Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

15-1241.01

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

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
• Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
• 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.
• Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
• Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
• Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
• Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
• Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
• Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
• Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
• Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.
• Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
• Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.
• Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
• Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
• Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.
• Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
• Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment for customer premises equipment (CPE), facilities, access networks, or backbone networks.
• Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.
• 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 system activity and performance reports.
• Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
• Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration.
• Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.
• Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.
• Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.

Technology Skills

• Access software - 2AB iLock Security Services; Access management software; Avaya Identity Engines
• Administration software - Network management software
• Backup or archival software - NovaStor NovaBACKUP; Zmanda Amanda
• Communications server software - IBM Domino
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Computer aided design CAD software
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft SQL Server 🔥; SiteMaster SiteSmart; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Development environment software - Apache Kafka 🔥; Microsoft PowerShell 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
• Electronic mail software - IBM Notes; Microsoft Exchange; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Helpdesk or call center software - Call accounting software
• Industrial control software - Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Interactive voice response software - Interactive voice response software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software - Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
• Network monitoring software - Cisco Systems Cisco Traffic Analyzer; Nagios; Wireshark
• Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software - Firewall software
• Network security or virtual private network VPN management software - Virtual private networking VPN software
• Object or component oriented development software - Oracle Java 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - KornShell; Linux ; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Microsoft Windows Server 🔥; Operating system software; Shell script 🔥; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Microsoft Teams 🔥; Project scheduling software
• Requirements analysis and system architecture software - IBM Rational Requirements Composer; Requirements analysis software
• Spreadsheet software - IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Transaction security and virus protection software - Antivirus software; McAfee; NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
• Web page creation and editing software - Web design software
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
• Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
• Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
• Evaluate new technologies or methods.
• Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
• Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Identify information technology project resource requirements.
• Document operational procedures.
• Install computer software.
• Install computer hardware.
• Coordinate software or hardware installation.
• Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
• Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
• Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
• Maintain the inventory of equipment.
• Document technical specifications or requirements.
• Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
• Provide technical support for computer network issues.
• Document operational activities.
• Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
• Develop models of information or communications systems.
• Document network-related activities or tasks.
• Test computer hardware performance.
• Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
• Monitor the performance of computer networks.
• Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
• Maintain computer hardware.