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Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers)
What they do?
Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software
B. Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks
C. May lead and co-ordinate teams of design professionals in the development and integration of information and communication system architecture, hardware and software.
D. 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.
E. Analyze user's requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications
F. Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
G. Develop and conduct design verification simulations and prototype bench tests of components
Where they find work?
1. Computer systems design and related services - 21.0%
2. Information and cultural industries - 18.0%
3. Computer and electronic product manufacturing - 17.0%
4. Wholesale trade - 7.0%
5. Public administration - 5.0%
6. Scientific research and development services - 5.0%
7. Architectural engineering and related services - 5.0%
What education do I need?
1. You need a university degree in computer engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, engineering physics or computer science.
2. You may also need a master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering field.
3. You need a licence from a provincial/territorial association of professional engineers to approve engineering drawings/reports and to practise as a professional engineer (P. Eng.).
4. As an engineer, you are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and after passing a professional practice examination.
5. With experience, you can move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
6. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Business
4. Computer Science
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers) is $35.15/HR, which is above average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and above average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
4% of Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers) are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers) is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($35.15) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below average.
3. The unemployment rate (4%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. Enrolment in the fields of study related to this occupation has increased considerably. This will likely result in a very significant number of graduates over the next few years and could lead to a decrease in employment opportunities. The employment growth rate will likely be above average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers) are found in Alberta and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (17%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Project management
2. Proposal writing
3. Making presentations
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
1% of Computer Engineers (Except Software Engineers and Designers) are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 10,200 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 40% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
