Are you a whiz in technology? If so, a career as a VOIP engineer may be right for you.
VOIP is quickly becoming the preferred method of communication in the workplace. An emerging career path, VOIP engineering, combines an understanding of both business and technology to install, maintain, upgrade, and work with new telecommunication facilities.
A VOIP engineer, also called a voice-over-internet protocol engineer, has the responsibility of managing the technology that moves telephone calls from point to point. Because VOIP is a relatively new development in telecommunication, it is an exciting new field in electronics engineering for those who dream about computers and communications.
VOIP engineers work primarily with networks and programming languages, such as Java, PHP, Perl, and C++. It is important to note that this position pays well compared to other computer programming jobs, and it is also one of the fastest-growing fields in technology today.
Sample job description
We are seeking a VOIP engineer to design, implement, and support our internal VOIP system. This position will work with the IT department to create a unique system that ushers in new capabilities for productivity. They will be responsible for VOIP hardware and software. To be successful in this position, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in telecommunications technology, electronics engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, computer science, information systems management, and other related fields.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Install equipment to facilitate integration with our intranet
- Provide advice on how to configure network switches for optimal functionality
- Troubleshoot hardware problems
- Research software updates to increase capacity and optimize performance
- Design, implement, test, and support the daily operations of our VOIP system
- Identify short-term goals to increase productivity in communications infrastructure
- See that all equipment functions are optimized for efficiency
- Perform network analysis to improve security and prevent future failures or downtime
- Research new technologies to stay abreast of field developments
Education and experience
- A bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, electronics engineering technology, computer science, information systems management, or a related field is required for this position
- 6 to 10 years of work experience in the IT industry with two or more years of VOIP expertise
- Excellent knowledge of IP networks and technologies such as NAT, DHCP, DNS, VLAN, MPLS, and WAN
- Strong background in TCP/IP networking specifications, performance improvement techniques, network management tools, and methodologies
- Working knowledge of network topologies such as LANs, WANs, MANs, and wireless networks
- Knowledge of Open Source VOIP solutions is a plus
- Working knowledge of scripting languages such as Perl, PHP, and C++ is a plus
Required skills and qualifications
- Strong knowledge of network protocols and networking technologies
- Ability to work with common programming languages
- Capacity to learn new programming languages
- Advanced skills for troubleshooting problems related to networks
- Knowledge of Linux and Windows systems, including shell scripting languages
- Knowledge of TCP/IP
- Basic knowledge of Cisco Systems, Juniper Networks, and other telecommunication networks architecture
Preferred qualifications
- Knowledge of Java, XML Technologies, and VoIP protocols, including SIP and RTP
- Experience with signaling protocols such as H.323 or MGCP
- Excellent knowledge of Python
- Experience with network protocols such as PANA, DHCP, and DNS
- Exceptional analytical skills
Typical work environment
The work of a VOIP engineer is typically performed in an office or computer lab environment, with some completed remotely. The work week usually consists of 40 hours per week, although overtime may be required on occasion. VOIP engineers will be expected to work under pressure at times and must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Typical hours
Flexible working hours are common for VOIP engineers, with the ability to create their own schedules. There is no standard corporate policy for VOIP engineers as it varies by company, however, efficient time management should be taken into account while balancing other personal responsibilities. Some companies will have an open-door policy regarding work hours.
Available certifications
VOIP engineers have a variety of certifications to choose from. Some of the most popular ones are:
- CompTIA Network+ – This certification helps individuals develop a career in IT infrastructure by covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. CompTIA Network+ validates the hands-on skills needed to troubleshoot, configure, and manage both wired and wireless networks.
- CompTIA Security+ – This is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. Individuals will have the ability to establish the core knowledge required for any cybersecurity role. This certification provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
- Cisco CCNP Collaboration – Achieving CCNP Collaboration certification proves your skills with collaboration solutions. To earn this certification, you must pass two exams: covering core collaboration technologies and collaboration concentration. You will have a choice of which exams to take, so your certification can be customized to your technical area of focus.
- Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) – The only vendor-neutral wireless LAN certification program in the industry, which will cover the full range of technologies underlying all enterprise WLAN products. This is another great option for VOIP engineers.
Career path
VOIP engineers typically begin their careers by performing routine maintenance on systems, installing equipment, and ensuring the network is up to date. As experience is gained, these engineers may be given more difficult tasks related to troubleshooting and upgrading systems.
A VOIP engineer may choose from one of two career paths: senior-level engineer or systems engineer. A senior-level engineer is most commonly hired by large or medium-sized organizations, and this professional will ideally have experience working in two or more departments such as customer service, sales, or software development. A systems engineer’s role is focused mostly on the installation and maintenance of telecommunications systems. They may also install communication solutions for companies that do not have a telecommunications staff in-house.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 17-2070
| 2020 Employment | 313,200 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 333,600 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 7% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 20,400 increase |
Position trends
VOIP engineers will see a 7% growth in the job market from 2020 to 2030, with an increase due to technological improvements and new software products. In addition, more companies are moving their telecommunication services in-house which requires additional VOIP engineers. As VOIP systems are seen as cost-effective alternatives to landlines, they are likely to become more popular in homes and offices alike.
The demand for VOIP engineers is expected to rise given the increase in internet usage and the development of high-speed networks. Many organizations are moving towards VOIP technology due to its lower costs and flexibility over traditional public switched telephone networks or PSTNs. VOIP engineer positions are likely to experience high demand in areas with heavy telecommunications traffic or technological innovation, such as Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle in North Carolina.