What Does a VoIP Engineer Do?
A VoIP Engineer designs, configures, and maintains the systems that enable voice communication over the internet. Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP allows users to make calls using data networks instead of traditional phone lines. These engineers are responsible for ensuring call clarity, system stability, and seamless integration with other communication platforms, including email, video conferencing, and messaging systems.
VoIP Engineers work closely with network and security teams to optimize bandwidth usage, reduce latency, and ensure system reliability. They also handle the implementation of IP telephony systems, configure SIP trunks, troubleshoot call quality issues, and manage infrastructure components such as PBX servers, gateways, and IP phones. Their work is essential in maintaining unified communication systems for businesses of all sizes.
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VoIP Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design and implement VoIP infrastructure, including PBX systems and SIP trunk configurations
- Monitor system performance to ensure call quality, uptime, and compliance with SLAs
- Troubleshoot VoIP issues such as jitter, latency, echo, and dropped calls
- Integrate VoIP systems with other collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack)
- Configure and maintain IP phones, softphones, and voicemail systems
- Conduct capacity planning and bandwidth analysis for optimal voice traffic
- Apply QoS policies and ensure network prioritization for voice data
- Maintain security protocols to protect VoIP systems from attacks like toll fraud and DDoS
- Document configurations, change logs, and recovery procedures
- Collaborate with vendors and support teams for escalation and updates
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong understanding of VoIP protocols (SIP, RTP, H.323, MGCP)
- Experience with PBX systems such as Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Asterisk, or Avaya
- Network troubleshooting with tools like Wireshark, SolarWinds, or PRTG
- Knowledge of QoS, VLANs, NAT, and firewall rules for voice traffic
- Experience configuring VoIP hardware: IP phones, ATA adapters, session border controllers
- Familiarity with cloud VoIP platforms like RingCentral, 8×8, or Zoom Phone
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving under pressure
- Clear communication, especially when working cross-functionally with IT and operations teams
- Attention to detail in configuration and documentation
- Time management for handling multiple concurrent projects
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
Certifications
- Cisco CCNA Collaboration or CCNP Collaboration
- CompTIA Network+ or Security+ (preferred)
- Certified VoIP Engineer (CVE) or similar vendor-specific credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting VoIP in a large enterprise or multi-site environment
- Familiarity with SIP trunk providers and carrier-level troubleshooting
- Background in unified communications (UCaaS) or hybrid VoIP-cloud environments
- Knowledge of E911 compliance and voice recording systems
National Average Salary
VOIP engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a VoIP Engineer is:
$98,865
Sample VOIP Engineer Job Descriptions
The first step when hiring a great VoIP engineer is a well-crafted job description. Below are real-world examples to help give you the best chance of success on your recruiting journey.
Example 1: Junior VoIP Engineer
Position Overview
The Junior VoIP Engineer supports the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of voice-over-IP systems within an organization. This entry-level role is ideal for IT professionals starting their career in networked voice systems and seeking hands-on experience with PBX platforms, IP phones, and call routing configurations.
Responsibilities
- Assist with VoIP system setup and deployment under senior team supervision
- Configure IP phones, softphones, and voicemail settings
- Troubleshoot basic call quality issues, including echo, jitter, or dropped calls
- Monitor system alerts and help resolve Tier 1 support tickets
- Maintain user databases and system documentation
- Collaborate with help desk and IT support teams for onboarding and system updates
- Participate in training to grow knowledge in SIP, QoS, and network troubleshooting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
- Familiarity with VoIP concepts and terminology (SIP, RTP)
- Exposure to PBX systems such as Asterisk, 3CX, or Cisco
- Comfortable using ticketing systems and remote management tools
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and follow technical guidance
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective communicator with team members and end users
- Problem-solving attitude with a focus on continuous improvement
Educational requirements
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field
Certifications
None required, but CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Internship or part-time experience with IT infrastructure or VoIP platforms
- Exposure to help desk or customer support roles
Example 2: Senior VoIP Engineer
Position overview
The Senior VoIP Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining advanced voice communication systems for mid-sized to large organizations. This role leads VoIP infrastructure projects, resolves complex network issues affecting call quality, and serves as a technical advisor across departments.
Responsibilities
- Design and deploy VoIP infrastructure, including PBX systems and SIP trunk configurations
- Conduct root-cause analysis of call quality issues using diagnostic tools
- Implement QoS policies and network optimization for voice traffic
- Collaborate with vendors and carriers for advanced support and escalation
- Maintain system performance, scalability, and redundancy
- Create detailed documentation for architecture, failover, and troubleshooting procedures
- Mentor junior engineers and support staff on VoIP best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in VoIP protocols (SIP, H.323, RTP) and PBX platforms like Cisco UCM or Avaya
- Strong networking knowledge: VLANs, QoS, firewalls, NAT traversal
- Hands-on experience with VoIP monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, PRTG)
- Ability to script or automate configuration tasks (e.g., using Python or PowerShell)
Soft skills
- Strong diagnostic and analytical abilities
- Cross-team collaboration across IT, operations, and support functions
- Excellent written documentation and procedural clarity
- Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or network engineering
Certifications
Cisco CCNP Collaboration or equivalent vendor certification
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with high-availability VoIP deployments in enterprise environments
- Knowledge of UCaaS platforms and hybrid cloud architecture
Example 3: Lead VoIP Engineer
Position overview
The Lead VoIP Engineer oversees the strategic planning, design, and execution of VoIP initiatives across an organization. This senior leadership role combines hands-on engineering expertise with team management, vendor relations, and voice infrastructure governance to ensure consistent, secure, and high-quality communication systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead architecture design for global VoIP systems and unified communications environments
- Set standards for system uptime, voice quality, and disaster recovery
- Manage a team of VoIP engineers and coordinate cross-functional implementation efforts
- Evaluate and select VoIP vendors, service providers, and hardware platforms
- Ensure compliance with regulations such as E911, data privacy, and retention policies
- Oversee change management and performance monitoring for all VoIP systems
- Serve as the escalation point for critical voice outages and infrastructure risks
- Present voice system performance and roadmap updates to IT leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in VoIP architecture, enterprise-grade PBX platforms, and SIP trunking
- Experience managing telecom budgets, carrier negotiations, and service agreements
- Advanced networking and security knowledge related to voice systems
- Familiarity with VoIP security (encryption, firewall configs, SBCs, toll fraud prevention)
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship of technical teams
- Strategic decision-making and system planning
- Clear executive communication and reporting
- Ability to manage high-pressure incidents and resolve them quickly
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field; master’s degree preferred for large organizations
Certifications
Cisco CCNP Collaboration or higher, or vendor equivalent (e.g., Avaya, Microsoft Teams Voice)
Preferred qualifications
- Background in leading global VoIP infrastructure or migration projects
- Familiarity with multi-vendor ecosystems or hybrid VoIP/cloud architectures