Details Report for:
15-1143.01 - Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Design or configure voice, video, and data communications systems. Supervise installation and post-installation service and maintenance.
The occupation code you requested, 15-1081.01 (Telecommunications Specialists), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 15-1143.01 (Telecommunications Engineering Specialists) instead.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
- 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.
- Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
- Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.
- Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
- Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
- Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.
- Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
- Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
- Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
- Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
- Instruct in use of voice and data communications systems, such as voicemail and videoconferencing systems.
- Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration.
- Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.
- Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment, including telephone sets, headsets, cellular phones, switches, trunks, printed circuit boards, network routers, and cabling.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
- Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.
- Prepare system activity and performance reports.
- Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
- Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
- Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.
- Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.
- Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
- Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
- 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.
Tools & Technology Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Tools used in this occupation:
| Cable splicing kits — Fiber optic cable splicers; Fiber optic fusion splicers |
| Circuit tester — Circuit testers; Continuity testers |
| Fish tape — Fish tapes; Wire pullers |
| Network analyzers — Cable analyzers; Local area network LAN analyzers |
| Power meters — Digital power meters; Fiber optic power meters; Infrared fiber meters; Optical power meters (see all 5 examples) |
| Screwdrivers — Flat head screwdrivers; Phillips head screwdrivers |
| Signal generators — Tone generators; Tone test sets |
| Stripping tools — Fiber optic cable strippers; Fiber optic strippers; Fiber scribes |
| Trenching machines — Cable plows; Trenchers |
| Voltage or current meters — Coaxial cable testers; Voltage testers; Wire mappers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Access software — 2AB iLock Security Services; Access management software; Avaya Identity Engines |
| Backup or archival software — Backup and archival software; NovaStor NovaBACKUP; Zmanda Amanda * |
| Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook |
| Helpdesk or call center software — Call accounting software |
| Network monitoring software — Network management software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Operating system software — Microsoft Windows |
| Requirements analysis and system architecture software — IBM Rational Requirements Composer; Requirements analysis software |
| Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects.
Employment data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
Industry data collected from Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts.
| Median wages (2010) | $36.37 hourly, $75,660 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 292,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Much faster than average (20% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 208,300 |
| Top industries (2008) | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (22% employed in this sector)
Self-Employed (19%)
Information (17%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Computer network, systems, and database administrators
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.