Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers
Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment.
Good
Market Demand
TEER 1
Skill Level
NS, NB, QC
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Analyze user requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications
- Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
- Develop and conduct design verification simulations and prototype bench tests of components
- Supervise, inspect and provide design support during the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware
- Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients
- May lead and coordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware.
Qualifications
- checkComputer engineers require a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics or computer science.
- checkA master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- checkLicensing 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.).
- checkEngineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Market Outlook by Province
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) in Nova Scotia: Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 33%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 24%Construction (NAICS 23): 8%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6% 92% of computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) work all year, while 8% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.6% of computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 88% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 12% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 36% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 10% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
New Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Candidates who are knowledgeable and who have experience with advancing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) will have enhanced job prospects.Most job opportunities will arise in New Brunswick’s three largest urban centres (Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John), where most technology-related services are concentrated. Fredericton, in particular, has established itself as a hub for technology investment and development.Here are some key facts about computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) in New Brunswick: Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) mainly work in the following sectors: Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 26%Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 25%Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 8%Construction (NAICS 23): 8%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7% 84% of computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) work all year, while 16% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 87% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 13% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 26% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 16% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 11% compared to 7% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Quebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.This occupation benefits from the demand for information technology (IT) services, which continues with rapid changes in emerging technologies. The increasing number of specialized applications and software will continue to support the need for these engineers.Artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, digital identities and e-commerce are boosting the demand for this occupational group. Increasingly, companies are turning to cloud computing, which should support the demand for these workers.The increasing number of cyber attacks targeting businesses and security breach issues should increase IT infrastructure updates and foster the creation of multiple cybersecurity-related jobs.By contrast, recent changes in the technology sector, which have resulted in multiple layoff periods in the video game industry, could impact the employment outlook for this group.Here are some key facts about computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) in Quebec: Approximately 10,100 people work in this occupation. Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 28%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 16%Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 9%Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 6%Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6% 83% of computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.7% of computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 88% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 12% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 30% compared to 11% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 1 occupations typically require a university degree and qualify for Express Entry. These are high-priority for STEM and healthcare category draws.
Express Entry (FSW)
Provincial Nominee Programs
Category-Based Draws
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 21311 openings right now.
Lockheed Martin Canada
3 active roles · Montreal, QC
Lightmatter
2 active roles · Toronto, ON
AMD
2 active roles · Markham, ON
TandemLaunch
2 active roles · Montreal, QC
Pason
2 active roles · Calgary, AB
Photonic
2 active roles · Coquitlam, BC
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