Telecoms engineer
Design, set up and test broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks.
About the job
What it's like
You'll set up and look after broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. Telecoms engineers also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.
You'll work with systems such as:
landline and mobile phone networks
copper wire and fibre-optic cabling
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication systems
analogue and digital satellite systems
wireless internet
The size of each job can vary, from large corporate networks to home satellite systems.
Your tasks might include:
setting up networks for mobile and data networks
laying, connecting and testing underground and underfloor cabling
testing and fixing faults in public and private switching exchanges
working with aerial rigging and related equipment
setting up antennae on buildings or masts
designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment
This job involves lots of different environments, including working at heights. You'll have to follow health and safety guidelines carefully at all times.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Institution of Engineering and Technology – Engineering organisation sharing resources and knowledge
Meet Spencer, a telecoms engineer – YouTube video about working for a telecoms company
Emily's journey from apprentice to engineer – YouTube video about becoming a signalling and telecoms engineer
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- resourceful
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
There are a couple of routes you can take to become a telecoms engineer.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Engineering: Technical Support.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Engineering Systems
Telecommunications Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant HNC or HND opportunities.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become [job title]. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Telecoms engineers may need to pass colour vision tests.
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
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