Computer engineers (excluding software engineers and designers) research, design, plan, develop, test and modify computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, such as computer processors.
People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 1,650
N/A - Data not available
Computer hardware and telecommunications engineers:
Network system and data communication engineers:
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. Duties of many computer engineers may require that they work with software and electrical systems, although the focus of these engineers is related to computer and telecommunications hardware or to network system and data communication.
Computer engineers (excluding software engineers and designers) work mostly in Information technology (IT) laboratories and offices. These workers typically work 40 hours per week, however, solving some problems or working to deadlines may require working extra hours.
These engineers may also work with engineers and designers in other disciplines (i.e., computer engineers in B.C. may work with oceanographers to collect marine environmental data), or in a wide variety of industry cultures.
Some computer engineering tasks require the hands-on building of systems, installation and testing and close vision work. This work is team-oriented and cross-disciplinary, requiring close work with other IT professionals, managers and customers.
Source: 2016 Census
Computer Engineers are required to complete a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or an appropriate related discipline, and must be registered by a professional association which registers computer engineers. Other training may include:
Once academic qualifications are met, a computer engineering graduate can apply for an Engineer-In-Training membership through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) while acquiring the four years of experience that is required to register as a professional engineer. Continuing professional development is always encouraged and may be required for membership in APEGBC, which offers courses, self-directed studies, seminars and other educational opportunities for its members.
Academic requirements to become an information systems professional (I.S.P.) can be satisfied by graduating from an accredited computer science or information systems program or by passing the examination offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals. In order to maintain I.S.P. certification, applicants must demonstrate that they are continuing to upgrade their IT knowledge through activity such as classes, conferences or technical reading, and that their work continues to be IT-related.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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The growing use of information technologies will drive the need for more workers in this profession, and demand for workers in this occupation is expected to steadily increase in the longer term. Job openings will also come from the need to replace those who retire.
Industry sources report there is currently an insufficient supply of new graduates in this occupation.
The demand for new information and communications technologies continues locally, nationally, and globally. Companies in the Lower Mainland of B.C. are involved in engineering motherboards, sound cards, and other computer peripherals. Many of these companies are also expanding their trading and manufacturing relationships with computer companies in Asia.
Companies in B.C. have been facing increased competition in hardware engineering from Asia and Europe, which has resulted in closures of B.C. facilities. As such, B.C.'s computer engineers will likely find themselves working in positions that do not have a complete focus on hardware, but also work with processes, electrical engineering, and software implementation.
Employment trends in this occupational group depend on the industries that purchase hardware products. Fluctuation in industries such as telecommunications will affect the demand for these products, which may in turn affect the demand for the professionals who develop them.
Computer engineering is a constantly changing field. As such, individuals in this occupation group should pursue continuing education to update their skills throughout their careers. Individuals tend to practice computer engineering in the context of a particular field such as hydroelectric power, finance, or health. Therefore, they may wish to learn about their own particular fields in order to have a framework for making decisions on the job. New programming languages, technologies and industry needs will require them to constantly update their skills.
Sources also indicate that computer engineers often change jobs to work for employers who offer higher wages. This movement creates more job openings, allowing new qualified graduates to enter the job market.
Career paths
Recent computer engineer graduates may obtain employment in programming positions or as junior testers, junior engineers in hardware development or as electrical engineers.
Computer engineers can go on to senior consulting engineer positions, senior management positions such as chief information officer or chief technology officer or the president or CEO of an IT company with additional education and experience.
Additional resources