# Tasks & work activities — telecommunications engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 15-1241.01 (Telecommunications Engineering Specialists).

## Task statements

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

## Detailed work activities

- Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
- Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
- Coordinate software or hardware installation.
- Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
- Develop models of information or communications systems.
- Document network-related activities or tasks.
- Document operational activities.
- Document operational procedures.
- Document technical specifications or requirements.
- Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
- Evaluate new technologies or methods.
- Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
- Identify information technology project resource requirements.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
- Install computer hardware.
- Install computer software.
- Maintain computer hardware.
- Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
- Maintain the inventory of equipment.
- Monitor the performance of computer networks.
- Provide technical support for computer network issues.
- Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
- Test computer hardware performance.
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.