Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers)
(NOC 2147)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyComputer engineers (except software engineers and designers) research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the Internet and other data communications systems. They are employed by computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, by engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, in information technology consulting firms, by governmental, educational and research institutions and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. However, competition for positions may be low due to few qualified jobseekers. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers) most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 74% of Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers) who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $72,494. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$21.00
Minimum$38.00
Median$45.36
MaximumAnnual Pay
$23,700
Minimum$59,960
Median$97,893
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the Internet and other data communications systems. They are employed by computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, by engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, in information technology consulting firms, by governmental, educational and research institutions and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
Job duties
Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Analyze user's 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.
Network system and data communication engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Research, design and develop information and communication system network architecture.
- Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software.
- Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks.
- May lead and coordinate teams of design professionals in the development and integration of information and communication system architecture, hardware and software. // Computer engineers may specialize in a number of areas including analog and digital signal processing, fibre optics, integrated circuits, lasers, microprocessors, microwaves and radio astronomy.
Sample job titles
- computer engineer
- computer hardware engineer
- computer systems engineer
- data communications specialist
- fibre-optic network designer
- network specialist - computer systems
- network systems engineer
- systems designer - hardware
- telecommunications engineer
- wireless communications network engineer
Skills
You should enjoy problem-solving, be able to think analytically and logically, and be interested in technology and the development of computer systems and equipment. Strong math skills and effective communication skills are both very important. Creativity would also be helpful. Computer engineers may specialize in a number of areas including analog and digital signal processing, fibre optics, integrated circuits, lasers, microprocessors, microwaves and radio astronomy.
Job requirements
- Computer engineers require a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics or computer science.
- A master's or doctoral degree 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 practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers 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.
Other considerations
Rapid changes in computer technology mean that people in this field should be prepared to keep abreast of new developments in computer hardware, software, and networking technologies. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience. Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Northern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Computer System Design Services
Public Administration
Professional Business Services
Other Professional Services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$84,780 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/AHigh school
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Computational mathematics
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the application of mathematics to the theory, architecture, and design of computers, computational techniques, and algorithms. These programs include courses in computer theory, cybernetics, numerical analysis, algorithm development, binary structures, combinatorics, advanced statistics, and related topics.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Computer engineering - General
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Engineering - General
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Mathematics - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. These programs include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Physical sciences - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.