February 2026 engineering newsletter

Here is your monthly dose of my Canadian engineering news created for licensed and aspiring engineers, geoscientists and technicians in Canada.

Engineers Making Headlines

Dr. Alexander Wong, a professor of systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo, has been named a fellow of the Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP), an esteemed international organization honouring those advancing global software quality. His groundbreaking contributions to software engineering elevate industry standards and community benefits worldwide, reflecting his leadership and influence in improving how software supports society. This fellowship distinguishes Dr. Wong as a leading innovator based in Waterloo, Ontario.
Molly Shoichet is recognized for her bold approach in academia, taking on some of the hardest challenges in research. She is featured for her leadership and contributions to engineering research focused on human health, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Her work at U of T positions her as a driving force tackling difficult problems that others may avoid. Molly's commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering research underscores her prominence and impact.

Crowdfunding Engineering/Technology Campaigns

THE OASIS is an off-grid survival kit integrating a water distiller, electric generator, and water heater. It's designed for use in remote or emergency situations where conventional utilities are unavailable. The all-in-one kit aims to provide critical survival functionality in a compact and portable form. This campaign is for people interested in self-sufficiency and emergency preparedness.
OnAirLight from prototype to production is focused on evolving from a prototype stage to a professional production model, moving toward manufacturing with details on molding and packaging. It targets individuals interested in innovative lighting technology and aims to reach commercial readiness, with backers helping bridge the gap from prototype to consumer-ready item.

The EnviroGo: Autonomous 7-in-1, Environmental Predictive Tech campaign features a wearable environmental technology device capable of tracking variables such as VOC, UV, temperature, pressure, humidity, light, and motion with time-stamped logging, display, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It offers an advanced environmental monitoring solution for tech enthusiasts and professionals in need of detailed and predictive environmental data on the go.

What technology or gadget are you currently enjoying and would recommend to other aspiring and licensed engineers? Let us know in the comments below.

Association News

Here are the news links to every Canadian Association. If there is anything beyond the standard stuff (elections, new appointments, upcoming events), I'll try to list them below.

Engineer's Canada - Learn how to host your own National Engineering Month event

Career: Working Smarter & Job Hunting Help

Mid- to senior-level engineers are encouraged to approach job searching strategically rather than reactively by clarifying their next career direction and identifying the specific skills they want to showcase. Successful candidates focus on positioning themselves around in-demand competencies (such as data, analytics, or specialized technical tools) and aligning their resumes accordingly. They also invest in consistent relationship-building and networking well before an active job search, recognizing that long-term connections often lead to stronger and more relevant career opportunities than short-term applications alone. Read more here.

Search all 300k eng. jobs | Use my three career-hunting tips for better success.

Engineers who want to stay competitive are increasingly expected to build strong AI capabilities alongside their core technical expertise by dedicating consistent time to learning and experimentation. At the same time, leading organizations emphasize that AI is a productivity enabler rather than a replacement for human contribution. Skills such as judgment, collaboration, and creativity remain essential for long-term effectiveness, team performance, and career resilience. Read more here.

TED Talks

In this TED talk, Qahir Dhanani explores the dynamics of meetings and how the inclusion of everyone might paradoxically impede global cooperation. He delves into strategies to improve communication and decision-making in complex environments. This talk offers insights into design thinking and organizational engineering to achieve better collaborative outcomes.
In this TED talk, Aylon Samouha argues for the urgent need to rethink and redesign school environments to better serve students and educators alike. His talk addresses architectural and educational design solutions to foster more effective learning spaces. The presentation combines principles of design, architecture, and community leadership to envision the future of schooling.

Quote To Ponder

Thanks for reading, and have a great month!

Gavin Simone, P.Eng. (AB), LEED AP

Engineers, join my monthly Canadian P.Eng. licensing newsletter

Get clear, step‑by‑step guidance on NPPE, CBA, technical exams, and CPD – plus a free P.Eng. Licensing Roadmap to plan your fastest path.

Rose Igdon-Vallinas

February 9, 2026 at 1:28 pm

Thank you for reading our February Newsletter. Here are our questions for this month:
Q1. What resources (mentors, courses, tools) do you wish you had to make your licensing journey easier?
Q2. Where do you (or did you) feel most stuck in the journey?

Mahmoud Elmallah

February 12, 2026 at 2:42 pm

great work with the newsletter, i like the idea

Samantha Feist

February 13, 2026 at 11:25 am

Q1. What resources (mentors, courses, tools) do you wish you had to make your licensing journey easier?
I commented elsewhere on this – when doing my coursework I wish there was a better way to check off courses that I needed.

Q2. Where do you (or did you) feel most stuck in the journey?
I felt I had to figure it out on my own, at the time, and really scrape to get the courses I needed. I think it is much better now though.

Andrew Simpson

February 14, 2026 at 1:58 pm

Thank you for another great newsletter!

[email protected]

February 19, 2026 at 2:01 pm

Q2. Where do you (or did you) feel most stuck in the journey?
Ans. Waiting for review my file was the most long time

Engineering Newsletter – February 2026

Engineers, join my monthly Canadian P.Eng. licensing newsletter

5 thoughts on “Engineering Newsletter – February 2026”

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply