Telecommunications engineer

Telecommunications engineers work on communications technology. They design, research and develop satellite and cable systems, mobile phones, radio waves, the internet and email. The world of telecommunications changes very quickly, involving sophisticated equipment and the latest technology.

Also known as:

Communications engineer

Work activities

Telecommunications engineers research and develop innovative telecommunications products, as well as work on ways to improve existing technology, like fibre optic cables.

Telecommunications engineers provide solutions for businesses and private customers. For example, they may help a company to handle high volumes of telephone calls, perhaps by setting up or helping to improve a call centre. They may discuss using Computer Telephony Integration (CTI). This is the technique of co-ordinating the actions of telephones and computer systems, allowing for calls to be better managed, processed, monitored and tracked. Telecommunications engineers also install video conferencing links in hospitals. This enables surgeons to perform operations under the supervision of experts at another hospital, using the video link to hear and see their colleagues.

Telecommunications engineers work on services such as mobile communication or high-speed data transmission. They install the equipment needed for these types of communication. They may then provide training to customers once new equipment has been installed. Telecommunications engineers manage maintenance and repair programmes, making sure systems don’t break down. They ensure new equipment meets government regulations. Some telecommunications engineers travel around locally to make sure that all the sites of the network are working properly. They use computer software to see if any part of the network is “weak” and therefore more likely to break down. Telecommunications engineers may have to prepare reports on telecommunications-related problems or present research information on new ideas. Some telecommunications engineers work closely with sales and marketing departments. They may answer customer enquiries and could be involved in selling networks to new clients.

Personal qualities and skills

As a telecommunications engineer, you need:

To be willing to learn and develop new knowledge, as well as keep up to date with advances in areas such as satellite technology, computer science, electronic commerce, and mobile telephone networks.
An investigative mind.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Management and organisation skills to plan networks, e.g. mapping cable networks.
Research, report writing and presentation skills.
The ability to build up comprehensive product knowledge.
Persuasive sales skills.
Strong computer software skills because computers are increasingly used to control telecommunications systems.
Good communication skills, as you’ll need to explain technical information to people who may come from non-technical backgrounds.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for telecommunications engineers vary depending on employer, role and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Telecommunications engineers earn in the range of £24,000-£40,000 per year.

Most telecommunications engineers work around 39-41 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Telecommunications engineers work in research and development, as well as manufacturing and installation. Employers include service providers who run the public telephone system, cable TV companies, cellular radio system providers and manufacturers of electronic communications products. Companies with complex telecommunication requirements may employ their own telecommunications engineers (for example, multinational oil companies). Opportunities for telecommunications engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies and telecommunications organisations.

Entry routes and training

Telecommunications engineers usually complete a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND. There are a number of specialist courses, with titles such as telecommunications engineering, electronic and communications engineering, and mobile telecommunications. Many telecommunications engineers have backgrounds in electronic engineering, although entrants may also be graduates in other engineering disciplines. Some entrants have backgrounds in computer science, mathematics or physics. It’s essential to check prospectuses carefully to make sure the course you choose is relevant to the branch of engineering you want to follow.

Some graduates join graduate training schemes, which offer structured training and learning. Depending on their level of entry, telecommunications engineers can gain Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry. To register as a CEng or an IEng, you must join a relevant, professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council. To become a CEng or an IEng, you need to demonstrate the appropriate competence and commitment - full details are available at engc.org.uk.

Alternatively, a level 4 (higher) apprenticeship as a network engineer could be a good way into this career.

Depending on their qualification, telecommunications engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.

Qualifications

To enter a degree course in telecommunications engineering, the usual academic requirement is:

Two to three A-levels.
GCSEs in your A-level subjects at grades 9-4.
A further 2/3 GCSEs at grades 9-4.
Maths and a science or technology subject, e.g. physics or electronics, are normally required at A-level.
English, maths and a science subject are usually required at GCSE at grades 9-4.

Other qualifications, such as a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or the International Baccalaureate Diploma are often accepted. Check prospectuses carefully.

To begin a higher apprenticeship, you will need two A-levels and GCSEs in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: it is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Courses If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

A few colleges and universities offer qualifications with part time/flexible study or via distance learning. Courses have been developed in partnership with industry.

Sponsorship for the higher education study of telecommunications engineering may be available from the larger engineering and manufacturing companies.

Funding for postgraduate study may be available through universities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

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