Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers perform some or all of the following duties:

Analyze user’s 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 co-ordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware.

Network system and data communication engineers perform some or all of the following duties:

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 co-ordinate 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.