21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.5 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 40 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 70 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
Lead statement
Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment.
Main duties
- 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.
- 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.
Employment 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 practise 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.
Example job titles
computer engineer · computer hardware engineer · computer systems engineer · telecommunications hardware specialist · telecommunications hardware engineer · optical communications hardware engineer · computer engineering project manager · hardware technical architect · technical architect - hardware · data communications specialist · hardware circuit board designer · network systems engineer · network test engineer · telecommunications systems specialist · wireless communications network engineer · radio systems engineer · network support engineer · information technology (IT) solutions engineer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32.05 | $52.50 | $78.85 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $30.00 | $44.86 | $68.75 |
| Nova Scotia | $30.00 | $47.12 | $73.08 |
| New Brunswick | $40.02 | $51.44 | $71.79 |
| Quebec | $32.00 | $54.95 | $74.00 |
| Ontario | $33.65 | $52.88 | $86.54 |
| Manitoba | $31.49 | $46.29 | $68.08 |
| Saskatchewan | $26.11 | $46.17 | $69.57 |
| Alberta | $27.52 | $45.68 | $68.06 |
| British Columbia | $36.34 | $54.27 | $81.57 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.