Computer & Mathematical
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Also called: Communications Engineer, Communications Infrastructure Engineer, Communications Systems Technician (Communications Systems Tech), Engineer
US median pay
$134,050
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.7%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
9,600
181,800 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Systems Analysis3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Systems Evaluation3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
Knowledge
- Telecommunications4.9/5
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Engineering and Technology4.5/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Design4.0/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus 5 years or more of related work experience.
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.