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Telecommunications Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engenuity Fiber

OSP Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Engenuity Fiber Engineering specializes in fiber deployment services for telecommunication broadband companies. With a team of industry veterans boasting over 25 years of experience each, Engenuity ...

Engenuity Fiber

OSP Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Engenuity Fiber Engineering specializes in fiber deployment services for telecommunication broadband companies. With a team of industry veterans boasting over 25 years of experience each, Engenuity ...

SES S.A Brazil

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major. * Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication ...

SES

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$152K/yr

Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major. * Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication ...

MX1

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$152K/yr

Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major. * Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication ...

SES

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major. * Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication ...

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All JobsTelecommunications Engineer JobsTelecommunications Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Telecommunications Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25

$49

$74

How much do telecommunications engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for telecommunications engineer in Chicago, IL is $49.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.38 and $60.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a telecommunications engineer?

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 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 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 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 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 jobs can a telecommunications engineer do?

A telecommunications engineer can work in designing, installing, and maintaining communication systems such as telephone networks, internet infrastructure, and wireless networks. They often work in roles related to network planning, system integration, and troubleshooting, using tools like signal analyzers and network simulators. Certifications like Cisco or CompTIA can enhance job prospects in this field.
More about Telecommunications Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Telecommunications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Telecommunications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Telecommunications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Telecommunications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Telecommunications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Telecommunications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Telecommunications Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Telecommunications Engineer job openings:

Telecommunications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telecommunications Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,737 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Staff Telecommunications Engineer (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Staff Telecommunications Engineer will primarily support Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) projects, but may also support a variety of complex utility projects, including distribution automation, cybersecurity, microwave radio, wireless networks, fiber optics, and smart grid. We are specifically seeking an engineer with field commissioning enthusiasm and experience. 

  • Support the design and commissioning of new and existing SCADA systems for electrical utilities and generation facilities.
  • Support the design of telecommunications networks utilizing client standards or developing new standards.
  • Support project deliverables such as: bill of materials, specifications, yard layouts, equipment plans, sections and details, wiring diagrams, control building arrangements, DC calculations, cable lists, SCADA points lists, device configuration files, network architecture diagrams, channel plans, RF path studies, and cutover plans.
  • Support the execution of complex assignments that require advanced tools and techniques, resulting in the development of new or improved processes, equipment, and/or technological methods.
  • Identify, communicate, and support resolution of issues on projects as needed.
  • Provide guidance and instruction to less experienced staff members.
  • Work with the project manager(s) to support project schedule and meet deadlines.
  • Work closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are provided to the client's satisfaction and that projects adhere to internal QA/QC guidelines.
  • Perform design quality reviews.
  • Meet and correspond with clients or outside personnel to develop relationships with key client points of contact.
  • Provide support in preparing proposals and presentations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Comply with all policies and standards.
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or another related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program, and 3 years of utility telecommunications project or related experience required. Consulting experience preferred.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Must be capable of applying intensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices to broad areas of assignments.
  • Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.
  • Engineers in Training (EIT) Certification preferred.
  • Prior experience in supporting field commissioning is preferred. This role will specifically include working solo in the field, as well as providing guidance and support to less experienced engineers in commissioning.

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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