Electrical and electronics engineers

Strong job outlook

Overview

Electrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by 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.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Conduct research into 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

  • Conduct micro or nanodevices 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.

  • Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.

Job titles

  • analog and mixed-signal design engineer
  • antenna engineer
  • audio engineer - electricity and electronics
  • automation engineer - electrical and electronic systems
  • avionics engineer
  • broadcasting professional engineer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$68,825

Median

$106,950

High

$157,630

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

Strong job outlook

British Columbia

1,616

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in an appropriate related engineering discipline is required.

  • A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.

  • Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).

Additional information

  • Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.

  • Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Certification requirements

Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Electrical and electronics engineers in B.C.

  • Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Electrical Engineers

Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Electrical Engineers

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as an electrical engineer in B.C., you must register with Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from an accredited program, 4 years of work experience as an Engineer-In-Training, and successful completion of the National Professional Practice Examination.

Visit website

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

Other careers