Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

The Work

Telecommunication Engineers or Network Architects are involved in the planning, designing, commissioning and monitoring of complex telecommunication networks and associated broadcasting equipment.  
 
Their job involves researching and developing innovative products, as well as working on ways to improve existing technology, like fibre optic cables.

Some telecommunications companies design, build and install telecommunications systems for their clients. Increasingly, networks are inter-linked; for example, engineers have developed systems where a mobile telephone user can access the Internet. Digital television systems can be interactive; users can have high-speed access to the Internet and email.  
 
Engineers may work on ways to provide solutions for business and private customers. For example, engineers may help a company to handle high volumes of telephone calls, perhaps by setting up or helping to improve a call centre. Engineers work closely with their clients, discussing solutions like Computer Telephony Integration (CTI). Telecommunications engineers have installed video conferencing links in hospitals. Surgeons can perform operations under the supervision of experts at another hospital, using the video-link to hear and see their colleagues.  
 
Engineers work on services like mobile communication, high-speed data and fax transmission, and radio paging. They may install the equipment needed for these types of communication. Some engineers are responsible for routine maintenance and repair work, to make sure the system does not break down. Engineers may run centres or work on help desks, to respond quickly to repair or deal with any disruptions to the network.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
• Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
• 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 organisations or conferences.
• Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
• Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
• Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
• Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
• Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
• Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
• Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.

Further Information

• Telecommunications Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Telecommunications Engineer - from: GradIreland
• Telecommunications Engineer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways to develop skills, knowledge, and experience of engineering for a career in Telecomms & communications technology. 

Telecommunications engineers typically complete an appropriate Engineering or Computer Science degree. There are several specialist courses, with titles such as Telecommunications Engineering, Electronic and Communications Engineering, Operational Telecommunications and Mobile Telecommunications Engineering. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship Engineering operation, Engineering Technology, Overhead Lines Operative courses at NFQ level 5 search FET courses

FET Centre PLC courses Engineering Technology, Preliminary & pre apprenticeship Engineering, Engineering Technology NFQ level 5 search FET PLC courses

Apprenticeship Telecommunications & Data Network Technician at NFQ Level 6 Search apprenticeship

Higher Education CAO entry Engineering, Networking, Computer science, Electrical & Electronic / Computer & Communications Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering courses at NFQ level 6-8 search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Engineers Ireland Engineers can gain Chartered Engineer or Associate Engineer status through Engineers Ireland after first gaining anaccredited degree, diploma or certificate, followed by three or four years experience in the workplace. All professional titles are highly regarded by employers throughout industry.

Engineering Skillnet

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley / CPL/ Indeed/ Payscale/ Salary Expert

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth for this occupation was well above the national average; employment grew strongly in the second half of 2022, significantly above pre-COVID levels. As the Census data indicates, electricians and electrical fitters account for the largest share of those employed in this occupation, with employment growing by almost 7,000 persons since 2016. 

There was a relatively high number of vacancies for electricians advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022. Employment permits mostly related to customer engineers and field service engineers and were for roles within the ICT sector. Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey were for electricians in the construction sector. There have been increasing numbers of new apprenticeship registrations for electricians in recent years (over 2,600 in 2022), with over 500 craft awards made in 2021.

Employment is expanding for this occupation with demand occurring across a variety of sectors. Although supply is considered sufficient for the housing sector (based on DFHERIS report), demand is being driven in part by energy efficiency and the green agenda. There also appears to be a shift in the skills mix required for electricians to energy performance in building, energy sector policy, maintenance and repair. Although no shortages are identified at present, they may potentially emerge if employment continues to grow at its current rate.

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
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• European Space Education Resource Office Ireland (ESERO)

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 607 3200
  • [email protected]
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• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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