What does a data communication engineer do?
Data communication engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data communication engineer resumes:
- Design, configure, implement, and manage MPLS and VPN networks internationally.
- Install and manage VPN devices for site-to-site and mobile client-base VPN connectivity to corporate resources.
- Manage and dispatch a team of technicians to troubleshoot point of sale and data communications equipment.
- Utilize advanced encryption devices to secure communications between all locations manage by the department.
- Develop a scalable and cost efficient voice and data, network design, SATCOM, and operating solution.
- Repair and maintain legacy broadband LAN system.
- Change telephone settings and configure PBX systems.
- Enforce policies and standards for network and VoIP systems.
- Design, coordinate, and supervise the integration of remote LAN locations.
- Assist with design and implementation of VoIP phone system for remote branch offices.
- Contract for cabling the building for voice and data and having PBX systems install.
- Train network staff in the principles of TCP/IP, routing, switching, and data telephony.
- Identify IP circuits experiencing re-occurring outages.
- Programme and maintain PBX/PABX increasing network integrity by ensuring seamless translations between switches.
- Prepare IP block allocation and configuration scripts necessary to implement the customer requirement.
Data communication engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Data Communication Engineers are proficient in Switches, Routers, and Network Operations. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Leadership skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Communication Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Switches, 10%
Programmed and maintained PBX/PABX increasing network integrity by ensuring seamless translations between switches.
- Routers, 6%
Perform customer configuration staging tasks for Point to Point and Frame Relay routers.
- Network Operations, 6%
Provided technical support to the Defense Information Systems Agency Network Operations Center Pacific for unique requirements.
- Lan, 5%
Migrated a 3270 network to a LAN environment to support technical and business needs.
- Technical Support, 4%
Provided personnel with functional guidance, supervision, technical support, training and quality assurance/quality control.
- Encryption, 4%
Operated and maintains encryption equipment including execution of scheduled updates.
Most data communication engineers use their skills in "switches," "routers," and "network operations" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data communication engineer responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a data communication engineer to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer network architects create comprehensive plans of the networks they are creating with precise information describing how the network parts will work together." Data communication engineers often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed network topology diagram using visio 3 and detailed physical port connectivity document. "
Leadership skills. Another essential skill to perform data communication engineer duties is leadership skills. Data communication engineers responsibilities require that "many computer network architects direct teams of engineers, such as computer hardware engineers, who build the networks they have designed." Data communication engineers also use leadership skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "research bgp and mpls to advise leadership on migration. "
Analytical skills. data communication engineers are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to data communication engineer responsibilities, because "computer network architects have to examine data networks and decide how to best connect the networks based on the needs and resources of the organization." A data communication engineer resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "develop, operate, and maintain voice, wireless, video, and data communications systems. "
The three companies that hire the most data communication engineers are:
- Ho-Chunk
3 data communication engineers jobs
- General Dynamics1 data communication engineers jobs
- Zenetex
1 data communication engineers jobs
Compare different data communication engineers
Data communication engineer vs. Noc analyst
A Network Operation Center (NOC) analyst works on ensuring the stability and working order of all network connections used in a company. The position is essential for companies that require fast-paced communication in both internal and external affairs. Companies like customer support centers, online services, and the like require someone who will inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, and upgrade all vital network and IP connections used in a company. A network operation center analyst should be highly knowledgeable in network engineering and relative fields of study.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, data communication engineer responsibilities require skills like "encryption," "disaster recovery," "technical direction," and "vtc." Meanwhile a typical noc analyst has skills in areas such as "servers," "solarwinds," "linux," and "trouble tickets." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Noc analysts tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $56,276. In contrast, data communication engineers make the biggest average salary, $117,622, in the media industry.The education levels that noc analysts earn slightly differ from data communication engineers. In particular, noc analysts are 4.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a data communication engineer. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data communication engineer vs. Telecom analyst
A telecom analyst coordinates, reviews, and performs all the required telecommunications changes, adds, and moves. They coordinate, review, and perform repair services in all critical emergency cases. These professionals review, ascertain the accuracy and recommend payment of invoices delivered for services offered. Telecom analysts also oversee and coordinate the assigned telecommunication activities and recommend improvements to enhance the system's technical capabilities and minimize operating costs. Furthermore, they develop and maintain a preventative maintenance plan for all the company's owned telephone systems.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real data communication engineer resumes. While data communication engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "routers," "network operations," "lan wan," and "encryption," telecom analysts use skills like "vendor relationships," "infrastructure," "cost savings," and "mpls."
Telecom analysts earn a lower average salary than data communication engineers. But telecom analysts earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $76,848. Additionally, data communication engineers earn the highest salaries in the media with average pay of $117,622 annually.telecom analysts earn similar levels of education than data communication engineers in general. They're 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data communication engineer vs. Network planner
A NOC (Network Operations Center) technician is responsible for providing the highest customer service by resolving the customers' technical and network issues that affect the performance and stability of the systems operations. NOC technicians diagnose system failures and create support tickets for immediate troubleshooting. They also assist the system engineers in upgrading the network infrastructure and configuration to prevent system downtimes and operational delays. A NOC technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in identifying technical solutions and achieve the best customer satisfaction for system services.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data communication engineers are more likely to have skills like "routers," "technical support," "encryption," and "disaster recovery." But a network planner is more likely to have skills like "project management," "rf," "dod," and "emerging technologies."
Network planners earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $104,917. Data communication engineers earn the highest pay from the media industry, with an average salary of $117,622.Most network planners achieve a higher degree level compared to data communication engineers. For example, they're 6.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data communication engineer vs. Noc technician
Even though a few skill sets overlap between data communication engineers and noc technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a data communication engineer might have more use for skills like "encryption," "disaster recovery," "technical direction," and "vtc." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of noc technicians require skills like "customer service," "trouble tickets," "linux," and "network issues. "
In general, noc technicians earn the most working in the professional industry, with an average salary of $56,227. The highest-paying industry for a data communication engineer is the media industry.The average resume of noc technicians showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to data communication engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.Types of data communication engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
