Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers)
(NOC 2147)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyComputer engineers design, implement, evaluate, modify, maintain, and test computer systems and related equipment. They work for computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, information technology consulting firms, governmental, educational and research institutions, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Computer engineers may specialize in several areas including analog and digital signal processing, fibre optics, integrated circuits, lasers, microprocessors, microwaves and radio astronomy.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$31.25
Minimum$34.60
Median$48.08
MaximumAnnual Pay
$23,700
Minimum$59,960
Median$97,893
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Computer engineers design, implement, evaluate, modify, maintain, and test computer systems and related equipment. They work for computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, information technology consulting firms, governmental, educational and research institutions, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Computer engineers may specialize in several areas including analog and digital signal processing, fibre optics, integrated circuits, lasers, microprocessors, microwaves and radio astronomy.
Job duties
Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers:
- Analyze user's requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications.
- Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware like microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers.
- Complete 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:
- 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 enhance 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.
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 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 gain 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
$63,537 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$58,507 median annual incomeNorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Information and cultural industries
Public administration
Manufacturing
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$65,519 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$62,538 median annual incomeMaster
$58,106 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the symbolic inference, representation, and simulation by computers and software of human learning and reasoning processes and capabilities, and the modelling of human motor control and motions by computer-driven machinery. They include courses in computing theory, cybernetics, human factors, natural language processing, robot design, and applicable aspects of engineering, technology, and specific end-use applications.
Institutions providing this program
Computer Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare students 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
Engineering - General
University ProgramThese programs prepare 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
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Mathematics
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. They include courses in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Physical Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.