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Occupation AtlasTelecommunications Engineering Specialists

O*NET · 15-1241.01

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

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

Also called Communications Analyst · Communications Engineer · Communications Infrastructure Engineer · Communications Network Engineer · Communications Systems Engineer · Communications Systems Tech · Communications Systems Technician (Communications Systems Tech) · Electrical Design Engineer
30 more

Engineer · Infrastructure Engineer · Multimedia Telecommunications Systems Integrator · Network Engineer · Signal Operations Support Specialist (Signal Ops Support Specialist) · Signal Ops Support Specialist · Telecom Analyst · Telecom Consultant · Telecom Design Engineer · Telecom Engineer · Telecom Management Specialist · Telecom Network Tech · Telecom Operator · Telecom Specialist · Telecommunication Design Engineer (Telecom Design Engineer) · Telecommunication Engineer (Telecom Engineer) · Telecommunications Admin · Telecommunications Administrator (Telecommunications Admin) · Telecommunications Analyst (Telecom Analyst) · Telecommunications Consultant (Telecom Consultant) · Telecommunications Engineer (Telecom Engineer) · Telecommunications Management Specialist (Telecom Management Specialist) · Telecommunications Network Engineer · Telecommunications Network Technician (Telecom Network Tech) · Telecommunications Operator (Telecom Operator) · Telecommunications Specialist (Telecom Specialist) · Telecommunications Systems Engineer · Unified Communications Engineer · VoIP Network Engineer · VoIP Network Engineer (Voice over Internet Protocol Network Engineer)

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CRI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CRIConventional · Realistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional4.95
  • R Realistic4.54
  • I Investigative4.29
  • E Enterprising3.07
  • S Social2.31
  • A Artistic1.90

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent10%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate13%
  • Some College Courses13%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree32%
  • Bachelor's Degree26%
  • Master's Degree7%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Writingbasic3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Speakingbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Systems Analysis3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Time Management3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
Show the other 23
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Instructing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Persuasion3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Mathematicsbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Service Orientation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Troubleshooting2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Negotiation2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Technology Design2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Installation2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Equipment Selection2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Repairing2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Material Resources2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operations Analysis2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment Maintenance2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Management of Financial Resources2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Sciencebasic1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality

Tasks

23 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.4.5
  2. Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.4.3
  3. 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.4.2
  4. Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.4.2
  5. Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.4.1
  6. Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.4.1
  7. Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.4.1
  8. Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.4.1
  9. Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.4.0
  10. Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.4.0
  11. Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.3.9
  12. Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.3.9
Show the other 14
  1. Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.3.9
  2. Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.3.9
  3. Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.3.8
  4. Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.3.7
  5. Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.3.7
  6. Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.3.7
  7. Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.3.7
  8. Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.3.6
  9. Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment for customer premises equipment (CPE), facilities, access networks, or backbone networks.3.5
  10. Prepare system activity and performance reports.3.3
  11. Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.3.1
  12. Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.4.1
  13. Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.3.8
  14. Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Telecommunications4.96.1Level 7 looks like: Develop a new, world-wide telecommunications network
  • Computers and Electronics4.65.7
  • Engineering and Technology4.55.7
  • Design4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • English Language4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Public Safety and Security3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Mathematics3.54.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Building and Construction3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Administrative3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Communications and Media3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Mechanical3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Education and Training2.83.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Physics2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Law and Government2.62.9
  • Geography2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.7
  • Production and Processing2.52.6
  • Economics and Accounting2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing2.32.7
  • Transportation2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Psychology1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • Biology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Oral Comprehension3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Deductive Reasoning3.84.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information Ordering3.63.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Expression3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Clarity3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category Flexibility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Number Facility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Visualization2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Finger Dexterity2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Manual Dexterity2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Auditory Attention2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Speed of Closure2.32.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Multilimb Coordination1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Stamina1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Depth Perception1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Sound Localization1.60.9
  • Dynamic Strength1.50.5
  • Glare Sensitivity1.50.9
  • Gross Body Coordination1.50.8
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.50.6
  • Static Strength1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.5
  • Night Vision1.3—
  • Rate Control1.3—
  • Reaction Time1.3—
  • Response Orientation1.3—
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.44.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.05.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.85.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Processing Information3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing and Building Teams3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.54.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Training and Teaching Others3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.82.6
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.62.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.52.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.42.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.42.6
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Time Pressure4.0
  • Written Letters and Memos3.9

Technology

53 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (11)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Autodesk Revithot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Visiohot
  • Microsoft Wordhot
  • Autodesk Navisworks
  • Firewall software
  • NavisWorks Jetstream

Hot (14; 8 more marked hot above)

  • Apache Kafka
  • Linux
  • Microsoft PowerShell
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • Python
  • Shell script
  • Structured query language SQL
  • UNIX
Other tools (28)
  • 2AB iLock Security Services
  • Access management software
  • Antivirus software
  • Avaya Identity Engines
  • Call accounting software
  • Cisco Systems Cisco Traffic Analyzer
  • IBM Domino
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Rational Requirements Composer
  • KornShell
  • McAfee
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • Nagios
  • Network management software
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • NovaStor NovaBACKUP
  • Project scheduling software
  • Requirements analysis software
  • SiteMaster SiteSmart
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • Web browser software
  • Web design software
  • Wireshark
  • Zmanda Amanda

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Computer Network Architects
  2. Computer Network Support Specialists
  3. Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
  4. Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
  5. Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  6. Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  7. Computer Systems Analysts
  8. Software Developers
  9. Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
  10. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.