Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Key Responsibilities

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