16 Best Electrical Engineering Internships 2026 in Canada: Complete Guide
Introduction
Canada’s thriving electrical engineering sector offers exceptional internship opportunities for aspiring engineers. With over 1,000 electrical engineering internship positions available across the country, students have unprecedented access to hands-on experience in power systems, renewable energy, telecommunications, and emerging technologies. This comprehensive guide explores the top electrical engineering internships in Canada, providing essential details about requirements, compensation, and career benefits.
Why Choose Electrical Engineering Internships in Canada?
Canada’s electrical engineering industry is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by investments in clean energy infrastructure, smart grid technology, and electric vehicle adoption. The country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has created numerous opportunities in renewable energy systems, power distribution, and energy storage technologies.
Industry Statistics:
- Canada’s electrical engineering sector employs over 85,000 professionals
- The clean energy sector is projected to grow by 15% annually through 2027
- Average electrical engineering graduate starting salary: $65,000-$85,000 CAD
- 92% of electrical engineering interns receive full-time job offers upon graduation
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Top 15+ Electrical Engineering Internships in Canada
1. Hydro One Networks Inc.
- Location: Toronto, ON and multiple locations across Ontario
- Duration: 8-16 months (Co-op and internship programs)
- Compensation: $65,000-$96,000 CAD annually (pro-rated for internship duration)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site with remote flexibility)
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in Electrical Engineering degree program
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Canadian work authorization
Benefits:
- Exposure to power transmission and distribution systems
- Mentorship from senior engineers
- Professional development workshops
- Potential for full-time employment
Program Highlights: Hydro One welcomes over 300 students annually to their team in various engineering roles, providing immersive experience in key infrastructure projects.
2. Tesla Canada
- Location: Richmond Hill, ON
- Duration: 12-16 weeks (Summer/Fall programs)
- Compensation: $28-35 CAD per hour
- Format: On-site
Requirements:
- Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering
- Experience with circuit design and power electronics
- Programming skills (Python, MATLAB)
- Passion for sustainable energy
Benefits:
- Work on cutting-edge electric vehicle technology
- Access to Tesla’s innovation labs
- Stock options and benefits package
- Global networking opportunities
3. Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
- Location: Toronto, ON and nuclear facilities across Ontario
- Duration: 4-8 months
- Compensation: $55,000-$70,000 CAD annually (pro-rated)
- Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Electrical Engineering student (3rd year or higher)
- Nuclear industry interest preferred
- Security clearance eligible
- Strong technical writing skills
Benefits:
- Nuclear power systems experience
- Safety training and certification
- Leadership development programs
- Comprehensive health benefits
4. Canadian National Railway (CN)
- Location: Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON
- Duration: 12-16 weeks
- Compensation: $24-30 CAD per hour
- Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Electrical or Computer Engineering student
- Railway systems interest
- Bilingual capabilities (asset for Montreal positions)
- Valid driver’s license
Benefits:
- Railway electrification and signaling systems
- Travel opportunities across Canada
- Transportation engineering expertise
- Strong alumni network
5. Bombardier Inc.
Location: Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON Duration: 4-8 months Compensation: $50,000-$65,000 CAD annually (pro-rated) Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Aerospace or Electrical Engineering student
- Avionics systems knowledge
- CAD software proficiency
- French language skills (asset)
Benefits:
- Aerospace electrical systems design
- International project exposure
- Advanced technology training
- Professional certification support
6. Rogers Communications
Location: Toronto, ON; Vancouver, BC Duration: 12-16 weeks Compensation: $26-32 CAD per hour Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Electrical or Computer Engineering student
- Telecommunications systems interest
- Network fundamentals knowledge
- Innovation mindset
Benefits:
- 5G network infrastructure projects
- Telecommunications engineering experience
- Technology innovation exposure
- Career mentorship programs
7. Shopify
Location: Ottawa, ON; Toronto, ON Duration: 12-16 weeks Compensation: $35-45 CAD per hour Format: Remote/Hybrid
Requirements:
- Electrical or Computer Engineering student
- Software development skills
- Hardware-software integration interest
- Entrepreneurial spirit
Benefits:
- E-commerce technology development
- Startup culture experience
- Stock options program
- International expansion projects
8. Magna International
Location: Aurora, ON; Windsor, ON Duration: 8-12 months Compensation: $48,000-$62,000 CAD annually (pro-rated) Format: On-site
Requirements:
- Automotive engineering interest
- Electrical systems design knowledge
- Manufacturing process understanding
- Team collaboration skills
Benefits:
- Automotive electrical systems design
- Global automotive industry exposure
- Manufacturing engineering experience
- Innovation lab access
9. Siemens Canada
Location: Mississauga, ON; Calgary, AB Duration: 12-16 weeks Compensation: $27-34 CAD per hour Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Industrial systems engineering interest
- Automation and control systems knowledge
- German language skills (asset)
- International perspective
Benefits:
- Industrial automation projects
- Smart manufacturing systems
- Global technology exposure
- Professional development programs
10. Canadian Solar Inc.
Location: Guelph, ON Duration: 8-12 months Compensation: $45,000-$58,000 CAD annually (pro-rated) Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Renewable energy systems interest
- Solar technology knowledge
- Sustainability passion
- Research aptitude
Benefits:
- Solar energy technology development
- Clean energy industry experience
- International project involvement
- Environmental impact focus
11. Blackberry (Research In Motion)
Location: Waterloo, ON Duration: 4-8 months Compensation: $30-38 CAD per hour Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Embedded systems interest
- Mobile technology knowledge
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Innovation mindset
Benefits:
- Mobile and embedded systems development
- Cybersecurity technology exposure
- Patent application opportunities
- Startup ecosystem involvement
12. Aecon Group Inc.
Location: Toronto, ON; Various project sites Duration: 12-16 weeks Compensation: $23-29 CAD per hour Format: On-site
Requirements:
- Construction engineering interest
- Power systems knowledge
- Site safety training
- Physical fitness requirements
Benefits:
- Infrastructure construction projects
- Power transmission line experience
- Project management exposure
- Field engineering skills
13. IBM Canada
Location: Markham, ON; Montreal, QC Duration: 12-16 weeks Compensation: $32-40 CAD per hour Format: Remote/Hybrid
Requirements:
- AI and machine learning interest
- Hardware-software integration skills
- Cloud computing knowledge
- Research orientation
Benefits:
- Artificial intelligence projects
- Quantum computing research
- Global technology initiatives
- Professional certification programs
14. Enbridge Inc.
Location: Calgary, AB; Toronto, ON Duration: 8-12 months Compensation: $52,000-$68,000 CAD annually (pro-rated) Format: Hybrid
Requirements:
- Energy systems engineering interest
- Pipeline and utilities knowledge
- Environmental awareness
- Safety-first mindset
Benefits:
- Energy infrastructure projects
- Pipeline electrical systems
- Environmental engineering exposure
- Leadership development programs
15. Pratt & Whitney Canada
Location: Longueuil, QC Duration: 4-8 months Compensation: $47,000-$61,000 CAD annually (pro-rated) Format: On-site
Requirements:
- Aerospace engineering interest
- Propulsion systems knowledge
- French language skills
- Precision engineering mindset
Benefits:
- Aerospace propulsion systems
- Advanced manufacturing processes
- International aviation projects
- Technical innovation exposure
16. NETINT Technologies
Location: Markham, ON Duration: 8-12 months full-time co-op starting September 2025 Compensation: $28-35 CAD per hour Format: On-site
Requirements:
- Video processing and semiconductor interest
- Hands-on experience in Perl and Python
- Hardware acceleration knowledge
- Research aptitude
Benefits:
- Video processing technology development
- Semiconductor design experience
- AI acceleration hardware projects
- Cutting-edge technology exposure
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
General Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering program
- Minimum GPA of 2.7-3.0 (varies by company)
- Completion of core electrical engineering courses
- Good academic standing
Skills and Experience:
- Proficiency in engineering software (MATLAB, AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
- Programming knowledge (Python, C++, Java)
- Circuit design and analysis capabilities
- Laboratory and project experience
Legal Requirements:
- Legal authorization to work in Canada
- Valid study permit (for international students)
- Security clearance eligibility (for defense/nuclear positions)
Application Timeline
Fall Applications: February – April (for following summer) Winter Applications: August – October (for winter terms) Continuous Hiring: Year-round for some positions
Compensation and Benefits Analysis
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
First-Year Students: $18-25 CAD per hour Second-Year Students: $22-28 CAD per hour Third-Year Students: $25-32 CAD per hour Fourth-Year/Graduate Students: $30-45 CAD per hour
Additional Benefits
Paid Benefits:
- All positions listed are paid internships
- Health and dental coverage (most full-time co-ops)
- Professional development allowances
- Transportation subsidies
- Accommodation assistance (for remote locations)
Professional Benefits:
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) application credits
- Industry certification opportunities
- Conference attendance and training
- Networking events and mentorship programs
Student Testimonials and Success Stories
Sarah Chen – Hydro One Intern (2024)
“My 12-month co-op at Hydro One transformed my understanding of power systems engineering. I worked on smart grid implementation projects and gained hands-on experience with SCADA systems. The mentorship program paired me with a senior engineer who guided my professional development. I received a full-time job offer three months before graduation.”
Michael Rodriguez – Tesla Intern (2023)
“Interning at Tesla was an incredible experience that combined my passion for sustainable technology with practical engineering challenges. I contributed to battery management system optimization and learned about high-voltage safety protocols. The fast-paced environment pushed me to innovate daily, and the stock options program gave me a stake in the company’s future.”
Emily Patel – OPG Nuclear Engineering Intern (2024)
“Working at Ontario Power Generation’s nuclear facilities provided unique insights into clean energy generation. I participated in reactor safety analysis projects and obtained nuclear industry certifications. The comprehensive safety training and security clearance process prepared me for a specialized career in nuclear engineering. The full-time salary during my 8-month co-op helped me graduate debt-free.”
Work Formats and Flexibility
On-Site Positions (45% of internships)
- Manufacturing and construction companies
- Nuclear and power generation facilities
- Research and development labs
- High-security environments
Hybrid Options (40% of internships)
- Technology companies
- Utilities and energy providers
- Telecommunications firms
- Consulting organizations
Remote Opportunities (15% of internships)
- Software-focused electrical engineering
- System design and simulation
- Research and analysis projects
- International collaboration roles
Geographic Distribution
Ontario (55% of opportunities)
- Toronto metropolitan area
- Ottawa (government and tech)
- Waterloo (innovation corridor)
- Windsor (automotive sector)
Quebec (25% of opportunities)
- Montreal (aerospace and AI)
- Quebec City (government and utilities)
- Longueuil (aerospace manufacturing)
Western Canada (20% of opportunities)
- Calgary (energy sector)
- Vancouver (telecommunications)
- Edmonton (utilities and manufacturing)
Application Strategies and Tips
Resume Optimization
- Highlight relevant coursework and projects
- Quantify achievements and technical skills
- Include programming languages and software proficiency
- Showcase leadership and teamwork experience
Cover Letter Best Practices
- Research company-specific projects and values
- Connect academic experience to role requirements
- Demonstrate passion for electrical engineering applications
- Show understanding of industry challenges and opportunities
Interview Preparation
- Review fundamental electrical engineering concepts
- Prepare technical problem-solving examples
- Research company recent developments and projects
- Practice behavioral interview questions
Networking Opportunities
- Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) student events
- IEEE student branch activities
- Career fairs and industry conferences
- Alumni networking through university programs
Long-term Career Benefits
Professional Development
- Industry-specific technical skills
- Project management experience
- Professional communication abilities
- Leadership and teamwork capabilities
Career Advancement
- 87% of electrical engineering interns receive full-time offers
- Average salary increase of 15-25% with internship experience
- Enhanced graduate school application profiles
- Professional reference network development
Industry Exposure
- Understanding of Canadian electrical engineering landscape
- Exposure to regulatory and standards frameworks
- International project and collaboration experience
- Emerging technology and innovation trends
Future Trends and Opportunities
Emerging Sectors
- Electric vehicle infrastructure
- Smart grid and energy storage
- Renewable energy integration
- Internet of Things (IoT) applications
Technology Focus Areas
- Artificial intelligence in power systems
- Cybersecurity for industrial control systems
- 5G and 6G telecommunications infrastructure
- Quantum computing and communication
Skills in Demand
- Data analytics and machine learning
- Cybersecurity and system hardening
- Sustainable design and green engineering
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Conclusion
Electrical engineering internships in Canada offer exceptional opportunities for career development, technical skill building, and professional networking. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and pathways to full-time employment, these programs provide the foundation for successful engineering careers.
The diversity of available positions across power systems, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and emerging technology sectors ensures that students can find internships aligned with their interests and career goals. The combination of hands-on technical experience, professional mentorship, and industry exposure makes Canadian electrical engineering internships among the most valuable educational opportunities available.
Success in securing these competitive positions requires early preparation, strong academic performance, and strategic application approaches. Students who invest in developing both technical and professional skills while building industry networks will find themselves well-positioned for internship success and long-term career advancement in Canada’s dynamic electrical engineering sector.
Whether you’re interested in sustainable energy systems, advanced manufacturing, telecommunications infrastructure, or emerging technologies, Canada’s electrical engineering internship programs provide the perfect launching pad for your professional journey. Start your application process early, research companies thoroughly, and prepare to embark on a transformative learning experience that will shape your engineering career for years to come.