Scope of the profession

Telecommunication engineers work on the management and development of telecommunications equipment. They oversee the manufacture and installation of broadcast, telephony, satellite and cable systems. Much of their work is carried out in office locations where work health and safety (WHS) concerns relating to the ergonomics, lighting and good housekeeping are a priority. At other times their work takes them into manufacturing industry where the hazards associated with machinery and equipment may be relevant. In this environment they have to be aware of numerous industrial hazards such as electrocution. Overseeing field installation of equipment like optical cable networks or satellite dishes may expose telecommunications engineers to danger from falling equipment, lightning strikes, electrical hazards or poor safety standards on the job site.

To embark on a tertiary course in telecommunications engineering, an HSC student should be looking at subjects such as 2 Unit Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Studies. There are telecommunication engineering courses at some universities e.g. The University of Sydney, The University of Technology, Sydney and The University of Newcastle. The courses are Bachelor degrees. Telecommunication engineers learn about electronics, computers and also must be familiar with networks and associated equipment. In fact, in some courses the first two years of a telecommunications engineering degree will be common with electrical and computer engineering.

The infrastructure developed by telecommunication engineers is designed to provide services to the consumer that probably far exceed the needs of most people. That this technology is accepted by the community in Australia is quite clear. For example, Australia has one of the World's highest levels of mobile telephone ownership. The work of the telecommunication engineer, and the technology they develop, is not without serious community based controversy. Radiation from satellite transmitters, and mobile phones has led to community fears of tumour and cancer, particularly in children exposed to the radiation.

Many of the technologies required for successful telecommunications are not unique to the profession. For example, the industry is heavily dependant on semiconductor technology, but the use of these semiconductors allows telecommunication engineers to create unique technologies, like digital television, FM radio and mobile telephones. All of these are pivotal to modern communication and are really the province of the telecommunication engineer. Satellite technology is almost exclusively in the realm of telecommunications. There are a huge number of communication satellites utilised by modern telecommunication systems. The use of satellites has allowed the telecommunication revolution to occur. Satellites are essential in the broadcast of world news and communication from one country to another. They are also being used with special mobile phones to ensure worldwide mobile coverage. Whilst fibre optic cable is used in applications to transmit light, such as for medical examination and to illuminate pipes for TV cameras, the great bulk of optical fibre is used to carry communications signals. It is therefore, almost unique to the profession.

Many of the technologies required for successful telecommunications are not unique to the profession. For example, the industry is heavily dependant on semiconductor technology, but the use of these semiconductors allows telecommunication engineers to create unique technologies, like digital television, FM radio and mobile telephones. All of these are pivotal to modern communication and are really the province of the telecommunication engineer. Satellite technology is almost exclusively in the realm of telecommunications. There are a huge number of communication satellites utilised by modern telecommunication systems. The use of satellites has allowed the telecommunication revolution to occur. Satellites are essential in the broadcast of world news and communication from one country to another. They are also being used with special mobile phones to ensure worldwide mobile coverage. Whilst fibre optic cable is used in applications to transmit light, such as for medical examination and to illuminate pipes for TV cameras, the great bulk of optical fibre is used to carry communications signals. It is therefore, almost unique to the profession.

Telecommunications engineers may be managers in two senses of the word. First they may be the managers of the design process, overseeing the design and development of a project. An engineer in such a position will have other engineers working on the project, while he/she co-ordinates the teams and oversees all development. Secondly, on large projects such the establishment of a telecommunications network, or the development of a satellite system, a team structure would develop with various telecommunications engineers having various management responsibilities for completion of their own segment. They should have a logical method of dealing with problems, good problem-solving skills and good communication skills. These attributes often equip the engineer well for a move into the management team of a company.

• The design, construction and maintencence of telecommunications equipement and networks requires the co-ordination and task management of a range of personnel; no single engineer can do this task.

• Engineers are required to, not only manage personnel that on-site, but also to manage contractors and suppliers who are off-site, in many cases international as in the case with worldwide telecommunications

• Skills required by the telecommunication engineers as managers include:

  • Technical knowledge 

  • Leadership by example

  • Experience

  • Generating engineering and status reports

  • Approachability

  • Creativity, insight, innocative thought

  • Communications skills

  • Willingness to learn from expirience and further study