Computer Engineer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Computer and Telecommunications Hardware Engineers (2147.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers) (C047) 
• 2011 NOC: Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (2147) 

Computer engineers specify, design, develop and test computer hardware and support peripherals. These include:

• central processing units (CPUs)
• graphics processing units (GPUs)
• computer memory
• support logic
• microprocessors
• custom integrated circuits
• field programmable gate arrays
• peripherals such as printers and disc drives.

They may develop special purpose products that use computer technology and are embedded in other products (such as washing machine controls and automobile engines). This may require low- or high-level software design.

Computer engineers may specify, design, develop and test:

• computer networking hardware (such as network interface cards, routers, switches and firewalls)
• large-scale computing systems (such as data centres)
• high-performance computing systems (such as supercomputers).

Computer engineers:

• analyze product and client needs
• develop design specifications (such as performance expectations, suitable operating system environments, and materials)
• assemble, adapt, interface, and test existing equipment for specific functions
• simulate and build prototypes (working models) including logic and digital circuit designs
• test and modify the prototype before it is produced on a large scale.

They also may:

• analyze user needs and suggest hardware
• analyze cost and get quotes from suppliers
• ensure compliance with legacy operating systems and computing platforms
• plan and perform product validation and verification
• ensure compliance with regulations
• develop system specifications
• analyze operating problems and make changes
• determine system performance standards
• write product documents
• sell computer technology
• modify existing hardware and software to meet specific needs
• prepare proposals for software and hardware systems.

Computer engineers must constantly update their knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid changes in their field. They often work as members of design teams that may include:

• a project engineer, senior engineers, and software engineers
• technologists and technicians
• marketing and manufacturing specialists.

Computer engineers spend most of their time in an office or lab setting. They work with computers, test equipment, and document systems. They may work a lot of overtime. They may feel a lot of pressure to meet deadlines. They may need to climb, bend, and lift up to 20 kilograms.

Computer engineers need to possess:

• strong analytical skills
• excellent speaking and writing skills
• inquiring and inventive minds
• an eye for details
• patience and an organized approach to troubleshooting
• the ability to make decisions and solve problems
• excellent math and science skills
• the ability to teach others
• the ability to manage time well.

They should enjoy:

• being innovative
• working with others and on their own
• doing precision work.

Computer engineers work in almost any industry in which computers are used. They most often work for companies involved in:

• telecommunications and computer networks
• computer production
• consulting
• hardware research and development
• consumer electronics
• industrial instrumentation and process control.

Working for smaller companies requires a broader range of skills. Duties with larger companies, on the other hand, may be more specialized. They also work for governments and hospitals.

With experience, computer engineers may start their own companies, move into marketing or other areas of engineering, or become supervisors or managers. Training or experience in business administration is an asset.

In Alberta, 79% of people employed as computer engineers work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
• Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf]
• Wholesale Trade [pdf]
• Manufacturing [pdf].

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.ca

Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.