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Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

The occupation Telecommunications Engineering Specialists covers people who design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. You may also need to document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment. On the six-type interest model it reads CRI, meaning orderly work with data, records and clear procedures comes first, followed by hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Plan on one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree; O*NET labels this medium preparation. Strength in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening helps most here. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

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

Main tasks

  • 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.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Time Management

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and critical thinking.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.9 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CRI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Also called

  • Communications Engineer
  • Communications Infrastructure Engineer
  • Communications Systems Technician (Communications Systems Tech)
  • Engineer
  • Infrastructure Engineer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.