Careers

Do you want to be an Electrical/Electronic Engineer?

Do you like the electronics field? Are you interested in engineering? Then, we may have a job for you!

What do they do?

Electronic engineers with the Canadian Coast Guard are responsible for both engineering and project management with regards to electronic systems. Some vessel electronic systems include radars, electronic charting systems, gyros, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), sounders, satellite communications, and computer systems. Land-based electronic systems are also very important tools to enhance marine safety. Some of these are marine communications over VHF and MF, DGPS reference stations, Automated Identification Systems (AIS) and radar systems.

How do I become an Electronic/Electrical engineer?

A degree in electrical/electronic engineering is required. To become a supervisor of electronic systems, additional supervisory/management training is needed along with project management training and experience.

In relation to Memorial University of Newfoundland, a great way to get through an engineering degree faster is to fastrack it by adding sciences and advanced placement mathematics to high school courses. Although it may be demanding, it will shave a year off the engineering degree program.

Skills specific to a career as a supervisor of electronic engineering include financial management, communications, project management and human management.

If you have some of the above skills and like working in the field of electronics, then this may be the job for you!

Openings for jobs with the Canadian Coast Guard are advertised through the Public Service Commission website at www.jobs.gc.ca.

Spotlight on… Kathleen Chafe, Supervisor of electronic systems, electronic engineering and maintenance, Integrated Technical Services, Canadian Coast Guard

Kathleen is located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and loves her job.

“Working with the Coast Guard entails working in a dynamic environment where technology is rapidly changing and where the opportunity to be involved is exciting. I feel proud to say I work here and that I work with a great team in Electronic Engineering and Maintenance," says Kathleen.

"I feel lucky to work at a very rewarding job in my home town. Many of my graduating class in 1995 had to move outside this province to find employment. I have been seeing this trend change in the last few years and I hope that eventually there will be a lot of employment opportunities for electronic engineers/technologists within Newfoundland and Labrador."

This document is also available for download or viewing as a PDF version (1.4 MB).

Published By:
Fisheries and Oceans
Canada Communications Branch
P.O. Box 5667,
St. John's, NL A1C 5X1

© Her Majesty the Queen in
Right of Canada
DFO/2006-1141
Catalogue Number: Fs154-7/20-2007
ISBN: 978-0-662-49714-1