertise needed in various industries. Engineers are in high demand across Canada. The country is experiencing a shortage of engineers, expected to continue for at least the next decade.

Engineers have a wide variety of job titles and specialties. However, there are some geographic areas where specific engineering roles are in short supply.

• Montreal
• Toronto
• Oakville 
• Vancouver
• Ottawa
• Quebec
• Kelowna

Challenges Of Engineers In Canada

Engineers are the creators and builders of our world. They bring to life the ideas in our heads, whether through a bridge, a car, or a computer chip.

But being an engineer can be challenging. Becoming one of these professionals takes years of study, hard work, and dedication. And once you’ve got your degree, there are still challenges to face in your career as an engineer in Canada.

Career Development

Engineers must keep up-to-date with new technologies and techniques, as well as changes in regulatory requirements. This can be achieved through continuing education or by attending conferences or seminars. Engineers should also keep track of any new developments in their chosen field to stay updated with technology.

Employment Opportunities

There are many career paths for engineers in Canada, including civil and electrical engineering. 

Engineers must also consider their personal goals when choosing a career path since each job has unique requirements and responsibilities. For example, an engineer who enjoys working outdoors may only enjoy working indoors during the day!

Salary Expectations And Benefits

Engineers often choose their careers based on salary expectations rather than job satisfaction and benefits provided by employers.

However, it is crucial to consider factors such as location when making this decision because it may affect your daily happiness at work.

Working With Others

Engineers must work with people from other fields, whether they’re working on projects or doing research at their universities. That means they need good communication skills and must be able to collaborate effectively with others.

This can be difficult if you’re shy or don’t enjoy interacting with others. But this should be manageable if you like working with people and want to work on big projects together.

Immigrating To Canada As An Engineer

Canada is a popular destination for professionals from all sectors and walks of life. The country has been consistently ranked as one of the top countries in the world for ex-pats and immigrants. People usually come here in search of new opportunities and better life quality. 

So just in case you are considering immigrating to Canada for a job and a better future then jumps into it.

If you’re an engineer looking to migrate to Canada, several options can help you achieve your goal. Let’s take a look at them.

• A work permit is required to work legally in Canada. There are two distinct categories of work permits: open permits and employer-specific permits.
• Moreover, a crucial step in migrating to Canada is to find the most suitable option or path.
• Get a job offer from a Canadian company or institution so that they can sponsor your work permit application. 
• Once you’ve got this, you’ll need to apply for a “job offer” visa category through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This will allow you to apply for permanent residency in Canada after two years of working on this visa.

Engineering Immigrant Programs

You can consider different programs available for engineers. Have a look at these:

1. Express Entry
2. International Experience Class (IEC)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
4. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

In-Demand Engineering Skills In Canada

As the economy continues to improve, employers are increasingly seeking talented engineers. There’s a huge demand for engineering skills across Canada, not just in traditional sectors like energy and resources but also in emerging industries like clean technology and information technology.

Here are some of the most in-demand engineering skills in the country right now:

Autocad Experience

Autocad is a computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software for creating technical drawings. CAD drawings are essential for mechanical, industrial, and civil engineering projects.

This skill is in high demand with Canadian employers who require engineers to design parts and products for manufacturing or installation.

Instrumentation & Measurement Skills

Instrumentation and measurement technicians use sophisticated instruments to measure physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, humidity, and force. These measurements are then used to develop solutions for industrial processes or environmental issues, such as pollution control systems or improved manufacturing processes.

The demand for instrumentation and measurement technicians has increased significantly over the past few years as more companies look for ways to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high levels of efficiency and productivity.

QA Skills 

QA is a term that stands for quality assurance. It is a way to ensure the quality of a product or service. Different types of testing are performed on many different software platforms, but all of them aim to find defects and mistakes to fix them before they reach the customer. 

As the world becomes more technologically advanced and the number of devices and applications continues to grow, so does the need for qualified QA engineers.

The demand for QA engineers has been increasing over the last few years as companies have realized the importance of an effective quality assurance team.

A sound QA engineer can save a company millions of dollars by preventing costly mistakes from being released into production environments or shipped out to customers.

Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software used by architects and engineers to create 3D models of buildings. 

Software developers build applications on top of Autodesk Revit, making it very versatile. Its popularity has increased over the years as more developers have created tools that integrate with it.

Solidworks Design Software

Solidworks is a 3D modeling software that allows users to create parts and assemblies for manufacturing and prototyping purposes. It’s used in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, and more. Engineers also use Solidworks to design new products and improve existing ones.

In-Demand Certifications

We’ve all heard Canada is a great place to work, live and play. But with so many Canadians looking for jobs in engineering, it can take time to know where to start.

Many employers are looking for candidates who have certifications in various engineering fields. The following are some of the most in-demand engineering certifications:

Structural Engineer (Se)

Structural engineers design buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures that are safe and sound. Structural engineers are involved in these structures’ planning, design, and construction. They use various tools and techniques to ensure that the structure will withstand the expected loads.

Professional Engineer (P.Eng / Pe)

Professional engineers are licensed by provincial or territorial regulatory bodies to provide engineering services to the public. Professional engineers must meet specific education requirements, pass an exam and abide by a strict code of ethics before being licensed as professional engineers (PE).

Engineer In Training (EIT)

This is the first stage of becoming an engineer in most provinces. It requires you to complete academic courses and pass exams to be eligible for licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng). 

The EIT exam is administered by provincial bodies such as Engineers Canada or the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC).

Certified Engineering Technologist (C.Tech / Cet)

The Certified Engineering Technologist (C.Tech / Cet) is a certification program by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. The program provides an internationally recognized credential for engineering technologists who demonstrate competence in applying engineering principles and knowledge to technical problems.

This is a highly regarded and widely sought-after designation in Canada, with many employers requiring it for employment.

Computer-Aided Design And Drafting (Cadd)

Computer-Aided Design And Drafting (Cadd) Cadd is a computer-aided drawing program used by engineers, drafters, and architects to create 2D and 3D technical drawings.

It’s an essential skill in today’s workplace because it can be used to create technical drawings and blueprints, and schematics for construction projects. Cadd certification is offered by the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS).

Check Out Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Career Snapshot – Trent Sauer:

Electronic Systems Technician (Est)

The Electronic Systems Technician program is a two-year full-time program that prepares students for entry-level positions in electronics systems technology.

The curriculum includes instruction in electronics theory, digital logic theory, microprocessors, and their applications, analog circuits, power supplies, and electromagnetics.

The Est program also provides practical experience through laboratory assignments and projects designed to simulate industrial situations.

Top Engineering Jobs In Canada

The engineering profession is one of the most sought-after professions in Canada. Employers highly seek engineers because they have various skills that can be applied to many industries. The best engineering jobs in Canada are based on salary and the top cities for employment in this field.

Engineering is a broad term that encompasses all sorts of careers. From mechanical engineers, who use their knowledge to design and build things like cars and bridges to civil engineers, who design large-scale projects like roads and buildings, the field is wide open for those who want to be part of it.

Canada has been ranked among the top 10 countries for engineers in global surveys by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other organizations. This means plenty of opportunities for those looking to make a career out of their passion for engineering or science.

Here are some of the best engineering jobs in Canada 

Electrical Engineer

Expected salary: $70,000 to $110,000

Electrical engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and testing electrical equipment such as motors, generators, and control systems. They may also be responsible for installing new systems and maintaining existing ones. Electrical engineers can work in various aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications industries.

Mechanical Engineer

Expected salary: $60,000 to $100,000.

Mechanical engineers design machines that can perform a task or implement an idea. They may work with industrial machinery, consumer products, or even robots.

They may also be responsible for ensuring that the machines they design meet safety regulations, environmental standards, and other legal requirements.

Project Engineer

Expected salary: $90,000 to $150,000

Project engineers supervise the planning, organizing, and directing of construction projects. They must also ensure that all construction activities are carried out according to the approved plans, specifications, and contract documents.

Project engineers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and often specialize in a particular field, such as structural, electrical, or mechanical.

Civil Engineering Technician

Expected salary: $65,000 to $100,000

Civil engineering technicians can work in various settings, including construction sites, municipal buildings, or roadways. Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers with land surveying and plot maps using GPS equipment.

They may also assist with designing roadways and bridges or managing civil projects such as laying water lines or dams.

Manufacturing Engineer

Expected salary: $70,000 to 100,000

Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing manufacturing processes. They are also responsible for improving the efficiency of these processes.

Manufacturing engineers typically work in a factory setting and use a combination of science and engineering principles to develop new products or improve existing ones. 

Their work may include the following:

• Developing new manufacturing techniques.
• Using computer-aided design software to create prototypes.
• Testing new production equipment.

Process Engineer

Expected salary: $70,000 to $102,000

Another common type of engineering job is a process engineer. Process engineers design processes and procedures businesses use to create products or provide services. For example, they might design processes for creating new products or designing more efficient ways to manufacture existing products.

Process engineers also work with other engineers, scientists, and managers to ensure that processes run smoothly without disrupting operations or causing harm to employees or customers.

Engineering Manager

Expected salary: $80,000 to $130,000

The engineering manager is responsible for overseeing the work of other engineers. This includes the hiring and firing of employees, as well as managing deadlines and budgets. The engineer in charge must also ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget.

Quality Assurance Technician

Expected salary: $30,000 to $ 42,000

Quality assurance technicians test products before they reach customers to ensure they meet their company’s quality standards.

If a product fails any of these tests, it needs to be fixed before it goes out into the world, where people could get hurt misusing it. These technicians use their knowledge of science and technology to ensure that products are safe for everyone who uses them.

Resources About Engineering Jobs In Canada

If you are looking for the best engineering jobs in Canada, you might need clarification about which career path to take. Engineers have many options and choosing the right one can be a challenge.

With so many options available, how do you know which ones are the best? Here are some resources that can help point you in the right direction.

• Saskatchewan: Apegs (Association Of Professional Engineers/Consultants For Saskatchewan)
• Ontario: Peo (Professional Engineers Ontario)
• Alberta: Apegga (Association Of Professional Engineers/Consultants For Alberta)
• British Columbia: Apegbc (Association Of Professional Engineers/Consultants For Bc)
• Engineers Canada — Newcomers Resources

FAQs

Conclusion

Engineers in Canada have a wide range of jobs to choose from, and there is a lot of opportunity for growth. With the proper education and training, you can be on your way to earning six figures or more.

However, don’t think that working as a Canadian engineer means spending all day in a cubicle; you’ll be making an impact on people’s lives every day, whether it’s by helping them build the next great bridge or by creating new technologies that will change how we live our lives.

We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect engineering job in Canada so that you can start living your best life as soon as possible. If you’re ready to make this career choice, contact us today!