Work Related FAQ

Where do engineers work?

Just about anywhere! Engineers often work at their desks, in factories or in labs at research centres. Certain fields have special areas of work: mining engineers, for example, spend time underground; ocean engineers work in or near the sea; forestry engineers will spend most of their time outdoors.

Do engineers work with people?

Engineering is actually all about working with and for people. Engineers work for clients, usually in teams with other engineers. Engineers can work with biologists, chemists, city planners, geographers, architects, etc.... This interaction with other fields is absolutely necessary to develop complete solutions to large, complex problems.

What kind of jobs do engineers get?

Engineers get any number of different jobs. They can be involved in pure or applied research, planning, production, testing, procurement, maintenance, construction etc. in just about any company. Research engineers undertake detailed studies to develop and improve materials, products, techniques and processes. Design engineers prepare designs for the construction of machines, products and structures. Production engineers oversee the manufacture of raw materials into finished products. Test engineers determine life, wear and strength of materials and parts. Procurement engineers purchase materials, parts, supplies and service. Construction engineers direct the assembly and installation of structures such as water treatment plants. Computer design engineers design and build software, and produce and maintain equipment.

What kind of starting salary can I expect?

Salaries vary according to specialty and province. Starting salaries for engineers are generally greater than $35,000 per year. Salaries for practicing engineers in mid - to late - career range from $55,000 to over $100,000 per year.