What an electrical engineer does
An electrical engineer designs, specifies and oversees electrical systems. In building services, that means power distribution, lighting, fire alarm and life safety systems. In industrial settings, it may involve motor control, automation and power quality. In product companies, electrical engineers design circuits and embedded hardware. The work includes load calculations, single-line diagrams, specifications, equipment selection, coordination with other disciplines and review during installation.
Electrical design affects safety directly, and errors can lead to failed inspections, equipment damage or hazards for occupants. You need an engineer with experience in your type of work and the codes that apply to it. Finch screens candidates for sector experience, design software, knowledge of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code where relevant and their PEO licensing status, so the shortlist reflects the expertise your projects require.
Typical responsibilities
- Design power distribution, lighting and life safety systems, or electronic circuits
- Prepare load calculations, single-line diagrams and specifications
- Select electrical equipment, controls and components
- Coordinate with mechanical, structural and architectural teams
- Review shop drawings and support installation and commissioning
- Investigate electrical faults and recommend corrective work
Qualifications and credentials
- A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited program, or academic qualifications assessed as equivalent by PEO
- A P.Eng. licence where the role seals drawings or takes professional responsibility; EITs often work under a licensed engineer's direction
- Knowledge of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and relevant CSA standards for building and industrial work
- Experience with design tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP or SKM for power systems, or Altium for circuit design
- PLC and controls experience is often required for industrial and automation roles
Who hires an electrical engineer
- Electrical and building services consulting firms
- Electrical contractors and design-build companies
- Manufacturers and automation integrators
- Utilities and energy companies
- Electronics and product design firms
Where we recruit electrical engineer candidates
We fill electrical engineer roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- PEO licence or EIT status, confirmed where applicable
- Sector focus, such as buildings, industrial power, controls or electronics
- Code knowledge for the type of work you do
- Software proficiency matched to your design workflow
- Coordination experience with other disciplines and contractors
Interview questions to ask
- Walk me through how you size a feeder and select protection for a new piece of equipment.
- Tell me about an inspection or commissioning issue on one of your projects. How was it resolved?
- How do you coordinate electrical design with mechanical and architectural changes late in a project?