NOC 21311Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

NOC 21311 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers). It is classified TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 213 › 2131

Definition

Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the Internet and other data communications systems. They are employed by computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, by engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, in information technology consulting firms, by governmental, educational and research institutions and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers
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.
Network system and data communication engineers
Research, design and develop information and communication system network architecture
Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software
Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks
May lead and coordinate teams of design professionals in the development and integration of information and communication system architecture, hardware and software.
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.

Example job titles

•computer hardware engineer
•fibre-optic network designer
•hardware circuit board designer
•hardware development engineer
•hardware technical architect
•network test engineer
•systems designer - hardware
•telecommunications hardware engineer

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 21311 represents Computer Engineers (except software engineers and designers). Professionals in this category research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate, and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware, related equipment, and information and communication system networks. This includes working on local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless networks, intranets, and cellular systems. Common job titles include computer hardware engineer, network test engineer, and systems telecommunication engineer.

To qualify under NOC 21311, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics, or computer science. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers (P.Eng.) is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer. As a TEER 1 occupation, this profile is highly sought after under Canada's Express Entry system, specifically through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 21311 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) is TEER 1, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 21311 usually require?

Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) is classified as TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.