21310

Electrical and electronics engineers

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 213 › 2131

Definition

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.

Main duties

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.

Example job titles

•avionics engineer
•control systems engineer
•electrical design engineer
•electrical distribution planning engineer
•electrical engineer
•electrical network engineer
•electrical process control engineer
•electrical systems planning engineer

Overview

Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, electrical and electronics engineers are classified under NOC code 21310. This TEER 1 category encompasses professionals who design, plan, research, evaluate, and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. These engineers are vital to a wide range of industries, including electrical utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing, consulting firms, and government departments across Canada.

Employment requirements for NOC 21310 are highly structured. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. A master's or doctoral degree may be required for specialized or research-focused roles. To practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and legally approve engineering drawings and reports, licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is mandatory. Licensing typically requires graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised engineering work experience, and passing a professional practice examination.

As a TEER 1 occupation, NOC 21310 is highly favored under Canada's economic immigration pathways. Eligible candidates can pursue permanent residency through the Express Entry system, specifically via the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated immigration professional for official guidance.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

22310Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.