what is an engineer?
As an engineer, you apply the principles of science and mathematics to come up with practical solutions to technical problems. Your work leads to solutions useful in commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.
Engineers develop new products using tested designs and processes. When creating a product, you specify the requirements and put together the components. You also test the functionality to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of products. Design, analysis, and testing processes are used to produce various items, from computers to chemicals and automotive products.
As an engineer, your work involves product design, as well as the production and maintenance of various products. For instance, you are in charge of supervising factories to ensure the equipment is handled appropriately. You also figure out the cause of the machine failure and complete the necessary repairs. You are involved in maintenance to ensure the equipment retains high-quality production standards.
As an engineer, you work in various industries depending on your field of study. For instance, some engineers work in construction or industrial settings, while others work in the energy sector or pharmaceuticals.
Would working as an engineer suit your aptitude for science and maths? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an engineer role.
engineer jobs near youaverage engineer salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of an engineer is $93,634 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $48.02 per hour. You start with a lower salary in an entry-level position since you have minimal experience. The earnings in an entry-level role start at $69,886 per year. With experience and educational qualifications, you make up to $147,769 per year.
how to increase your salary as an engineer
Your experience determines your earnings as an engineer in Canada. After completing your degree course, you have minimal experience, which attracts a lower salary. The most experienced engineers in Canada with a Professional Engineers licence earn a higher salary since they handle complex projects.
The industry and project size also influences your earnings. Some industries require additional expertise and knowledge and attract a higher salary. For instance, working in aerospace or robotics may attract higher earnings compared to maintenance engineering. Working on large projects with significant budgets also boosts your salary due to the complexity of the tasks and additional responsibilities. Projects with small budgets have a lower earning potential.
Would you like to know what an engineer earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for an engineer? Then download our Randstad salary guide and find out all about the salary of an engineer in Canada.
types of engineers
Engineers specialize in a particular field of study. Some of the types of engineers include:
- mechanical engineers: in a mechanical engineer role, you assist in designing and developing machines and equipment used in industrial processes. You can work on the production of industrial computer systems, trains and various equipment.
- chemical engineers: as a chemical engineer, you solve problems by converting chemical substances into valuable products. For instance, you research and develop medical products from chemical components in various ingredients. You also formulate recipes and procedures for creating multiple products.
- civil engineers: your job as a civil engineer includes building and constructing structures like bridges, tunnels and railway lines. You can also work on buildings to ensure solid and sound structures.
- electrical engineers: your work entails working with electricity and electronic machines. You install electrical lines in commercial and residential areas or produce electronic products.
- oil and gas engineers: as an oil and gas engineer, you construct pipelines for transporting oil and gas without posing a danger to the environment.
working as an engineer
Engineering is an inspiring career that allows you to explore your creativity and solve problems in society. Let's take a look at the daily tasks and work environment of an engineer.
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what does an engineer do?
As an engineer, specific responsibilities depend on your field of study and specialization. However, some of the tasks include:
- creating plans using drawings: as an engineer, you bring an idea to life by drawing the design of a product that is used to make a prototype. Whether it is a machine or product, you visualize its features and detail them in your drawing during planning.
- providing project specifications: after developing a project design, you develop specifications that determine its functionality and effectiveness. During product specification, you prepare material estimates and budgets for the production stages.
- conducting engineering experiments: as an engineer, you research and test the effectiveness of a product. That includes evaluating the product in various conditions and finding ways to improve its performance. In chemical engineering, you conduct experiments to determine the best formula or process for manufacturing consumer goods.
- completing regulatory documents: before embarking on a project, you complete technical and regulatory paperwork. Some of the documents deal with health and safety concerns.
- creating the maintenance procedures: the machines and equipment you design should be kept in tip-top shape. Hence, you outline the maintenance procedures that uphold its standards.
- writing technical reports: as an engineer, you write project reports and provide a cost analysis from the beginning to the end. You also prepare the technical specifications used in production or manufacturing or machinery.
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work environment of an engineer
As an engineer, your work environment depends on your specialization area. That means you can work in office buildings, manufacturing plants or laboratories. Engineers working in labs are sometimes exposed to hazardous materials and are often required to wear personal protective equipment. Some engineers work outdoors in oil and gas exploration or construction sites, and marine engineers work underwater or in submarines. Engineering work also involves a lot of travelling, depending on your field of study. For instance, construction industry engineers travel between the site and the office. Sometimes, senior engineers attend conferences or complete projects overseas.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you work alongside various professionals. For instance, civil engineers work in construction alongside site managers, site administrators and project managers. When you are an electrical engineer or industrial engineer, you work alongside maintenance engineers, maintenance technicians and mechanical engineers.
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engineer work schedule
As an engineer, you work between 40 and 50 hours a week full-time. During research stages or product testing, you are likely to work overtime when deadlines are approaching. Some positions in engineering offer part-time or short-term contract opportunities, but they are rare. In some positions, your role includes shift work or working at night. For instance, if you are part of the railway line maintenance crew, you work at night to avoid interrupting the train's schedule.
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career opportunities as an engineer
Engineers have promising job prospects due to the multiple roles in the engineering field. You can work in any industry sector, from manufacturing to energy and information technology. From a junior-level position, it is easy to become a senior engineer or gain a chartered status and become a consultant. Most engineers at the peak of their careers seek management positions or become lecturers in universities.
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advantages of finding a job as an engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
engineer skills and education
Some of the educational requirements for becoming an engineer include:
- bachelor's degree: the first step to being an engineer is completing a bachelor's degree in your preferred area of specialization. The bachelor of engineering course should be accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). When you complete the bachelor’s degree, become an engineer-in-training by registering with the regulatory board in your territory or province.
- work experience: gain experience by working under the supervision of a professional engineer to qualify for the engineering exam. When you have four years of work experience, take the professional engineering exam to get a professional Engineer's Licence. The professional examination is called the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) in most territories and provinces, except British Columbia and Ontario, where you register with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia and Professional Engineers Ontario.
competencies and characteristics of engineers
Aside from training, you need soft skills to help you succeed. Some of the skills include:
- critical thinking skills: as an engineer, your central role is to solve problems. Hence, you should be inquisitive and think critically to come up with ideas. When the performance doesn't meet the standards, you determine the cause and find a solution.
- attention to detail: when you are an engineer, a small error can cause significant problems. For instance, if you miss some components, the product may not work or meet expectations. Your attentiveness to details comes in handy.
- science and mathematics aptitude: engineers use advanced mathematics to analyze, design and find solutions. Aptitude for math, science and technology helps you solve problems and succeed in your work.
- project management skills: as an engineer, you juggle multiple project elements, from design to testing and production. Management skills help you achieve your goals at the expected budget.
- creativity: as an engineer, you require creativity to design new products and come up with creative solutions to problems. Your creativity helps you solve problems and improve existing systems and machinery.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an engineer.
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what does an engineer do?
As an engineer, you use science and technology to plan and oversee projects. Your job involves making detailed plans and drawings for your team, preparing budget estimates and compiling technical reports. You also conduct tests to ensure the equipment or machines function as expected.
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are engineers highly paid in Canada?
Engineers in Canada earn a good income compared to many occupations. However, engineering is a diverse field, which means the earnings vary depending on your area of specialization, industry and years of experience.
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are engineers in demand in Canada?
Engineers build new machines and design equipment that makes life easier. Hence, the demand for engineers is always high due to the contribution they make to society. Your area of specialization may influence the demand for your role.
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is it good to be an engineer in Canada?
Working as an engineer in Canada is an exciting career with great job prospects. It is a fulfilling career since you develop plans for buildings and equipment used to improve the quality of life. Due to the high demand for engineers, you are likely to earn a high salary.
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what type of engineer makes the most money?
Petroleum engineers are the highest-paid engineers in Canada. They work on equipment used to extract oil and gas and work closely with geologists to oversee drilling operations. Due to the complexity of the role, they earn a high salary.
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how do I find a job as an engineer?
Finding a job near you as an engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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