What Does a Telecommunications
Engineer Do?
A telecommunications engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining voice and data communication systems. This includes telephone networks, internet connections, fiber optics, wireless networks, and satellite communications. These engineers work to ensure a reliable communication infrastructure, implementing scalable systems that support business operations and growth.
Their work encompasses everything from planning network architecture and selecting suitable hardware and software to troubleshooting issues and optimizing system performance. They often collaborate with other IT professionals, manage vendor relationships, and ensure telecom systems comply with industry standards and security protocols.
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Telecommunications Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design and implement telecom systems, including VoIP, data networks, and wireless infrastructure
- Plan network expansions and upgrades based on organizational needs
- Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot communication networks
- Configure telecom hardware and software such as routers, switches, and PBXs
- Ensure system security and compliance with relevant regulations
- Collaborate with cross-functional IT and engineering teams
- Coordinate with vendors for system components and service agreements
- Maintain accurate documentation of telecom systems and procedures
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Network design and configuration (LAN/WAN, VoIP, SIP, QoS)
- Familiarity with telecom equipment (PBX, switches, routers, multiplexers)
- Experience with fiber optic technology and wireless communication
- Network security best practices
- Knowledge of protocols such as TCP/IP, MPLS, BGP, and OSPF
- Use of network analysis and monitoring tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds)
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Project management and multitasking skills
- Team collaboration and cross-department communication
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field
Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- CompTIA Network+ (optional but preferred)
Telecommunications Engineer Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with SD-WAN, 5G, and cloud-based telecom solutions
- Familiarity with VoIP platforms such as Cisco CallManager or Asterisk
- Prior work with network automation tools
- Understanding of ITIL or other IT service management frameworks
- Proven success in large-scale telecom system deployments
National Average Salary
Telecommunications engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Telecommunications Engineer is:
$100,998
Sample Telecommunications Engineer Job Descriptions
Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional telecommunications engineer. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1: Network Design Telecommunications Engineer
Position overview
A Network Design Telecommunications Engineer develops and implements comprehensive communication network architectures that support enterprise operations. This role focuses on designing scalable, efficient, and secure networks tailored to organizational needs, ensuring optimal performance and future-ready capacity.
Responsibilities
- Design and document network infrastructure, including topology, routing, and switching
- Analyze network traffic and capacity to optimize configurations
- Develop plans for network expansion, redundancy, and failover systems
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to align network solutions with company goals
- Specify and source the hardware and software needed for deployment
- Perform risk assessments and design mitigation strategies
- Maintain network documentation and provide input for compliance audits
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in enterprise-level routing and switching
- Deep knowledge of protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS)
- Experience with network simulation and design tools (e.g., GNS3, Cisco Prime)
- Familiarity with cloud network integration (AWS, Azure)
Soft skills
- Critical thinking and strategic planning
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, computer engineering, or a related field
Certifications
CCNA or CCNP recommended
Preferred qualifications
- Experience designing hybrid on-premises/cloud networks
- Knowledge of SD-WAN technologies
- Familiarity with NIST or ISO/IEC network security frameworks
Example 2: Wireless Systems Telecommunications Engineer
Position overview
A Wireless Systems Telecommunications Engineer specializes in the planning, deployment, and optimization of wireless communication systems. They ensure coverage, capacity, and performance standards are met across Wi-Fi, cellular, and point-to-point wireless networks.
Responsibilities
- Design and configure wireless LANs and WANs, including site surveys
- Analyze RF signal strength and interference using diagnostic tools
- Implement wireless security protocols and performance enhancements
- Maintain wireless infrastructure hardware, such as access points and controllers
- Troubleshoot connectivity and latency issues in wireless environments
- Work with vendors to procure wireless solutions and manage deployments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with wireless protocols (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Experience with RF analysis tools (Ekahau, NetSpot, AirMagnet)
- Understanding of wireless security (WPA2/3, RADIUS, 802.1X)
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities
- Effective collaboration and technical documentation skills
- Strong time management and ability to prioritize
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, or a related field
Certifications
CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with 5G and LTE wireless technologies
- Integration experience with IoT or campus-wide wireless solutions
- Background in mobility or public safety wireless systems
Example 3: Infrastructure Support Telecom Engineer
Position overview
An Infrastructure Support Telecom Engineer maintains and supports the underlying telecommunications infrastructure within an organization. This role ensures high availability of voice and data services and addresses performance issues across all telecom platforms.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and troubleshoot telecom systems for uptime and performance
- Install, maintain, and configure telecom hardware (PBXs, switches, routers)
- Resolve service tickets and perform root cause analysis
- Apply patches, firmware updates, and system upgrades
- Maintain accurate records of infrastructure configurations and changes
- Support compliance with telecommunications regulations and standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficient in VoIP and PSTN support
- Experience with Cisco Unified Communications or Avaya systems
- Strong understanding of structured cabling and telecom circuits
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Quick-thinking and adaptable under pressure
- Solid interpersonal and cross-functional communication abilities
Educational requirements
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, network engineering, or a related field
Certifications
CompTIA Network+ or vendor-specific certifications (Avaya, Cisco)
Preferred qualifications
- Familiarity with SNMP-based monitoring tools
- Hands-on experience with hybrid on-prem/cloud telecom setups
- Experience with disaster recovery and business continuity planning
Example 4: Telecom Project Engineer
Position overview
A Telecom Project Engineer oversees the planning and execution of telecom-related projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical specifications. They bridge the gap between engineering design and project management to drive infrastructure success.
Responsibilities
- Lead telecom infrastructure projects from concept to completion
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and external vendors
- Define project scope, schedule, and cost estimates
- Track project milestones and adjust plans as needed
- Ensure adherence to technical standards and safety regulations
- Provide documentation, progress reports, and status updates to stakeholders
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong foundation in telecom system design and integration
- Familiarity with project management tools (MS Project, Jira, Trello)
- Proficiency in preparing SOWs, RFIs, and RFPs
Soft skills
- Leadership and stakeholder communication
- Strategic planning and budgeting
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, project management, or engineering
Certifications
PMP or CAPM preferred (if project-focused)
Preferred qualifications
- Experience managing multi-site or enterprise-scale telecom projects
- Background in regulatory or government telecom environments
- Familiarity with agile or hybrid project methodologies