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NOC 21311 · TEER 1
Computer Engineer (Hardware and Networks) and Express Entry: NOC 21311 (TEER 1)
21311
NOC 2021 code
1
TEER
$52.50
Median hourly wage, Canada (Job Bank)
0
2026 EE categories
These engineers research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware, and the networks that connect systems, such as local and wide area, fibre-optic and wireless networks. Software engineers and designers are in a different unit group. They work in hardware makers, telecom firms, consultancies and IT departments.
Express Entry fit
FSWPossible
TEER 0–3 work counts toward FSW.
CECPossible
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for CEC.
FSTNo
Not in an FST trade group.
This NOC is not on any 2026 Express Entry category list, so it competes in general and program-specific rounds (for example CEC rounds).
What the work involves
Main duties
- Analyze user needs and design system architecture and specifications
- Design and integrate hardware such as processors and circuit boards
- Run design simulations and prototype bench tests
- Oversee manufacturing, installation and implementation of hardware
- Design, evaluate and integrate network hardware and software and measure network performance
- Lead teams of engineers, technologists and drafters
Example job titles
- Computer hardware engineer
- Fibre-optic network designer
- Hardware development engineer
- Network infrastructure engineer
- Network support engineer
- Telecommunications hardware engineer
- Wireless communications network engineer
- Systems designer - hardware
Employment requirements
- Bachelor's degree in computer, electrical or electronics engineering, engineering physics or computer science
- A master's or doctorate in a related engineering field may be required
- P.Eng. licensing by the provincial or territorial engineering association is required to approve drawings and reports
Engineering practice is regulated provincially and territorially; the P.Eng. licence is needed to approve engineering drawings and reports, though many hardware roles do not require it day to day.
Provincial streams that target this occupation
- Alberta · Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech PathwayNOC 21311 (Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)) is on the AAIP list of eligible tech-pathway occupations (list dated 2022-11-16). The job must be full-time with an Alberta employer whose main business is in the tech industry, and the candidate needs an Express Entry profile with CRS 300 or more. ↗ alberta.ca
- Saskatchewan · SINP International Skilled Worker – Innovation and Tech Talent PathwayNOC 21311 (Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)) is on the pathway's eligible-occupation list. It needs a permanent full-time Saskatchewan job offer backed by an Employer Position Assessment. ↗ saskatchewan.ca
Official sources
- noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0 unit group profileChecked 2026-10-01
- jobbank.gc.caJob Bank wage reportChecked 2026-10-01
- jobbank.gc.caJob Bank outlook reportChecked 2026-10-01
- canada.caIRCC: Federal Skilled Trades eligible NOC groupsChecked 2026-10-01
- alberta.caAlberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech PathwayChecked 2026-10-01
- saskatchewan.caSINP International Skilled Worker – Innovation and Tech Talent PathwayChecked 2026-10-01