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Telecommunications Engineer

Mataaro Whitiwhiti Kōrero

Telecommunications engineers design, test and build telecommunications networks and systems.

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Secondary education

NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include maths, physics and digital technologies.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Diploma

Useful experience

Useful experience for telecommunications engineers includes:

  • engineering
  • computing
  • telecommunications work.

What you will do

Telecommunications engineers may do some or all of the following:

  • analyse customers' telecommunications needs
  • design and update telecommunications equipment and systems
  • build and test prototypes of new equipment
  • test and repair equipment
  • make sure equipment meets regulations
  • give advice on suitable equipment, such as computer servers, and costs
  • supervise the installation and use of telecommunications equipment
  • provide training for users of new equipment
  • prepare and present reports and proposals.

Skills and knowledge

Telecommunications engineers need to have:

  • knowledge of electronics, communication systems and mechanics
  • knowledge of engineering methods, technology and industry trends
  • understanding of telecommunications rules and standards
  • design skills, and ability to interpret drawings and designs.
Pay

Telecommunications engineers with up to three years’ experience usually earn

$60K-$65K

per year

Telecommunications engineers with more than three years’ experience usually earn

$65K-$140K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a telecommunications engineer are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
2-4
years of training usually required.

Industry

Telecommunications

Telecommunications engineers design, test and build telecommunications networks and systems.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a telecommunications engineer you need to have a certificate, diploma or degree in telecommunications, electrical and electronic engineering, or computer science.

Some employers offer cadetships, which allow you to study for a qualification while working.

The New Zealand Army offers training for recruits who want to become engineers specialising in telecommunications.

Chances of getting a job

Shortage of telecommunications engineers in New Zealand

Demand for telecommunications engineers is strong due to:

  • government investment to replace outdated emergency communications infrastructure
  • government investment in high-speed broadband
  • increased use of internet and mobile technology.

As a result, telecommunications engineer and telecommunications network engineer appear on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. Telecommunications engineer also appears on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled telecommunications engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 978 telecommunications engineers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Telecommunications engineers work for a range of organisations, including:

  • telecommunications companies
  • telecommunications equipment manufacturers
  • technical service companies.

Find out more about training

Engineering New Zealand
(04) 473 9444 - hello@engineeringnz.org - www.engineeringnz.org

Progression and specialisations

Telecommunications engineers may progress into managerial roles.

Working conditions

Telecommunications engineers:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may also work evenings and weekends, and be on call
  • work in offices and laboratories, and inside or outside at work sites
  • may work at heights, in confined spaces, and in dirty or dusty conditions
  • may travel locally.

Physical Requirements

Telecommunications engineers need to:

  • have normal colour vision to distinguish between different circuits and cables
  • have steady hands
  • be comfortable working in confined spaces or at heights.

Useful personal qualities

Telecommunications engineers need to be:

  • logical, critical thinkers
  • good at problem solving and decision making
  • good at spoken and written communication
  • disciplined, patient and well organised
  • able to make good judgements and work well under pressure.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Telecommunications

Telecommunications engineers design, test and build telecommunications networks and systems.

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