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What is a communications systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

A communication systems engineer design, develop and maintain various technologies needed for various fields of communications. These professionals work on software, electronics, and equipment for communications systems such as telephone systems, internet connections, navigation systems, and cable systems.

They ensure that all facets of TV, cable, telephone, and internet communications are in working order. Communication systems engineers also develop electrical designs for clients, and they prepare instructions and budget the costs of materials for large-scale telecommunications projects.

These professionals undergo certification training so that they can perform maintenance and repairs on communication and navigation systems. These professionals should also possess excellent technical, communication, and analytical skills.

Communications systems engineers can make up to $137,000 a year, and the job market is expected to grow 5% by 2028.

ScoreCommunications Systems EngineerUS Average
Salary
8.3

Avg. Salary $127,832

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 12.70%

Black or African American 9.97%

Hispanic or Latino 14.12%

Unknown 4.47%

White 58.42%

Gender

female 14.65%

male 85.35%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Communications systems engineer career paths

Key steps to become a communications systems engineer

  1. Explore communications systems engineer education requirements

    Most common communications systems engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    59.7 %

    Master's

    19.4 %

    Associate

    12.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific communications systems engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    RF21.49%
    Communications Systems12.58%
    C++6.96%
    DOD5.26%
    Engineering Support4.34%
  3. Research communications systems engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the day-to-day operation of a large-scale military airfield RF communications-electronics planning, integration and maintenance facility.
    • Develop and integrate software that drives flight control system hardware and achieves product requirements for an international avionics customer base.
    • Lead person in evaluating, researching, and testing of LAN communications Software/Hardware.
    • Design premise wiring to support both voice and data during new facilities installations and LAN upgrades.
  4. Prepare your communications systems engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your communications systems engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a communications systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable communications systems engineer resume templates

    Build a professional communications systems engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your communications systems engineer resume.
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
    Communications Systems Engineer Resume
  5. Apply for communications systems engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a communications systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first communications systems engineer job

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Average communications systems engineer salary

The average communications systems engineer salary in the United States is $127,832 per year or $61 per hour. Communications systems engineer salaries range between $90,000 and $179,000 per year.

Average communications systems engineer salary
$127,832 Yearly
$61.46 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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