Electrical engineers are the experts for all things electrical. They research, design, develop, test and supervise the installation of electrical machinery and components. They prepare material cost and timing estimates and reports, as well as design specifications for systems and ensure the installation and operations meet standards and requirements.
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Oil and gas
- Sub-sector Pipelines, Oil and gas services, Oil sands, Exploration and production, Offshore
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary $73,000 to $105,000
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an electrical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the CCUS and emissions reduction sub-sectors of cleantech. Workers may need to update their knowledge of technologies, equipment, regulations and reporting in the sector.
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to cleantech include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Safety-sensitive environment (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Transition to a similar level (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Career development fostered/supported (emissions reduction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Sub-sector Engineering, design and procurement, Start-up and commissioning, Construction
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an electrical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the engineering, design and procurement, start-up and commissioning and construction project life cycle phases in the industrial construction and maintenance in energy sector. Workers may find the work environment differs when working for a customer-focused service provider or vendor rather than an operating company. Previous experience with start-up and commissioning activities may be helpful to work within the project life cycle phase.
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in industrial construction and maintenance may include:
- Knowledge of electrical power systems including distribution and transmission system connections, utility standards and electrical codes and standards. (construction)
- Knowledge of engineering standards including CSA, NEC, NESC, IEEE and ANSI, Distribution System Design, Substation Design and Protection & Control Design. (construction)
- Certification in sustainable construction practices such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), LEED AP, and LEED Green Associate (GA). (construction)
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to industrial construction and maintenance include:
- Shiftwork/variable work hours (start-up and commissioning)
- Travel required (start-up and commissioning)
- Work away from home/in camps (start-up and commissioning)
- Primarily indoor/office work (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
- Physical work (start-up and commissioning)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
- Freelance/contract opportunities (start-up and commissioning)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (engineering, design and procurement |start-up and commissioning)
- Transition to a similar level (engineering, design and procurement | start-up and commissioning)
- Urban location (engineering, design and procurement)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading Minor
-
Refocus
An electrical engineer considering a career change for oil and natural gas to digitization and automation in energy may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a successful transition.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in digitization and automation may include:
- Supporting technology development and installation by integrating studies, layout designs and managing procurement of components and services.
- Overseeing the design, installation and testing of electrical components and/or electrical, electronic, automated controls and/or power systems.
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in digitization and automation may include:
- Experience with process system modelling using software such as HYSYS.
- Familiarity with coding languages and software.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to digitization and automation include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a lower level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Urban location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an electrical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to LNG facility operation.
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in LNG facility operation may include:
- Certification in project management
- Experience with Six Sigma, Six Sigma Green Belt or Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an electrical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to petrochemicals and refining.
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Certification in project management
- Experience with Six Sigma, Six Sigma Green Belt or Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Potentially unionized
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
- Sub-sector Geothermal, Solar, Wind
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The skills gained as an electrical engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the geothermal sub-sector of renewables. A worker considering a career change from oil and natural gas to the solar or wind sub-sectors of renewables may need to complete some minor upskilling to make a successful transition. Knowledge of solar and wind energy components, services required and supply chain specific to the sub-sector may be required.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in renewables may include:
- Supporting the development and construction by integrating studies, layout designs and managing procurement of components and services. (solar | wind)
- Overseeing the design, construction and testing of electrical components and/or electrical, electronic, controls (SCADA) and/or power systems. (solar | wind)
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Preparing technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems or maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources
- Designing complex electrical systems for oil and gas facilities
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Troubleshooting and resolving electrical issues, designing hardware and software and monitoring power distribution
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in renewables may include:
- Experience with the implementation of utility and industrial SCADA systems. (wind)
- Experience with power systems modelling with specialized software such as ETAP. (wind)
- Sustainable construction certification such as LEED AP, LEED Green Associate (GA), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). (solar | wind)
Education
- A post-secondary degree in electrical, electronic or instrumentation and controls engineering is typically required.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- H2S Alive®
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Potential for relocation (geothermal)
- Primarily indoor/office work (solar | wind | geothermal)
- Less formal organizational structure (solar | wind)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (solar | wind)
- Lower-risk tolerant culture (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Transition to a lower level (solar | wind)
- Safety-sensitive environment (geothermal | solar | wind)
- Transition similar to oil and gas (geothermal)
- Rural location (geothermal)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Travel may be required, but many electrical engineers also work in head offices
- Shiftwork at oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Work away from home/in camps for oil sands and natural gas processing plants
- Engineering and technology
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English language
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Education and training
- Reading comprehension
- Active listening
The renewables sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
Geothermal
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Solar
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
Wind
- Transferability: Refocus
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into renewables may vary by sub-sector. There could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience, expected salary range and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
