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Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunications engineers study, design, test and build telecommunications networks, such as cellphone and Internet-related hardware, for communication systems.

Tasks & duties

Telecommunications engineers may do some or all of the following:

design, provide and keep telecommunications equipment and systems up to date
test equipment for faults
repair faulty equipment
make sure new equipment meets government regulations
build and test prototypes of new equipment
analyse customer needs
help their organisation focus on their product range
research information and solve telecommunication-related problems
prepare and present reports and proposals on telecommunication-related problems
advise on building materials and costs
locate and organise telecommunications equipment from overseas to be imported
supervise the installation and use of telecommunications equipment
provide training for company staff once new equipment has been installed
keep up to date with new technology and determine how useful it would be to their organisation

Skills & knowledge

Telecommunications engineers need to have:

knowledge of electronics, communication systems and mechanics
up-to-date knowledge of engineering methods, technology and industry trends
an understanding of telecommunication rules and standards
design skills and skill in interpreting drawings and designs
computer and maths skills
basic knowledge of financial planning and business practices
good communication and people skills, including presentation skills
research and report writing skills
problem-solving and decision-making skills
time-management skills
cost estimation skills

Entry requirements

To become a telecommunications engineer you need to have a tertiary qualification in telecommunications, electrical and electronics, or computer science.

ETITO website – information about apprenticeships and training

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification in English, chemistry, physics, and maths with calculus and statistics is needed to train as a telecommunications engineer.

Tertiary education

A range of study options are available and listed below under Related Courses.

A National Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) is also available.

ETITO website – information about the National Diploma in Engineering

Training on the job

The basics of telecommunications engineering are learned through courses, but almost all of the practical applications are learned while working. Telecommunications engineers are required to keep up to date with developments in technology through courses, seminars and workshops for ongoing education and professional development.

Many employers also provide in-house training for their engineers.