Become a Telecommunications Engineer
Combine your technical aptitude and love of information systems into a rewarding, professional career as a telecommunications engineer. These professionals are responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining telecommunications equipment and networks including Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs).
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Engineers specializing in telecommunications are also involved in planning office and PBX equipment installations, planning microwave and cable routes and integrating communications equipment into computer networks. In addition, telecommunications engineers research, design and develop equipment used to transmit information over wireless and fiber optics systems.
Telecommunications Engineer Degrees
Most employers hire telecommunications engineers who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, management information systems, computer network engineering or a telecommunications-related field. Telecommunications engineers can expect to continue their education after completing a degree program as it is crucial that they stay on top of the latest technologies.
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
Master's Degrees
Telecommunications Engineer Job Description
The telecommunications industry employs nearly one million workers with 17 percent of these workers holding a professional position. As a telecommunications engineer, your job could involve some of the following common tasks:
- Research, plan and design various telecommunications equipment
- Integrate communications systems into computer networks
- Work directly with clients to design systems to meet their specific business needs
- Develop the technologies of the future
- Design equipment for transmitting information over computer, fiber optic, satellite and wireless networks
Typically, telecommunications engineers work traditional hours in office environments. During times of disaster, however, overtime may be required to repair telecommunications infrastructures as quickly as possible.
Telecommunications Engineer Salary
The job outlook for telecommunications engineers is excellent as the industry continues its expansion. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, annual salaries for engineers specializing in the telecommunications industry averaged $76,340 in 2007.
With an expanding industry, rapidly evolving technology and attractive annual salaries, pursuing an engineering career focused on telecommunications is an excellent choice for anyone with a flair for technology.
