National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

This broad category comprises occupations in natural sciences (including basic and applied sciences and experimental development), engineering, architecture and information technology. These occupations cover specialized middle management occupations in engineering, architecture, science and information systems; professional occupations in natural sciences (basic and applied sciences and experimental development); and technical occupations related to natural sciences (including basic and applied sciences and experimental development).

21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

This major group comprises professional occupations in natural sciences; professional occupations in applied sciences and professional occupations in engineering. These occupations come with Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility (TEER) identified as TEER 1. Occupations classified in TEER 1, as those in this group with a 1 as the second digit of their code, typically require a university degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) or the accumulation of several years of experience and expertise in the subject matter knowledge in a related occupation found in TEER 2, when applicable (which includes occupations with a 2 as a second digit in their code).

213 - Professional occupations in engineering

This sub-major group comprises professional occupations in engineering, including civil and mechanical engineers; electrical, electronics and computer engineers; manufacturing and processing engineers; natural resources engineers; and other engineers.

2139 - Other engineers

This minor group comprises aerospace engineers and other professional engineers.

21390 - Aerospace engineers

Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components, and perform duties related to their testing, evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance. They are employed by aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, air transport carriers, and in government and educational and research institutions.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • aerodynamics engineer
  • aeronautical engineer
  • aerospace engineer
  • aerospace structural engineer
  • aerospace systems engineer
  • aerospace test engineer
  • aircraft design engineer
  • stress engineer - aerospace

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) - avionics (See 22313 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors)
  • Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics) (See 72404 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors)
  • Avionics engineer (See 21310 Electrical and electronics engineers)
  • Engineering managers (See 20010 Engineering managers)
  • Mechanical engineers (See 21301 Mechanical engineers)
  • Metallurgical and materials engineers (See 21322 Metallurgical and materials engineers)

• Main duties

  This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Design and develop aerospace vehicles, systems and components such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites and space-based communication systems
  • Develop and conduct computer simulations of aerospace vehicles, systems and components using advanced mathematical modelling
  • Prepare specifications for materials and processes to be used in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair or modification
  • Supervise and coordinate the manufacturing, assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft
  • Co-ordinate ground and flight tests of air and spacecraft
  • Develop operational specifications, maintenance schedules and manuals for operators
  • Develop the technical phases of logistical and operational support for aerospace vehicles and systems
  • Investigate and report on structural or other component or system failures, accidents or incidents and prepare recommendations for corrective action.

• Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required.
  • A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
  • Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

• Additional information

  • There is considerable mobility between aerospace engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
  • Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
  • Aerospace engineers work closely with other scientists and engineers and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization.
  • Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

21399 - Other professional engineers

Other professional engineers include agricultural and bioresource engineers, biomedical engineers, engineering physicists and engineering scientists, marine and naval engineers, textile engineers and other specialized engineering occupations.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • agricultural engineer
  • biomedical engineer
  • bioresource engineer
  • engineering physicist
  • engineering scientist
  • food processing engineer
  • marine engineer
  • naval architect
  • textile engineer

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Biochemical and biotechnical engineer (See 21320 Chemical engineers)
  • Engineering managers (See 20010 Engineering managers)
  • Marine engineer officer - water transport (See 72603 Engineer officers, water transport)
  • Physicist (See 21100 Physicists and astronomers)

• Main duties

  This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  Agricultural and bio-resource engineers

  • Design and develop machinery, structures, equipment and systems related to agriculture and food processing.

  Biomedical engineers

  • Design and develop medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, equipment and procedures; develop devices to assist persons with disabilities; advise hospital administrators on planning, acquisition and use of medical equipment; and modify and install or supervise installation of equipment.

  Engineering physicists and engineering scientists

  • Conduct research, develop processes, programs and equipment to expand fundamental knowledge in the applied sciences and engineering and to support advanced engineering and scientific applications.

  Marine and naval engineers

  • Design and develop marine vessels and floating structures and associated marine power plants, propulsion systems and related systems and equipment and oversee the building, maintenance and repair of vessels and marine systems.

  Textile engineers

  • Design and develop processes, equipment and procedures for the production of fibres, yarns and textiles.

• Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in an appropriate engineering discipline is required.
  • A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
  • Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

• Additional information

  • There is limited mobility between the engineering specializations included in this unit group.
  • Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
  • Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.