Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

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Career Profile

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

What they do

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

Also Called: Communications Engineer, Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Telecommunication Design Analyst (Telecom Design Analyst), Telecommunication Design Engineer (Telecom Design Engineer), Telecommunication Engineer (Telecom Engineer), Telecommunication Systems Designer (Telecom Systems Designer), Telecommunications Consultant (Telecom Consultant), Communications Engineer, Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Telecommunication Design Analyst (Telecom Design Analyst), Telecommunication Design Engineer (Telecom Design Engineer), Telecommunication Engineer (Telecom Engineer), Telecommunication Systems Designer (Telecom Systems Designer), Telecommunications Consultant (Telecom Consultant)

CA Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$97,070
Starting Salary (2025)
$158,870
Median Salary (2025)
11.9%
Projected Job Growth
14,870
CA Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Analytical Thinking
Initiative
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Speaking
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Post-secondary certificate 24%
  • Bachelor's degree 19%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 14%
  • Some college 14%
  • Associate's degree 14%
  • Other 14%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.