What do telecommunications engineering specialists do?
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Communications Engineer
- Communications Infrastructure Engineer
- Communications Systems Technician (Communications Systems Tech)
- Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Network Engineer
- Signal Operations Support Specialist (Signal Ops Support Specialist)
- Telecommunication Design Engineer (Telecom Design Engineer)
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
- Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
- 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.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
- Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
- Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
- Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
- Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
- Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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