Overview
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and in governments and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
Design, develop and test power equipment and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast, recording and audiovisual systems, microelectronic systems and circuits, computers, computer systems and networks, and computer software
Supervise the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards
Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments
Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists or engineers
Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
Write specifications, schedules and technical reports and control schedules and budgets.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians
Assist in the design, development and testing of electrical and electronic components, equipment, and systems
Assist in inspection, testing, adjusting and evaluation of incoming electrical, electro-mechanical and electronic components and assemblies to ensure conformance with product specifications and tolerances
Conduct life tests (burn-ins) on assemblies and record and analyze results
Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Carry out a limited range of technical functions in support of research in electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Install, operate and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Calibrate electrical or electronic equipment and instruments according to technical manuals and written instructions
Collect and compile operational or experimental data and assist in the preparation of estimates, schedules, budgets, specifications and reports.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$49,012
$75,082
$96,459
Job openings
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British Columbia
1,097expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology or an equivalent is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists.
Completion of a one- or two-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technicians.
Certification in electrical or electronics engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
Additional information
There is mobility to other related occupations such as technical sales, electronics service technicians, instrument technicians and avionics technicians.
Progression to managerial positions in engineering, production or operations is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians in B.C.
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Registration - Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To practice as an electrical engineering technologist or technician in B.C., you may choose to register with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an accredited diploma program and 24 months of progressive work experience, 12 of which must be at the technologist profile or higher in a Canadian work environment.
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Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
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