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Summary 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.

This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.

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Tasks  |  Tools & Technology  |  Education  |  Work Values  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

  • 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.

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Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Fish tape — Fish tapes; Wire pullers
Power meters — Digital power meters; Fiber optic power meters; Infrared fiber meters; Optical power meters
Signal generators — Tone generators; Tone test sets
Stripping tools — Fiber optic cable strippers; Fiber optic strippers; Fiber scribes
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
Requirements analysis and system architecture software — IBM Rational Requirements Composer; Requirements analysis software
Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel

* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.

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Education

This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:

Computer Science — Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

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Work Values

Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages data collected from Computer Network Architects.
Employment data collected from Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects.
Industry data collected from Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects.

Median wages (2012) $43.75 hourly, $91,000 annual
Employment (2010) 302,000 employees
Projected growth (2010-2020) Faster than average (20% to 28%) Faster than average (20% to 28%)
Projected job openings (2010-2020) 110,300
Top industries (2010)

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data external site and 2010-2020 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

Find Jobs
for Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

          mySkills myFuture

State & National Job Banks

          CareerOneStop

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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.

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