The need for mechanical engineers is growing at a rapid pace in Canada. According to the "Canadian Association of Professional Engineers", there are more than 15,000 jobs available for mechanical engineers and only 10,000 professionals who can fill them.
There is an urgent need for qualified mechanical engineers in Canada. With so many positions open and only a small pool of candidates with the right skillset to fulfill those roles. However, working in Canada is not easy, especially if you don't have a PR visa.
This blog will help you to unravel various pathways to get in Canada. Read on.
Job Titles for Mechanical Engineers in Canada
There are numerous titles under which mechanical engineers can work in Canada.
Airport Engineer |
Architectural Engineer |
Bridge Engineer |
Building Envelope Engineer |
Cartographic Engineer |
Environmental Engineer |
Civil Pipeline Engineer |
Civil Structural Engineer |
Coastal Engineer |
Concrete Engineer |
County Engineer |
Dams Engineer |
District Engineer |
Drainage Design Engineer |
Geodetic Engineer |
Geomatics Engineer |
Hydraulics Engineer |
Hydrographics Engineer |
Hydrological Engineer |
Irrigation Engineer |
Drainage Engineer |
Material Engineer |
Testing Engineer |
Navigation Engineer |
Noise Abatement Engineer |
Ocean Engineer |
Photogrammetric Engineer |
Pollution Control Engineer |
Public Works Engineer |
Traffic Engineer |
Reclamation Engineer |
Remote Sensing Engineer |
Sanitation Engineer |
Sewage Control Engineer |
Transportation Engineer |
Tunnel Engineer |
Road Systems Engineer |
Water Systems Engineer |
Water Treatment Engineer |
Mechanical engineers work under NOC category 2131 in Canada. All the titles given in the table above are applicable under NOC category 7251.
Pathways for Mechanical Engineers to Immigrate to Canada
There are two ways of applying for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) status. One is through the Express Entry Program and the other through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The Express Entry pathway is a federal program that allows candidates to settle anywhere in Canada.
The Provincial Nominee Program or PNP is a province based PR status. It allows candidates to stay in the region they are nominated from.
- Express Entry Program
Express Entry is a fast-track model designed to bridge the gap of skilled workforce in Canada. The online profile of the candidate is evaluated based on a point-based measurement. These are known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Main Parameters for CRS Points
Parameters |
Description |
Age |
There is no defined limit. But 18-35 years of age is considered ideal. |
Language Proficiency |
It is a very important factor. Those who can also speak French apart from English are allotted extra points. Take IELTS or CLB tests. |
Education |
Higher education is an added advantage for immigration. |
Work Experience |
Higher work experience will help score more CRS points. |
Adaptability |
Having a spouse/sibling in Canada begets you extra points. |
Other factors are also taken into account. Once candidates complete the Express Entry Program, their profile is moved to the Express Entry Pool.
Eligible candidates are then selected through periodical draws for permanent residency if they meet the minimum eligibility score. Invitation to apply for PR status needs to be responded to within 90 days.
- Provincial Nominee Program
Candidates with low CRS scores in Express Entry Pool can apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program.
Each Canadian province has its eligibility criteria. Candidates should meet the required parameters to attain PR status.
Here are the eligibility criteria for some provinces
- Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP) - Requires 60 points out of 100 points grid.
- Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) - Requires Express Entry CRS score of 400 points.
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NS PNP) - Requires the occupation to be in-demand along with a 4.5 IELTS score.
PNP streams for Mechanical Engineers in Canadian provinces
There are several streams for skilled workers in provinces where mechanical engineers can apply for. Here is a table of in-demand occupations in regions and the salary candidates can expect.
The National Occupation Code (NOC) for Mechanical Engineers is 2131.
PNP Streams Open to Mechanical Engineering
Province |
Programs for Civil Engineers |
Average Salary PA |
Alberta |
Alberta Opportunity Stream NOC 0211 - Engineering Managers NOC 2131 - Mechanical Engineering Technicians Alberta Express Entry Stream |
$150,000 |
British Columbia |
BC PNP Tech Pilot Program NOC 2132 - Mechanical Engineers Express Entry British Columbia |
$70,000 |
Ontario |
Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream In-Demand Skills Stream |
$60,000 |
Manitoba |
Skilled Workers in Manitoba NOC 0211 - Engineering Managers NOC 2132 - Mechanical Engineers NOC 2141 - Industrial & Manufacturing Engineers Skilled Worker Overseas |
$65,000 |
New Brunswick |
Express Entry Labour Market Stream Skilled Workers with Employer Support |
$60,000 |
Newfoundland & Labrador |
Newfoundland & Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker Skilled Worker Category |
$60,000 |
Nova Scotia |
Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Nova Scotia Express Entry Labour Market Priorities Skilled Worker Stream (Skilled Workers Pathway) |
$60,000 |
Northwest Territories |
Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream Skilled Worker Stream Critical Impact Worker Stream |
$65,000 |
Saskatchewan |
International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry |
$100,000 |
Prince Edward Island |
PEI PNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream Critical Worker Stream |
$45,000 |
Yukon |
Yukon Express Entry (YEE) Skilled Worker Critical Impact Worker |
$80,000 |
Demand in Canada for Mechanical Engineers - By Province and Territory
Every Canadian province is different from the other. They have various industries where mechanical systems engineers can find suitable jobs. Some regions have more job opportunities than others. Qualified engineers can compete for these positions.
Annual Salary of a Mechanical Engineer in different Canadian provinces
Province |
Average Salary per Annum |
Alberta |
$74,409 per Year |
British Columbia |
$65,069 per Year |
Manitoba |
$69,686 per Year |
New Brunswick |
$64,668 per Year |
Northwest Territories |
$90,070 per Year |
Nova Scotia |
$59,293 per Year |
Newfoundland & Labrador |
$72,799 per Year |
Prince Edward Island |
$65,000 per Year |
Quebec |
$61,113 per Year |
Ontario |
$64,551 per Year |
Saskatchewan |
$68,679 per Year |
Yukon |
$77,917 per Year |
- Atlantic Canada
This region consists of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. These provinces are not much populated but have good demand for engineers in growing industries.
It is a perfect place to be if you are looking for a balance between work and family. It is the way of life in Atlantic Canada. The region features a welcoming environment with the lowest crime rates in North America.
- Ontario & British Columbia
This region is home to Toronto and Vancouver. The majority of opportunities for mechanical engineers are in these two provinces. The United States borders both these provinces, and the mood is a bit of the good old USA.
Ontario is famous for Niagara Falls, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. British Columbia is along the Atlantic Ocean and dotted with thousands of tiny islands along its coastline.
- Alberta & Saskatchewan
This place is home to great engineering companies like Jacobs and Stantec. Machinery and technical design are in high demand. Engineers are required in traditional roles throughout the region.
There is a demand for skilled and experienced engineers. They are paid high salaries while the cost of living is low. Summers are lovely here, and winters could be nail-biting.
- Yukon & the Northwest Territories
Mining is the order of the day in this region. But the salaries are reasonable and the lifestyle excellent. There is great untouched wilderness and plenty of fishing.
There are 18 hours of sunlight here during the summer. Winters are just the opposite, but you get to see the incredible aurora borealis in the evenings. Choosing to work as a mechanical maintenance engineer in this environment is exciting.
Qualification Requirements for Mechanical Engineers in Canada
The following qualifications are required for mechanical engineers to work in Canada.
- A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
- A master’s degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline
- Licensing by provincial or territorial associations of professional engineers
- After completion of three or more years of supervised work experience, engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from accredited engineering institutions.
- Passing a professional practice examination is also required.
The leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certificate can be obtained from the Canada Green Building Council if required.
Top Universities in Canada for Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is a broad and diverse discipline of engineering. Students in Canada have to go through four years of primary undergraduate education called a mechanical engineer.
The student can then work as an Engineer in Training (EIT) for many years. Only then can they receive a professional engineering designation in Canada.
Top Universities for Mechanical Engineering in Canada
University Name |
Features |
University of Toronto |
|
McGill University |
|
University of British Columbia |
|
University of Alberta |
|
McMaster University |
|
University of Waterloo |
|
University of Western Ontario |
|
University of Calgary |
|
Queen’s University at Kingston |
|
Dalhousie University |
|
Also read: UK vs Canada for Study – Which Country Is Better For Indians in 2024?
Popular Skills for Mechanical Engineering Graduates in Canada
Several skills are required to immigrate to Canada as a mechanical engineer. Knowledge and work experience is essential.
Here is a list of skills that Mechanical Engineering Graduates are usually expected to have:
- Confer with clients and other members of the engineering team
- Conduct research to determine the project requirements
- Develop specifications and operating procedures
- Evaluate and recommend appropriate materials
- Establish and maintain working schedules
- Conduct feasibility studies and economic analysis
- Environmental impact studies and other investigations
- Monitor air, water and soil quality
- Develop procedures to clean up contaminated sites
- Conduct technical analysis of survey and field data
- Act as a project or site supervisor
- Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders.
- Supervise technicians and other engineers
- Review and approve engineering drawings and designs
- Finalize specifications and cost estimates
Also read: Canada VS USA: Which Country Is Better To Settle For Indians in 2024?
Companies in Canada recruiting Mechanical Graduates
Mechanical engineers play a variety of roles within their profession. They often work as design engineers, researchers and consultants. Finding the right company to work in can be a daunting task.
Here are the ten top companies in Canada having job openings for internationally trained engineers.
Top Ten Companies in Canada for Mechanical Engineers
Company Name |
Description |
Bombardier |
|
SNC-Lavalin Inc |
|
Stantec |
|
Jacobs |
|
AECOM |
|
Pratt & Whitney |
|
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) |
|
TRIUMF |
|
World Aviation Corp. |
|
Hatch |
|
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering graduates across the world enjoy considerable mobility. They are in high demand in Canada. With a rapidly growing economy, the country requires skilled immigrants to sustain an expanding infrastructure.
Mechanical Engineer Salary Slabs in Cities
City |
Salary per Annum |
Toronto |
Between $67,100 - $117,600 |
Vancouver |
Between $67,700 - $117,400 |
Montreal |
Between $63,100 - $111,400 |
Calgary |
Between $69,800 - $120,4400 |
Canada is one country where immigrants are welcome. There is a large Indian population that has made Canada their home as the Demand for Engineers has been increasing over the years.
Also read: Is there a Demand for IT Engineers in Canada in 2024?
If you are planning to move to Canada as a mechanical engineer or a student of engineering, feel free to contact our visa experts at Kansas Overseas Careers.
For students, we also provide admission guidance, SOP writing services and post-landing assistance in Canada. To know more about our services, talk to an expert today!