Telecoms Engineer Job Description
Recruit a practical engineer to install, configure and maintain telecoms and IP network infrastructure across customer sites. This template covers field and office-based responsibilities for voice, data and fibre systems.
What does a Telecoms Engineer professional do?
A Telecoms Engineer designs, installs, commissions and troubleshoots telecommunications equipment and IP networks (including fibre, copper and VoIP). They work on-site and remotely to deliver reliable connectivity and to support network upgrades, repairs and customer requirements.
Telecoms Engineer job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Telecoms Engineer
About the role
We are looking for a Telecoms Engineer to join our delivery team to carry out installations, maintenance and fault resolution across telecoms and IP networks. The role involves on-site work, configuring equipment (routers, switches, VoIP/PBX endpoints), testing links, keeping accurate documentation and liaising with customers and third-party contractors. This is a [permanent/contract] role based in [Location] with [hours/shift pattern], and a competitive pay package.
Key responsibilities
- Install, terminate and test fibre and copper cabling and associated hardware to specification.
- Configure, commission and maintain routers, switches and VoIP/PBX equipment.
- Diagnose and repair network faults across access and core equipment using standard test tools and protocols.
- Perform site surveys, produce basic design/practical implementation notes and escalate technical issues where needed.
- Complete handovers, testing checklists and as-built documentation after each job.
- Work safely on site, follow permit and site-specific safety procedures and maintain appropriate records.
- Coordinate with customers, suppliers and internal teams to schedule works and minimise downtime.
- Support network upgrades, migrations and hardware refreshes with staged implementation tasks.
Essential skills and experience
- Practical experience installing and maintaining telecommunications or IP networking equipment.
- Good understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing fundamentals and common network troubleshooting tools.
- Competent with basic test equipment (OTDR/Power meter, Ethernet testers, multimeter) and site testing procedures.
- Able to read wiring schematics and follow installation drawings.
- Strong fault-finding and problem-resolution skills.
- Customer-facing experience with clear verbal and written communication.
- Willingness to work on customer sites and travel regionally as required.
Desirable
- Industry certifications such as CCNA, JNCIA or vendor-specific qualifications.
- Experience with VoIP/SIP, PBX platforms and session border controllers.
- Fibre splicing and testing credentials or training (FTTx/OSP experience).
- Knowledge of health & safety standards relevant to site work and working at height procedures.
- Experience with network monitoring and ticketing systems.
- Full UK driving licence for field-based roles.
What we offer
- [Competitive salary - enter range or band here]
- [Company pension scheme or employer contribution]
- [Annual leave entitlement]
- [Tools, PPE and technical training provided]
- [Overtime or on-call allowance where applicable]
- [Career development and certification support]
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Telecoms Engineer role?
Telecoms Engineers install, configure and maintain telecommunications and IP network equipment used for voice and data services. They work across customer sites and in back-office environments to ensure connectivity, perform fault diagnosis, complete acceptance testing and handover, and support upgrades. The role combines practical on-site tasks with network configuration and documentation.
Core technologies
Fibre and copper cabling, Ethernet switching and routing, VoIP/SIP systems, and network test equipment.
Work environment
Field-based site work and customer premises with occasional office-based configuration and remote support.
Key activities
Installation, commissioning, fault-finding, testing, documentation and customer liaison.
Typical Telecoms Engineer responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Install
Install, terminate and test fibre and copper cabling and associated hardware to specification.
Configure
Configure, commission and maintain routers, switches and VoIP/PBX equipment.
Diagnose
Diagnose and repair network faults across access and core equipment using standard test tools and protocols.
Perform site surveys
Perform site surveys, produce basic design/practical implementation notes and escalate technical issues where needed.
Complete handovers
Complete handovers, testing checklists and as-built documentation after each job.
Work safely on site
Work safely on site, follow permit and site-specific safety procedures and maintain appropriate records.
Coordinate with customers
Coordinate with customers, suppliers and internal teams to schedule works and minimise downtime.
Support network upgrades
Support network upgrades, migrations and hardware refreshes with staged implementation tasks.
Telecoms Engineer skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Practical experience installing and maintaining telecommunications or IP networking equipment.
- Good understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing fundamentals and common network troubleshooting tools.
- Competent with basic test equipment (OTDR/Power meter, Ethernet testers, multimeter) and site testing procedures.
- Able to read wiring schematics and follow installation drawings.
- Strong fault-finding and problem-resolution skills.
- Customer-facing experience with clear verbal and written communication.
- Willingness to work on customer sites and travel regionally as required.
Useful where relevant
- Industry certifications such as CCNA, JNCIA or vendor-specific qualifications.
- Experience with VoIP/SIP, PBX platforms and session border controllers.
- Fibre splicing and testing credentials or training (FTTx/OSP experience).
- Knowledge of health & safety standards relevant to site work and working at height procedures.
- Experience with network monitoring and ticketing systems.
- Full UK driving licence for field-based roles.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Telecoms Engineer job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be explicit about on-site expectations
State whether the role is field-based, requires regional travel, overnight stays or an on-call rota so candidates understand the practical commitments.
List technical essentials separately
Split must-have technical skills (e.g. TCP/IP, cable testing) from nice-to-have certifications to broaden the candidate pool.
Include measurable tasks
Describe typical day-to-day tasks (install X links per week, perform acceptance tests, update ticketing system) to set clear performance expectations.
Mention safety and equipment support
Tell applicants whether you provide PPE, tools and training, and what site safety standards they must follow.
Telecoms Engineer salary considerations
Salaries for Telecoms Engineers vary with experience, the technologies handled and the working pattern. Instead of a single market figure, consider the specific factors that will influence pay for this post and set a band that reflects responsibilities and location.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Telecoms Engineer candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What will a typical day look like?
Candidates want to know the balance of site visits, configuration work and administrative tasks, plus average travel distances.
Is there an on-call rota or weekend work?
Clarify whether the role requires out-of-hours support and how on-call duties are compensated.
What tools, PPE and training are provided?
State whether the employer supplies test equipment, personal protective equipment and access to technical training or certification funding.
How much travel is involved?
Provide typical travel expectations and whether mileage or company vehicle is supplied.
Who will I report to and who will I work with?
Describe the team structure, on-site supervisors and cross-functional stakeholders the engineer will liaise with.
Which qualifications or certifications are required or preferred?
Explain which qualifications are essential for the role and which are supported or desirable for progression.
Where to post a Telecoms Engineer job
This role suits both broad and specialist distribution. Use national UK job boards and professional networks to reach experienced engineers, and supplement with telecoms- and networking-focused boards, industry forums and local technical colleges to attract technicians with specific fibre, VoIP or carrier experience. For field-based vacancies, include regional targeting and consider specialist recruitment agencies where volume or clearance requirements apply.
Related telecommunications / network services job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Telecoms Engineer job description FAQs
Do telecoms engineers need specific licences or registrations?
There is no single national licence for telecoms engineers. Specific sites (for example major construction sites or critical infrastructure) may require site safety cards or proof of training. Employers should state any site-specific requirements such as CSCS, working at height or confined space certificates in the advert.
How should I assess a candidate's technical ability?
Combine CV review with practical assessments: scenario-based interview questions, hands-on tests with common test equipment, and review of past project experience. Request references covering fieldwork and fault resolution where possible.
Should I require a driving licence?
Many field roles involve regional travel, so a full UK driving licence is commonly requested. Make it desirable rather than essential if alternative travel arrangements or company vehicles are available.
What is the best way to attract qualified applicants?
Be clear about the technologies, expected travel and on-call duties, and highlight training, certification support and the tools or vehicle provided. Use targeted adverts on specialist job boards and professional networks to reach experienced engineers.
Ready to hire a Telecoms Engineer?
Use this template to build your job advert, customise the requirements and responsibilities for your needs, then post the vacancy across general and specialist channels to reach qualified candidates.
