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Telecommunications Engineer Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Telecommunications
Engineer Do?

Telecommunications engineers design, implement and support telecommunications systems and networks. They ensure the efficient and reliable operation of all telecom infrastructure and services while providing technical support and guidance to customers. They ensure that the systems operate reliably, efficiently, and securely while performing regular maintenance and upgrades. Typically, telecommunications engineers work for companies or organizations with a complex telecommunications network.

Telecommunications engineers must have strong technical backgrounds, including expertise in telecommunications protocols and technologies. Success in the role requires excellent customer service, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Telecom engineers also need to possess the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

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National Average Salary

Telecommunications engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for a Telecommunications Engineer is:

$86,990

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

We believe that the key to creating an unstoppable business is by giving our employees a place to grow professionally and personally. With hundreds of offices and thousands of employees worldwide, we strive to be the first and only choice for clients with cutting-edge technology and first-class performance. We’re looking to add a telecommunications engineer to our diverse team of experts. We need someone who can work independently. Your job will be to monitor and maintain current network systems in place, periodically test performance, and implement new systems when appropriate. If you feel like you’ve got what it takes to handle the job, we’d love to hear from you!

Typical duties and responsibilities

  • Resolve issues and enhancements for systems such as IVR, ACD, VOIP, Dialer, WFM, Omni-channel platforms, and more
  • Act as liaison for client and business
  • Manage, monitor, and analyze in and outbound data traffic to ensure quality and consistency
  • Optimize network and telecommunication systems
  • Provide telephony support and technical issue resolution
  • Work with clients and other 3rd party vendors regularly to minimize incompatibility and rework
  • Design and implement disaster recovery solutions
  • Provide project support when necessary
  • Review and escalate any potential issues to management

Education and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering or a related field
  • Three years of related experience

Required skills and qualifications

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Great attention to detail
  • Analytical mindset and inquisitive nature
  • In-depth knowledge of in and outbound technologies
  • Working understanding of networks, telephony, and VoIP protocols
  • Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues with hardware and software
  • Ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to changing work conditions
  • Thorough understanding of typical support structure and tools used in an IT environment
  • Self-motivated with excellent time management

Preferred qualifications

  • 5 years related experience
  • High energy and positive attitude
  • Working knowledge of network management platforms and cyber security protocols
  • Excellent business communication skills

Example 2

The Telecommunications Engineer expert will provide guidance in the initial high-level solution design of multiple voice/data networks from a technology perspective. They will assist with the translation of business requirements into technical requirements, taking into account the existing infrastructure and the need to integrate new and existing technologies. Ensure that a scalable, flexible enterprise voice or data solution is developed that will meet the complex needs of the business.

Day to day activities include telecom/data provisioning, performance tuning, adding networks and links, scripting for automating of tasks, assigning ports, error tracking, data movement, software configurations, product evaluation, and addressing interoperability issues. The position also works as part of a cross-functional team that deals with the full spectrum of technology and will fulfill the role of third level support for telecom network technologies, providing training and direction to other technical staff that perform the bulk of the first and second level support tasks.

  • Plans and coordinates the future state of the Enterprise Telecom/Data networks for ABC Company information management. Designs network solutions that meet the information system vision and strategy of the organization; plans, prioritizes, and manages projects, service requests, and routine assignments
  • Analyzes Voice/Data network configurations for critical corporate resources; develops plans and recommendations to improve the performance and efficiency of the telecom network; addresses all aspects including hardware, software, outside services, etc. and prevents unplanned disruptions of critical systems
  • Integrates system components, subsystems, facilities and services into the existing technical systems environment; assess impact on other systems, and works with other IM associates to ensure a positive impact; installs, configures, and verifies the operation of system components; maintains or improves integration and operation of systems relative to the overall environment; leads or participates as team member in cross-system projects
  • Designs, implements, and oversees a proactive process to collect and report data and statistics on the telecom internetworking environment; ensures the systems operate efficiently and meet the needs of the organization; ensures they are kept at most current stable version/release using vendor-supplied updates and patches; performs research and testing to verify impact of installing all updates; coordinates vendor support and ensures relationship is never jeopardized; monitors performance of all assigned systems, responds to reports of slow or erratic performance; control of all aspects of the network; provides training to IM associates and clients as needed
  • Maintains in-depth knowledge and current certification in data/voice technologies including but not limited to vendor certifications
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math or related field or equivalent experience (8 years) required
  • Extensive technical knowledge of Voice/Data Networks to include:
  • Experience designing and implementing converged networks which should include the following: IP, ATM, Frame Relay, Gigabit Ethernet, VoIP, and Wireless-based technology
  • Knowledge of traditional and IP products as well as services include telephone systems (Avaya, Cisco), voice mail systems (Octel, Unity), AVAYA call routiong systems, and data communication’s hardware
  • Knowledge of Data Communications concepts and IP Networking
  • Assist in documentation and tracking all Telco network services including Telecom Expense & Inventory Management and all associated functions/processes.
  • Experience with one or more of the following models is desired:
  • WAN Networks: T1, DS3, OC3, ATM,Frame Relay, GB Ethernet
  • Avaya PBX Enterprise Voice Systems – with Call Accounting/Manager
  • One or more of the following certifications required:
  • Telco (Avaya/Cisco) Certified Voice and Data Professional
  • Cisco CCIE, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA, CCVP, CCSP, CISSP
  • Knowledge of local and wide area networking on multiple platforms: Windows, Novell, Unix, Linux, and VMware; network protocols and routing; network, server, and host operating systems; IP networking, internet, and intranet technologies; email, groupware, office automation, and collaboration technologies; voice and/or data communications; voice and/or data networking; Windows desktop OS; server hardware, software, and administration.
  • A total of eight (8) years of experience in large corporate systems environment with a wide variety of Information Management systems, networks and technologies required
  • Minimum of (5) years of experience in telecom network engineering, design, implementation and support of large scale Voice and Data Systems/Networks
  • Prior experience in a healthcare systems environment is a plus

Example 3

The Telecommunications Engineer is a key member of the ABC Company Telecommunications team. This position must handle multiple assignments in a rapidly changing, fast-paced environment with frequent direct interactions with senior management. This position supports multiple departments in various capacities.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical support to IT department
  • Perform technical evaluations of systems and projects
  • Address, propose, design software solutions to address complex business needs
  • Prepare technical and procedural documentation required
  • Provide technical guidance and support to colleagues
  • Review coding, testing, and documentation of software
  • Apply modern principles, methods, and tools to business initiatives and capabilities
  • Optimize systems in compliance with the required performance
  • Ensure minimal cost and promote simplification
  • Prepare functional analysis
  • Implement detailed engineering projects (examples: layout, routing, supports, etc.)
  • Support and assist Telecom staff where necessary

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years experience in a hands-on Telecommunications Systems Administration
  • Must have technical knowledge and aptitude in the following areas: VoIP, SIP, digital and analog trunking, LAN, and WAN topology
  • Must have both hardware and software support experience
  • Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Must demonstrate ability to collaborate and contribute as a strong team member, build solid relationships with team members; proactively seek guidance, clarification, and feedback
  • Experience with Jira, Genesys, Call Centers, and databases a plus
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
  • Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
  • Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways
  • Travel if required for duties
  • Keying/typing, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, reaching, and bending
  • Constant mental, visual and auditory attention; the flow of work requires focused, detailed attention, and keying at a computer monitor

Example 4

Responsibilities

As a Telecommunications Engineer in our Electric Grid Infrastructure Services business unit, you will:

  • Engage in fast-paced utility client projects to plan, engineer, and design communications solutions to address operational requirements and emerging trends including Smart Grid, Distribution Automation, and Smart Metering
  • Perform radio path studies including path profiles, propagation analysis, link power budgets, coverage studies
  • Recommend, coordinate, and assist in licensing and permitting efforts
  • Develop network architecture designs based on TDM, SONET, IP/MPLS, and other relevant standards
  • Prepare network and channel diagrams and perform timing studies
  • Design fail safe systems with path and equipment redundancies and diversity to serve mission-critical operations with extreme reliability
  • Ensure strict adherence to NERC standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
  • Stage, configure, and test integrated systems designs, for interoperability and performance consistent with predictive models in our Protection, Automation and Telecommunication Laboratory
  • Specify requirements and provide cost estimates for ancillary support systems including radio towers, outside (fiber) cable plant (typically OPGW & ADSS), DC power, grounding, fiber splice cases and distribution panels, shelters and outdoor enclosures, etc.
  • Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design
  • Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of ABC Company’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices as needed

Required skills and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering
  • Telecommunications project or systems engineering experience in radio, fiber optics and/or network engineering
  • Familiar with time-division multiplexing (TDM) hierarchy, digital cross-connect switches, channel banks, SONET, IP, ethernet and serial interfaces, wiring/cabling methods, DC power systems, radio towers, electrical substations, link power budgets, path profiles
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications
  • Ability & willingness to travel up to 30%

Preferred skills and experience

  • Professional Engineering (P.E.) License
  • Master of Science degree in Electrical, Electronic, Telecommunications, or Computer Systems Engineering
  • Experience using radio propagation modeling tools such as EDX Signal Pro and Pathloss
  • Electric utility systems experience, knowledgeable regarding System Protection, ECS/EMS/SCADA/DA, and AMI/AMR
  • Well-versed in use of MS Project and Visio
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Familiar with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards & Cyber-Security
  • CISSP certification
  • Network design credentials, applied knowledge of IP/MPLS

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • TCM. The ETA international organization offers this foundational course to teach many of the expected skills of an engineer. Upon obtaining this certification, candidates will demonstrate their understanding of cables, cabling, analog and digital telephony, equipment, telecom safety, mathematics, transmission service, distribution methods, network infrastructure, and much more. Once obtained, candidates can confidently say they have what it takes to fulfill the needs of any company looking for a telecommunications engineer.
  • TMEC. The Telecommunications Master Engineer Certification provided by the iNARTE is a globally recognized certification further showing a candidate’s technical comprehension of the underlying science and technology of telecommunications. They can obtain this certification through Udemy and other sites and will go a long way in demonstrating their passion and experience on the subject of telecommunications.

Sample Interview Questions

  • Describe your experience designing. implementing. and maintaining telecommunications systems and networks.
  • Which systems have you supported?
  • What certifications do you have?
  • What is the largest number of users and/or endpoints you have supported?
  • Describe your most challenging project.
  • How do you organize, plan, and prioritize your work when having multiple activities to accomplish?
  • Give me an example of when you solved a problem with outside-the-box thinking.
  • Describe your process for troubleshooting a network outage.
  • Have you previously had to deal with an upset stakeholder or executive? How did you handle the situation?
  • Can you describe a time you monitored a problem? What did you do to resolve it?
  • Would you consider yourself good at walking someone else through a problem to a solution?
  • Can you describe a time you had to deal with a frustrated customer or client? What was the outcome?
  • Provide a detailed explanation of your knowledge of VoIP?
  • Have you designed and/or implemented a WifFi network? Describe the size and scope if so.
  • Can you describe a time that your observance and attention to detail saved time and trouble?
  • How do you keep up with changes in technology in this field?

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