NOC 21390: Aerospace engineers

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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.

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.

What this code means for Express Entry

CRS points from November 3, 2026

NOC 21390 is on IRCC's high-wage occupations list at the 1.5x level. From November 3, 2026, at least 12 months (1,560 hours) of Canadian work in it adds 40 points to your Canadian work experience points in the CRS, and a valid job offer in it is worth 70 points; the higher of the two counts. No LMIA is needed.

IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules

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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.

Good to know

• 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.

Codes in the same group

Official sources

• noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 21390 Aerospace engineers
• statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
• canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply