Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers) - What They Do

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

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers
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 co-ordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware.
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.
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 optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks
May lead and co-ordinate teams of design professionals in the development and integration of information and communication system architecture, hardware and software.

Job titles

computer hardware engineer
fibre-optic network designer
hardware circuit board designer
network test engineer
systems designer - hardware
wireless communications network engineer
telecommunications hardware engineer
hardware development engineer
hardware technical architect

Employment Requirements

This is what you typically need for the job:

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.

Essential Skills

Working with Technological Equipment and Machinery