Telecommunications Network Designer

A Telecommunications Network Designer plans, designs, and optimises telecommunications networks for carriers, service providers, or large enterprises in Australia. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and network modelling tools to create detailed network architectures, capacity plans, and infrastructure layouts that meet regulatory standards and business requirements. The role involves translating technical specifications into practical network designs that balance cost, performance, and compliance with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards.

Analyse network requirements and traffic forecasts to determine capacity, coverage, and technology needs for telecommunications infrastructure. Design network topologies and architectures using CAD software and network design tools such as Cisco Design Suite or equivalent platforms. Produce detailed network diagrams showing equipment placement, cable routing, frequencies, and interconnection points compliant with ACMA regulations. Calculate bandwidth requirements, link utilisation, and latency parameters to ensure network performance meets service level agreements. Evaluate technology options including 4G, 5G, fibre optic, microwave, and satellite systems for cost effectiveness and suitability. Prepare network costing models and bill of materials documentation for capital expenditure planning and procurement. Conduct site surveys and feasibility studies to assess terrain, environmental conditions, and access constraints for network deployment. Liaise with planning authorities and obtain approvals for tower installations, underground cabling, and transmission sites under local council requirements.

The standard entry pathway requires a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree (ABS skill level 2). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll face a steep learning curve with expensive software like Cisco Design Suite and ACMA compliance rules that take time to master. The real trap is that your designs sit on paper while field teams build them, so you won't see the results or get direct feedback for months. Pay tends to plateau around mid-career unless you move into management, and automation is slowly eating away at the routine design work.

Remote work is possible for design-only positions, but site survey and approval work means you'll need to travel to regional areas regularly. Regional employment is limited unless you're willing to travel constantly.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 3132, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Digital Literacycore
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiencycore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Documentationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• ABAP
• Active Listening
• Calibrate electronic instruments
• Cisco
• CoffeeScript
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Microsoft Excel Data Management
• Negotiation
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboards
• Process Improvement Identification
• Reporting and Analytics
• Time Management and Prioritisation

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026