Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

What the job really is

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1241
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
• Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
• Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
• Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
• Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
• Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
• Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
• Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
• Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
• Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
• Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.
• Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.

Tools and technology

Apache Kafka, Autodesk AutoCAD, Firewall software, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft PowerShell, Microsoft Project, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Teams

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Computer Network Architects
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Software Developers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Telecommunications Engineering Specialists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.