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Telecommunications Engineer

Also known as Telecommunications Field Engineer.

Telecommunications engineers plan, design, construct and install complex telecommunications networks and associated broadcasting equipment.

Telecommunications engineers have a broad role that requires in- depth technical knowledge of appropriate equipment and services and extensive experience within the telecommunications industry.

TASKS

Telecommunications engineers may perform the following tasks:

commission, install and test voice and data optical communication networks
provide specialist technical support in monitoring and administering large telecommunications optical networks
install and maintain internet protocol (IP) based optical network telecommunications equipment
install and test simple IP devices in convergence networks
develop project management plans
plan the development of core and access network capabilities
analyse demand data, and evaluate and forecast network growth
implement convergence technologies
design and manage telecommunications and information technology (IT) networks
diagnose problems and provide network management support
plan a project from a design specification
research and analyse the key concepts in design

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to identify, analyse and solve problems
enjoy mathematical and technical activities
good communication and organisational skills
able to work independently and accept responsibility

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Telecommunications Network Planner and Designer - plan and design the development of network infrastructure for customer access.

Telecommunications Optical Network Specialist - plan and manage fibre-optic communication networks and digital multiplexing transmission systems.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a telecommunications engineer you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in telecommunications network engineering. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a telecommunications engineer by completing a degree in engineering at university with a major in telecommunications or telecommunication and network engineering. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics and physics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Telecommunications engineers may require certification to work on particular networks and with certain types of telecommunications technology. In order to carry out cabling work, you must be registered with an Australian Communications and Media Authority accredited registrar. See www.acma.gov.au for more details.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Integrated Telecommunications Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Students and graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia. See www.engineersaustralia.org.au for more details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The telecommunications industry is subject to continuing and rapid technological change. Telecommunications engineers are employed by a variety of small, medium and large enterprises. These include large telecommunications carriers and their contractors, network and exchange equipment suppliers, customer premises equipment suppliers and installation or maintenance service providers.

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