What does a Telecommunications Engineer do?

Telecommunications engineers design and install the equipment used in transmitting wired phone, cellular, cable, and broadband data. They work with copper or Fiber Optic cables and complex networks as well as switching systems and may be employed by wired and wireless telecommunications companies, engineering consulting firms, or government agencies. They design or configure communications systems, including voice, video, and data, and install or coordinate installation for new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of a telecommunications system.

Telecommunications engineers evaluate hardware and software to determine its efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with the existing systems, networks, and data. They monitor and analyze system performance to proactively identify service-impacting issues, manage large products requiring telecommunication services, and ensure timely planning and implementation. They produce, update, and generally improve technical documentation to support the systems’ security requirements and operational support. Telecommunications engineers need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, systems engineering, or related fields.

What responsibilities are common for Telecommunications Engineer jobs?
  • Maintain smooth operation of local area, world wide and virtual private networks (VPN).
  • Assist with the coordination of team members on complex projects.
  • Interpret codes, standards, requirements, and guidelines to complete assigned projects.
  • May provide support for moderate services and other products.
  • Support new product development and work on signal processing.
  • Prepare or ensure that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions.
  • Provide guidance and expertise on department design guide, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and company policies.
  • Communicate with management and provide work status updates daily.
  • Estimates, cost studies, customer contacts, negotiate land acquisitions for easements and access agreements.
  • Responsible for specific job budget development and tracking and for periodic job inspections and QC.
  • May propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings.
  • Develop and maintain a strong relationship with the customers in order to work directly with them on complex projects.
  • Lifting of up to 20 pounds less than one-third of the time.
  • Seasoned in interfacing with network service providers and equipment vendors to ensure timely deployment of private and public services, with the ability to drive the resolution of problems when they occur.
  • Develop strategies and direction for new multimedia contact center systems and roadmaps for system improvements.
  • Provide oversight over contractor engineering firms and assist with the training of new employees and contractors.
  • Manage/coordinate permits for poles, third party make ready, Railroad, DOT, DOH and Municipality permits.
  • Setup and operate legacy headend equipment including but not limited to signal processors, modulators, demodulators, IRD's and IRT's.
  • Responsible to analog and digital channel level measurement and quality testing along with periodically testing of equipment and quality of signal throughout the network.
  • Expertise to differentiate between different sizes and colors of wires and to make cable connections in tight spaces by bending, reaching, twisting as well as work with small components and wires to make cable connections.
  • Proficiency to walk over various terrains in all kinds of weather while carrying tools and equipment, including ladders and fully loaded tool belts.
  • Plan, evaluate, and coordinate installation and/or reconfiguration of hardware and software elements of data and/or voice communication network.
  • Provide regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems.
What are the typical qualifications for Telecommunications Engineer jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in electrical or communications engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Prior experience in a consulting position.
  • Prior experience with SIP, CAD, GCAIH, CASP, AV, and CISA software and systems.
  • Prior experience with FPGA, CCMP, SIP, and GIS software and systems.
  • Fluent in communication systems, writing protocols, interfacing, computing, and cloud processes..
  • Collaboration with team to produce cost estimates.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.5 ★
Avg. Experience5-7 years

How much does a Telecommunications Engineer make near United States?

Confident
$106,668 /yr
Total Pay
$94,710
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$11,958
 /yr

Additional Pay

$106,668

 / yr
$64K$179K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Telecommunications Engineer Career Path

Learn how to become a Telecommunications Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Telecommunications Engineer

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
2%
2 - 4
13%
5 - 7
71%
8+
14%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Telecommunications Engineer Insights

Read what Telecommunications Engineer professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Advanced Communications & Electronics SystemsAdvanced Communications & Electronics Systems
Telecommunications Engineer
Aug 25, 2022

“excellent work environment and I really enjoy my time to work with my current company ACES”

Huawei TechnologiesHuawei Technologies
RAN Engineer
Dec 13, 2021

“You cannot make balance between your occupational and personal life coz you don't have time to enjoy.”

Nepal Telecom
Telecom Engineer
Mar 1, 2022

“Good Incentive and Bonus.”

University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
Telecommunications Engineer
Jan 23, 2022

“I learnt a lot and i was able to apply the knowledge of my classes to practical issues.”

EtisalatEtisalat
Communication Engineer
Aug 18, 2021

“I need a high salary to have and i hope to find this with etisalat.”

Pranveer Singh Institute of TechnologyPranveer Singh Institute of Technology
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Jul 21, 2021

“It giving us a best faculty and labs facilities which help us to grow as a professional career.”

Indian ArmyIndian Army
Telecommunication Engineer
Dec 19, 2022

“Good work place to work and serve nation”

Virgin MediaVirgin Media
Telecommunications Engineer
Apr 14, 2023

“good pay and thats it”

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Telecommunications Engineer Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Telecommunications Engineer

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  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Engineer

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Telecommunications Engineer Jobs