Graduate, intern, CEP: Can you use the title of engineer?

Graduate, intern, CEP . . . so not yet an engineer

You’ve just landed a coveted internship or your first job. Your employer is about to welcome you on LinkedIn when they send you your email signature: “Junior Engineer.”

Finally, things are falling into place!

Hmm, not so fast.

In Quebec, the term “engineer” isn’t just a fancy way of saying you work in engineering. It’s a professional title reserved for people who have obtained their permit to practice. And that permit isn’t mailed to you along with your diploma. Nor is it issued by the permit genie after one or two successful projects.

Before using this title, let’s set the record straight: being an engineering intern or a candidate to the engineering profession (CEP) does not make you a “junior” engineer. Besides, the title “junior engineer” hasn’t existed for several years.

Here’s the problem

Simply having studied engineering, working on large projects, or having significant experience in an engineering field does not give you the right to use the title of engineer or the abbreviation “Eng.”

The same logic applies to the titles in French (or any other language): “ingénieur”/”ingénieure” and “ing.” should also be avoided if you don’t have the permit.

“Yes, but my employer—an international company—uses ‘Data Engineer’ internally . . .”

Well, same problem! In Quebec, this title can lead people to believe that you can practice as an engineer.

“Yes, but it says B.Eng. / M.Eng. on my diploma.”

Whether you have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or even a doctorate in engineering, unless you have the permit from the OIQ, it’s best to avoid any ambiguity. Be very clear about your degree: “Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering” or “Master of Electrical Engineering.”

This isn’t about prestige or professional egos. It’s about clarity: the public, clients, and employers need to know who is authorized to practice as an engineer.

So what should you use instead?

The idea is simple: describe your role, your field, and your current status.

If you’re an intern:

• Mechanical Engineering Intern
• Software Engineering Intern – Data Team
• Automation Intern

If you’re a CEP:

• CEP in Mechanical Engineering
• CEP in Software Engineering – Data Team
• CEP, Project Manager

If you want to describe your expertise:

• Data Specialist/Analyst
• Software Developer
• Automation Specialist

Why is it so heavily regulated?

Because engineering decisions can have very real consequences for:

• the protection of the public
• the environment
• the reliability of structures, processes, and systems

The stakes are high! Internships and your career path as a CEP allow you to gain experience, deepen your knowledge, and, in some cases, contribute to reserved activities under the immediate supervision of an engineer. But they do not give you the right to use the title of engineer.

In concrete terms, what could happen?

If you use “engineer” or “ingénieure/ingénieur” in your LinkedIn profile, email signature, or a service proposal without holding a permit, the OIQ may intervene.

In many cases, the first step is to correct the situation: discussion, some guidance, or a conversation with your employer, HR, or legal team. But if the situation persists—especially in cases of refusal to cooperate or repeated violations—legal action may be considered. And at that point, things can get a lot more complicated than simply changing your profile.

What to do

If your employer uses “engineer” or “ingénieur”/”ingénieure,” “Eng.” or “ing.” in your job title, email signature, or a LinkedIn post, think again.

If you don’t have your permit yet, suggest a title that clearly describes your role, your field, and your current status.

It helps you avoid confusion with your employer, clients or network, protect your credibility, and start your career on solid footing. If the discussion comes up with your employer again, point them to reference sheet a explaining the rules for using the title “engineer” in Québec.