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OaSIS 2025 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

Core competencies

  • Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving to research, design and develop computer and telecommunications hardware, such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
  • Digital Production and Digital Literacy to design and develop system architecture and hardware specifications based on an analysis of user requirements
  • Categorization Flexibility and Information Ordering to systematically organize complex data, streamline design processes, ensure accurate troubleshooting and enhance the efficiency of development
  • Fluency of Ideas to generate innovative solutions, adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, overcome design challenges and continuously improve hardware performance
  • Attention to Detail to carefully supervise and inspect the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware
  • Knowledge in Computer, Technology and Information Systems to understand and apply advanced mathematical principles to computer systems and to develop and conduct design verification simulations

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.