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Telecommunications Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SPECTRUM

Telecommunications Engineer

San Diego, CA

$73K/yr

Are you ready to elevate your engineering career by working with cutting-edge technologies at one of the leading connectivity companies in the country? Do you have expertise in Critical ...

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Telecommunications Engineer information

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$24

$47

$71

How much do telecommunications engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for telecommunications engineer in California is $47.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.74 and $58.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior telecommunications engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior management roles. Achieving this level often requires expertise in network infrastructure, project management, and leadership, along with working in large organizations or consulting firms.

What are some common challenges Telecommunications Engineers face when working on large-scale network deployments?

Telecommunications Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring network reliability during upgrades or expansions. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including IT, project managers, and vendors—can be complex, especially when aligning on technical standards and deployment schedules. Additionally, staying updated with rapid advancements in telecommunications technologies requires continuous learning and adaptation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Telecommunications Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Telecommunications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network infrastructure, signal processing, and telecommunications protocols, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as network analyzers, protocol testers, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of communication systems vital to organizational connectivity.

What are Telecommunications Engineers?

Telecommunications Engineers are professionals who design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot communication systems, such as telephone networks, internet infrastructure, and wireless networks. They work with various technologies, including fiber optics, satellites, and data transmission systems, to ensure reliable and efficient communication. These engineers often collaborate with other IT and network specialists to implement new solutions and upgrade existing networks.

What jobs can a telecommunication engineer do?

A telecommunications engineer can work in designing, installing, and maintaining communication systems such as telephone networks, internet infrastructure, wireless networks, and satellite communications. They often work with network hardware, software, and protocols, and may hold certifications like Cisco or CompTIA to enhance their skills. These roles are typically found in telecom companies, technology firms, and large organizations with communication infrastructure needs.

What is the difference between Telecommunications Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectTelecommunications EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Telecommunications, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like CCNA, CompTIA Network+Bachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; certifications like CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, installing, and maintaining telecom systems, including fiber optics, satellite, and wireless networksDesigning, implementing, and managing computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and data centers
Industry UsageTelecom providers, satellite companies, wireless carriersIT firms, large corporations, data centers

Telecommunications Engineers focus on designing and maintaining telecom infrastructure like fiber optics and satellite systems, while Network Engineers primarily manage computer networks and data communication systems. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments, but their specific technical focus differs.

What Does a Telecommunications Engineer Do?

A telecommunications engineer configures or designs voice, data, and video communications systems. Your responsibilities in this career include working to install or maintain telephones, networks, telecom equipment, telephony elements, voicemail systems, or conferencing systems. Other duties include evaluating and reviewing requests from managers, technicians, and engineers for system modifications, estimating the costs for components or system operation and implementation. You are also in charge of supervising telecommunications equipment maintenance, preparing performance and system activity reports, evaluating and testing software and hardware to determine reliability, compatibility, and efficiency with existing systems, and maintaining, implementing, and developing telecommunications disaster recovery plans so that there are no interruptions to the business.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior telecommunications engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and often advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and may require working in competitive markets or for large corporations.

What do telecommunications engineers do?

Telecommunications engineers design, develop, and maintain communication systems such as phone networks, internet infrastructure, and wireless technologies. They analyze system requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure reliable data transmission using tools like network analyzers and software protocols. Certification and knowledge of industry standards are often required for this role.
More about Telecommunications Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Telecommunications Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Telecommunications Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Telecommunications Engineer jobs in California? For Telecommunications Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Telecommunications Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Telecommunications Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Telecommunications Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Telecommunications Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Telecommunications Engineer jobs in CA? For Telecommunications Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Telecommunications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telecommunications Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,383 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunications Engineer

TRC Companies, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$70K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

TRC Companies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 442 rated engineering

Job description

About Us
TRC, Member of WSP, is a global consulting environmental and engineering firm and one of the top design firms in the energy sector. Together, TRC and WSP's 83,000 experts create positive, long-lasting impacts for our communities and our clients in the power and energy, transportation and infrastructure, environmental, and property and buildings sectors. As part of our team, you'll discover a world of opportunities to connect with innovative thinkers, forge your path, and have fun tackling the world's most challenging projects. At TRC, Member of WSP, you can have a rewarding career on every level.
TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.
We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.
Overview
TRC has an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer in delivering telecommunication engineering solutions to our varied client base. The Telecommunications Engineer will report directly to the Senior Telecommunication Operations Manager and will support engineering design for our portfolio of clients and projects including utilities, municipalities and ISP's.
The ideal candidate will be familiar with all aspects of Telecommunications engineering including the design of Fiber Optic networks, RF systems, utility and telecom sites, facilities including primary and backup power, grounding, etc.
Responsibilities
  • Interact with client and design team by supporting project deliverables and acting as a technical advisor to the engineering execution team.
  • Lead and perform communication projects for wide range of clients.
  • Develop engineering design drawing and specification packages for contractor bidding.
  • Oversee, lead, and perform telecommunications project design efforts for fiber optic, microwave, and two-way radio system procurement and implementation utilizing client standards or developing new standards for utilities.
  • Work with governmental and regulatory agencies.
  • Establish project schedules and budgets.
  • Coordinate with other internal engineering departments, external contractors, and utility construction crews.
  • Work with Project Management team to track technical, schedule, and cost performance of projects and staff.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 5+ years' experience in consulting engineering to electric, gas, water, or similar industries.
  • EIT preferred.
  • Experienced with EDX, Planet, Pathloss software or any other similar path design software.
  • Familiarity with and understanding of TDM, IP, SONET, GIGE, RF, Mesh, SCADA, P-C, DNP, 61850.
  • Knowledge and experience working with computer aided drafting system (CAD) and MicroStation is preferred.
  • Work with utilities and ISP's preferred.
  • Demonstrated writing and communication skills through past client and team interaction.
  • Ability to learn and develop under leadership from our Telecom Operations Director.

Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
  • 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
  • Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
  • All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
  • TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.
Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.
Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company's annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.
Salary Range
USD $70,000.00 - USD $150,000.00 /Yr.

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