Engineering Physicist

Engineering physicists solve challenging problems and develop practical applications for scientific discoveries in fields that are typically multidisciplinary. For example, they may apply new knowledge about lasers, optics, robotics, imaging systems, superconductors, hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, nanotechnology or nuclear science to develop new engineering methods and principles, or design solutions to technical problems in the electronics, communications, aerospace, biomedical or energy industries.

Engineering physicists work with other engineers and scientists on advanced and emerging technologies to integrate new discoveries into manufacturing and other technological processes. Because engineering physicists often are involved in research and development, or in competitive high technology industries, their work is constantly evolving.  

Engineering physicists may be involved in the development of instrumentation, measurement techniques or prototype systems related to:

• acoustics (for example, sound reproduction, hall design, speaker research)
• communications (for example, fibre optics, lasers, antenna design, wireless communications)
• electronics and computer technologies (for example, amplifier design, logic circuits, computer peripherals, detectors)
• environmental science (for example, oceanography, pollution detection and control, meteorology, climatology)
• instrumentation and control systems (for example, medical instruments and equipment, sensing equipment)
• lasers and optics (for example, holography, non-linear optics, photonics, telecommunications)
• materials science (for example, biomaterials, magnetic thin films, semiconductor devices, superconductivity)
• medicine (for example, medical imaging techniques, radiation treatment, prosthetics)
• microelectronics (for example, component and circuit design, sensors, novel processes)
• nanotechnology (for example, high resolution imaging, structured engineered materials)
• nuclear or plasma science (for example, reactor design and waste management, radiation detection)
• space science (for example, instrument design for satellite or ground based observations).

Engineering physicists must constantly update their knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advances in technology.

Engineering physicists work in office, industrial plant and laboratory environments. They may work long hours or under pressure to meet deadlines and define procedures and standards.

Engineering physicists need the following characteristics:

• natural curiosity and good observation skills
• critical thinking and problem solving skills
• a strong aptitude for physics and mathematics
• the ability to pay close attention to details
• creativity and persistence
• the ability to visualize complex processes and equipment
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• the ability to work independently and in a team of people from different backgrounds
• a desire for continual learning in a variety of disciplines.

They should enjoy synthesizing information, working on tasks that require precision, and consulting with and directing the work of others.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Engineering physicists are employed by:

• engineering consulting firms
• university and other research and development facilities
• governments
• manufacturing and other private sector firms
• resource and high technology industries (for example, the telecommunications, microelectronics, nuclear power and aerospace industries).

Engineering physicists often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to move into associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Engineering physicists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2148: Other professional engineers. In Alberta, 86% of people employed in this classification work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 5,300 Albertans are employed in the Other professional engineers, n.e.c. occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 95 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As engineering physicists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for engineering physicists.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.