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OaSIS 2023 Version 1.0
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21311.01 – Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers

Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Computer hardware engineer
  • Hardware technical architect
  • Telecommunications hardware engineer

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following 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.

Additional information

  • Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
  • Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
  • 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.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Business systems specialists (21221)
  • Computer and information systems managers (20012)
  • Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
  • Cybersecurity specialists (21220)
  • Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (22310)
  • Engineering managers (20010)
  • Information systems specialists (21222)
  • Software engineers and designers (21231)
  • Web developers and programmers (21234)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

213 – Professional occupations in engineering

Minor group

2131 – Electrical, electronics and computer engineers

Unit group

21311 – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)

Occupational profile

21311.01 – Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.