Electronics Engineering can be defined as the branch of engineering that utilizes electrical components such as semiconductors, transistors, diodes, and others to design Electronics circuits, devices, integrated circuits, and electronic systems.
The engineers typically also design passive electrical components, usually based on printed circuit boards. Electronics engineers also test circuits built using various electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. to achieve a particular functionality.
If you’re looking to Immigrate to Canada as an Electronics Engineer you’re in luck! Electronics Engineers are hotcake right across Canada and you may be able to secure a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa either with or without a job offer.
No doubt you will have read online that having a job offer to move to Canada is a prerequisite to accessing the Express Entry process but as an Electronics Engineer, you also have other options to secure your Canada Visa from the start.
For starters, Electronics Engineers are eligible to apply to immigrate to Canada under the Canadian Government’s Immigration program due to the demand for Electronics Engineers in Canada being so great they have included the occupation on the targeted occupations list, known as the NOC list (National Occupation Code List).
Express Entry for Canada is not a visa class at all, it is simply the method (or database) that Canadian Immigration uses to select the right candidates for a permanent residency visa and in that case, as an Electronics Engineer looking to immigrate to Canada we’ll be looking at the Federal Skilled Worker visa and Provincial Nominee program.
Electronics Engineers from all over the world are eligible to make an Express Entry for Electronics Engineer Canada Residency providing they have the right skills, experience, and qualifications in their home country.
Electronics Engineering Job Titles In Canada
Electronics Engineers looking to move to Canada to work under this NOC category 2133, might be employed under work titles including:
- analog amplifier design engineer
- antenna engineer
- audio engineer – electricity and electronics
- avionics engineer
- broadcasting professional engineer
- chief electrical engineer
- chief electronics engineer
- Chief engineer – electric power
- Chief engineer – radio and television broadcasting
- circuit design engineer
- control systems engineer
- design and development engineer – electrical and electronic systems
- digital circuit design engineer
- displays and controls design engineer
- electrical and electronics research engineer
- electrical design engineer
- electrical distribution engineer
- electrical distribution planning engineer
- electrical energy transmission engineer
- electrical energy transmission planning engineer
- electrical engineer
- electrical equipment engineer
- electrical network engineer
- electrical power scheduling engineer
- electrical power systems design engineer
- electrical power systems service engineer
- electrical process control engineer
- electrical research engineer
- electrical systems planning engineer
- electrical systems protection engineer
- electronics engineer
- electronics research engineer
- electronics test engineer
- instrumentation and control engineer
- instrumentation engineer
- line construction engineer
- low voltage equipment engineer
- meter engineer
- metrology engineer
- microelectronics engineer
- overhead electrical distribution engineer
- process instrumentation engineer
- protective relay engineer
- radar engineer
- radio and television broadcasting design engineer
- radio and television broadcasting systems design engineer
- radio research engineer
- research engineer – nanoelectronics
- roadway lighting design engineer
- rural electrification engineer
- satellite antenna engineer
- satellite instrumentation engineer
- signal engineer
- spacecraft electronics engineer
- technical services electrical engineer
- television systems engineer
- underground electrical distribution engineer
All these roles held by Electronics Engineers are eligible to apply under this specific NOC category of 7251
Skills Required to Immigrate to Canada as an Electronics Engineer
In general, Electronics Engineers moving to Canada will be able to demonstrate knowledge or experience of the following:
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.
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
Emigrate Canada has a dedicated Engineers Canada desk that only represents qualified Engineers immigrating to Canada. They understand your profession and can talk your language when it comes to explaining your immigration pathway and the route to securing a Canada Visa for you (and your family).
Qualifications to Immigrate to Canada as an Electronics Engineer
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 practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and after passing a professional practice examination.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
We represent Electronics Engineers from all over the World so regardless of your country of qualification feel free to contact us today for a full breakdown of your Canadian Immigration chances.
How to Immigrate to Canada as an Electronics Engineer
The first stage in your Canadian immigration process is to calculate your Canada Immigration points for Express Entry using the Canadian Comprehensive Ranking System.
Age, Qualifications, English ability, French ability, Your partner’s skills & Work experience
As well as providing you with important CRS points these factors also count towards your overall Immigration Points score which must equal or exceed a total of 67
Once you receive an ITA (Invitation to apply) from Canadian Immigration as a result of your Express Entry application you’ll only have 60 days in which to lodge a formal application so under no circumstances should you lodge an Express Entry application ‘claiming’ to have certain points without first having all of your points verified through different testing, education equivalence certificates, and Professional Qualification assessments.
Once you are invited to apply for your Canada Visa you cannot go back and have these things verified retrospectively, they must be done before you claim any points for them, and given that your express entry profile is only valid for one year it makes sense to present the best possible case right from the start.
Required Skillset for Electronics Engineering
Technical skills, Project Management, Critical Thinking, and Communication skills are the fundamental skill sets to become a successful Electronics Engineer.
However, if candidates want to set themselves above in the crowd, here are some desirable qualities other than the academic excellence they must possess:
- Active learning
- Innovative thinking
- Technical knowledge
- Problem-solving skills
- Operational skills
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking
- Data collection and analysis
Electronics Engineering Skills and Qualifications
The process of getting your Electronics Engineering skills, experience, and qualifications verified is called Skills and Qualification Assessment and it serves two purposes.
Canadian Electronics Engineering Skills and Qualification Assessment purpose one: With a positive skills assessment you’ll be able to claim the requisite points on both the Express Entry CRS and eventual Federal Skilled Trades application.
Canadian Electronics Engineering Skills and Qualification Assessment purpose two: Your positive skills assessment will also double as your Canada Equivalent Qualification and is used for your relevant professional registrations so having your Electronics Engineering skills assessed means that you’ll be qualified to work as an Electronics Engineer in Canada from day one.
As part of your immigration process, your dedicated Electronics Engineer Canada account manager will arrange for your Professional Qualification equivalency process so there’s no need to worry about how to move to Canada; we’ll have you covered from the moment you get the ball rolling.
The answer is a resounding yes, providing you have a reasonable total CRS score on your Express Entry application and can meet the 67 immigration point threshold for your Canada Federal Skilled Worker Visa.
Technically there is no minimum CRS score required to submit an Electronics Engineer Canada Express Entry profile.
Of course, securing a job offer (documented in the right way for immigration purposes i.e. LMT) will give you an instant CRS boost of 600 points so it makes sense to start this process as soon as is practical.
Electronics Engineering Jobs in Canada
Occupations on the Canada NOC list can be classed as being ‘in demand’ and the Electronics Engineer code 2133 has been firmly established on the list for many years with lots of opportunities right across the country.
As a qualified new and highly skilled Permanent resident of Canada, you may work full-time from day one, either as a direct employee, contractor or in a self-employed capacity. Electronics Engineering jobs in Canada are often better paid than in the UK, Europe, and Asia and Canadian employment law respects the work-life balance.
Additionally, Electronics Engineers in Canada are highly unionized which whilst sounds like a dirty word in many parts of the world is actually instrumental in championing better pay and conditions right across the Country.
Electronic Engineering Fields
When asking the question: What is electronic Engineering, it is necessary to understand that there are many different fields and disciplines involved within the overall topic.
Normally electronic engineers specialize in a particular field or area. This means that it is possible to select a particular field of interest.
Some of the fields within electronic engineering include:
- Analogue electronic engineering: Analogue electronics is still a major sector within the overall electronic engineering scene. With many analogue elements still being needed, analogue circuits are still widely used. Whilst analogue engineering is not as large as it used to be many years ago before digital electronics took off in a big way, the growth in the overall electronics market has compensated for this. Analogue electronic engineering can provide a stimulating environment in which to work and a good career.
- Radio frequency engineering: Radio frequency electronic engineering has grown in its size in recent years. With many more systems using wireless links, everything from mobile phones to Wi-Fi, IoT, short range links and very much more, wireless technology is needed. Accordingly radio frequency design is in great demand and as a result it can provide a good route for a career.
- Digital development engineering; : Many functions are now undertaken using digital techniques. Accordingly many digital circuits are needed and this means that some digital / logic electronic engineering is needed. That said the demand for digital engineers alone may not be as large as anticipated. The reason for this is that much logic circuitry these days is accomplished within programmable logic chips .
- Programmable logic engineering: With the complexity of many logic / digitally based circuits, an approach that is being used increasingly is one where programmable logic chips are used. FPGAs, and other programmable logic chips are widely used, enabling large amounts of logic to be incorporated into programmable chips. Using high levels design languages like VHDL, etc, the design is brought to within manageable limits. Also if the design needs optimising or changing, this can be achieved by changing the logic programme. This sector of the electronic engineering arena is growing, and the tools becoming more sophisticated and very interesting to use. It can provide a very interesting and stimulating career, and t may often be linked with soem digital design for the external circuitry.
- Software engineering: There is an increasing amount of software contained within electronic products these days. As a result software engineering is becoming increasingly important. In many projects, at least two thirds of the development budget is allocated to developing the software – an indication of how this sector has grown, and hence it provides excellent opportunities for anyone wanting a career in this area.
- Systems engineering: Systems engineering is a particularly important element of the design of any item. In terms of this sector of electronic engineering, a system is any completed object. It may be a radio receiver, it may be a mobile phone, or it could be an item consisting of several individual items.The terms systems engineering refers to the fact that this form of engineering looks at the complete object or system, comprising of smaller items, everything from boards to complete units. It looks at the operation of the overall system, ensuing that the initial requirements are correct, and that the item is finally tested to ensure that it operates to its specification, and also to the initial requirements that were placed upon it.Good systems engineers are always in demand, and for anyone interested in this area, it can provide an excellent career.
There are also many other, more niche areas of electronic engineering: component engineering, reliability engineering, risk management, quality assurance . . . and many more. All are very important and need basic electronic engineering skills, but they can be applied in different ways.
Opportunities in Electronic Engineering
Electronic engineering can be a very rewarding career. It is normally focussed on creating electronic items, from small electronic gadgets right up to huge systems like aircraft, monitoring systems, and many more items. Each type of project and each area of electronic engineering can be very rewarding.
In many areas electronic engineers can be creating items that benefit others: medical equipment has a huge electronic element to it; safety systems also have electronics; there are many eco projects that have electronics at their core.
The variety of opportunities within the electronics engineering sector is huge. From small companies to large ones, it is possible to work in almost any size of company, sometimes working on your own, but more commonly as part of a team working on a larger company.
There are also many small single person companies, often supplying services to larger ones: sometimes as consultants or as contractors with specialist expertise required by larger companies.
With the amount of electronics used in modern society there is a great need for electronics engineers. The forms of engineering can take many forms, meaning that specific interests and aptitudes can often use them in particular areas.
There are in fact very very many industry sectors in which electronic engineering is used and where electronic engineers are needed. A small sample of the different areas are here:
- General electronics design and development
- Telecommunications – fixed and mobile
- Automation and IoT
- Medical electronics
- Defence electronic engineering
- Manufacturing engineering – automation levels are high in many manufacturing areas
- Broadcast
- Aeronautical electronics
- Consumer products electronic engineering
- Research and development
Activities within electronic engineering projects
When understanding what might be needed in an electronic engineering project, there are many stages from the initial design concept, right through its design, testing, production and then in services. There are many activities which can be interesting, captivating and can provide an interesting career.
Some of the activities might include:
- Development of initial design concept
- Field trials of initial concept
- Initial design
- Development
- Design testing
- Introduction into production – liaison with the production or manufacturing department
- Post design services
- Customer liaison
- Sales and marketing support
In all of these activities, part of the electronic engineering expertise is to understand the way other departments operate. In view of this, many graduates undergo training schemes that place them in other departments.
This can be invaluable experience as it enable the electronic engineer to be able to converse and liaise more effectively with other departments and other disciplines.
Electronics Engineer vs. Electrical Engineer Skills Summary
The skills in the highest demand for electrical and electronics engineers will vary based on their area of focus. The summary below lists the top three skills with either a strong impact on earning potential or high popularity for each discipline.
| Top Electronics Engineer Skills | Top Electrical Engineer Skills |
|---|---|
| Project Management | Project Management |
| Engineering Design | Engineering Design |
| Test Engineering | Autodesk AutoCAD |
| C, C++ and HDL Programming Languages | Matlab |
| Electronic Troubleshooting | Programmable Logic Controllers/Automation |
While there are common skills for engineers in each discipline, electronics and electrical engineers face an increasing challenge to develop multidisciplinary knowledge.
With the growing number and variety of embedded electrical systems, different areas of engineering increasingly intersect with each other. This has put more emphasis on building both extensive domain knowledge and a broader familiarity with other areas.
“Professional engineers in industry not only have to work frequently with those from other disciplines and professions, but often have to develop working skills and knowledge beyond their original discipline due to the requirements of their employment,” wrote David S. Strong, Design Engineering Chair at the Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada.
Electrical and electronics engineers often need the same basic knowledge of electrical systems, although your focus might vary depending on what field you work in.
Both engineering fields require a knowledge of the laws, regulations and codes that cover your field so that you can work within the legal parameters when designing a system or component. Both electrical and electronics engineers need to be knowledgeable about math and science, and particularly how those areas affect electrical and electronic systems and equipment.
Both types of engineers require a similar amount of and type of education, which is a bachelor’s degree with a major in electrical or electronic engineering or a major that covers both types of engineering. Both types of engineer may need to become a PE by passing the relevant exams and licensing requirements.
The systems that electronics engineers and electrical engineers design are related, and so both types of engineers need to know about what the other type works on.
For instance, an electronics engineer needs to know about how much power is available in a residential or commercial building for the components they’re designing, and an electrical engineer needs to know about what types of equipment might draw power from the electrical system they’ve designed.
What Is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineers work on large-scale electrical projects, as well as design, test and oversee the manufacturing of specific equipment or systems.
This includes engineering power systems, coordinating signal processing and designing radar and navigation systems, power generating equipment, electric motors and the electrical systems found within vehicles and aircraft.
Electrical engineers may develop new methods for energy utilization to improve cost or efficiency and optimize processes for infrastructure.
They perform detailed calculations to establish production standards and codes, manage project schedules and funds, investigate equipment performance issues, and provide solutions to various problems.
What Is Electronics Engineering?
A subset of electrical engineering, electronics engineering focuses on the construction and optimization of electronics equipment for scientific, medical, commercial, industrial, government and military applications.
Electronics engineers work in areas such as computing, manufacturing and transportation. They design the internal circuitry of electronic products, including televisions, satellites, cell phones, GPS devices, audio-visual equipment, broadcast and communication networks, and radar and sonar systems.
Electronics engineers analyze customer needs, create electrical system plans, develop maintenance procedures, perform inspections to guarantee safety standards, and recommend modifications for improved performance.
Is There Any Overlap Between the Two?
Electrical and electronics engineers share many primary responsibilities and often work together on the same projects.
They both assess and improve existing products, design and create new products, and supervise the construction of various systems and equipment. Both use engineering and design software, perform mathematical calculations and prepare appropriate budgets for clients.
An example of how both types of engineers may work together can be seen in the computer chip. An electronics engineer would build the internal parts of the chip, while an electrical engineer would concentrate on integrating the chip into a larger, connected system.
Proper energy utilization of the chip would be the focus of the electrical engineer, while malfunctioning components would be inspected by the electronics engineer. Just as with the cell phone, the difference between the two is a matter of scope. Both professionals are equally valuable, just in different ways.
What Employment Opportunities are Available?
Electrical engineers are most commonly employed in the following industries: engineering services, the generation and distribution of electricity, and research and development projects in all types of scientific fields.
They may work on electrical power grids, 5G networks and renewable energy systems. Electrical engineers typically work in offices, some focusing on energy production and others on research. They can earn an average yearly salary of $74,785 to start and $97,000 to $106,000 after ten or more years.
Due to the sheer amount of technology being produced, the demand for electronics engineers is at an all-time high and will only continue to grow.
Electronics engineers are most commonly employed in the following industries like telecommunications, engineering services and federal government services. They typically work in offices, as well. An average yearly salary is $76, 840 to start, and $95,000 to $108,000 after ten or more years.
The global pandemic has forced us to rely even more heavily on technology, so the demand for innovative products and services will continue to grow.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that positions in electrical engineering, which includes electronics engineering, will expand 9% by 2026, an estimated 16,200 new positions.
Grantham University students, including electronics engineering grads, have high success and satisfaction rates after graduation.
According to our 2019 DEAC Annual Report, 92% of students achieved their learning goals, 95% are satisfied with their studies, and 93% said they would recommend Grantham to a friend.
How Much Education Do These Fields Require?
Just as electrical and electronics engineers have similar job responsibilities and salary prospects, they also require similar amounts of education.
Both fields require a four-year bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and often require a Professional Engineer (PE) license to seek promotions or supervisory roles. An electrical engineer will study electrical engineering, while an electronics engineer will study electronics engineering.
Both types of engineers demonstrate improved earning potential with graduate-level study, which offers specialization in areas such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence, and provides a more personalized course of study.
Electrical and electronics engineering are both popular fields of study for online education. Online programs are as academically rigorous as in-person programs, and students show similar advancement opportunities in both educational formats.
While electrical and electronics engineers do include overlapping job responsibilities and involve similar educational requirements, these two fields have unique differences.
Electrical engineers focus on the construction and operation of electrical systems, while electronics engineers focus on the specific components and circuitry within these systems. Both fields, however, require specialized knowledge in related areas of engineering and offer extensive job opportunities.
HotCake Immigration to Canada As Electronics Engineer In 2023…