SENIOR TELECOM ENGINEER

DEPARTMENT: Professional Services – Engineering Division

LOCATION: Wenatchee, WA - In-Person

COMPENSATION: $90,000 - $130,000 DOE

BENEFITS: Medical, Dental, and Vision, Paid Time Off Holidays, 401(k) Retirement Plan, life, Short- and Long-Term Disability

SCHEDULE: Full Time, Exempt

TRAVEL: Up to 25% to tribal communities, project sites, and industry conferences

REPORTS TO: Director of Professional Services/Chief Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW

Native Network, Inc. is seeking a Senior Telecom Engineer to lead network design, drive technical strategy, and deliver complex telecommunications projects from feasibility through construction closeout. We value candidates who combine strong technical fundamentals with the ability to apply engineering concepts in practical, field-driven environments.

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded telecom engineer with experience across multiple network technologies (fiber, wireless, routing/switching, and infrastructure), and the ability to quickly learn and adapt in a dynamic project environment. This role requires a balance of hands-on engineering, system-level thinking, and practical field awareness. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable developing designs, solving real-world deployment challenges, and presenting technical concepts to non-technical customers. We are specifically seeking someone who can ramp quickly, contribute across multiple concurrent projects, and serve as a technical multiplier for the broader engineering team.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in fiber optic network design (OSP/ISP) and regulatory compliance for federally funded tribal broadband initiatives, with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with NTIA, USDA, FCC, and tribal requirements. This role is critical to advancing connectivity for Native American Tribes, helping reduce costs, generate revenue, and support economic growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Network Design & Engineering

• Troubleshoot and resolve real-world network design and deployment challenges across fiber, wireless, and hybrid environments
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional team members
• Contribute to cross-domain engineering efforts, including Civil, Outside Plant and Network architecture, and emerging OSS/BSS systems
• Lead end-to-end network design for middle-mile and last-mile fiber optic broadband projects, including route planning, capacity analysis, and technology selection
• Develop detailed outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) designs using ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Visio
• Conduct needs assessments, feasibility studies, and cost-benefit analyses to define optimal network architectures
• Produce engineering-grade design packages including splice diagrams, cable placement plans, bill of materials, and construction specifications
• Evaluate and recommend network technologies (e.g., GPON, XGS-PON, Active Ethernet, fixed wireless) based on terrain, density, and funding constraints
• Conduct design reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to build team capability
• Contribute to the development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices for the organization
• Contribute to directly hourly billing goals toward individual customer accounts

Project Delivery & Lifecycle Management

• Manage the technical lifecycle of network projects from feasibility and design through permitting, construction oversight, testing, acceptance, and closeout
• Coordinate cross-functionally with project managers, construction teams, tribal stakeholders, and regulatory agencies
• Review and approve contractor submittals, as-built drawings, and test results for compliance with design specifications
• Track project milestones, technical risks, and change orders; escalate issues proactively

Regulatory & Grant Compliance

• Ensure all network designs and engineering deliverables comply with NTIA BEAD, NTIA TBCP, USDA ReConnect, E-Rate, and other federal/state grant program requirements
• Support environmental and historic preservation compliance (NEPA, NHPA Section 106, tribal cultural resource reviews)
• Prepare and review technical sections of Request for Proposal (RFP) submittals, grant applications, and compliance reports
• Maintain familiarity with FCC regulations, spectrum coordination, and tower/structure registration requirements

Technical Writing & Reporting

• Author and review high-quality engineering reports, technical memoranda, design narratives, and construction specifications
• Deliver clear, accurate and professional documentation suitable for tribal councils, federal agencies, and construction contractors
• Present technical findings to non-technical stakeholders, including tribal leadership and grant administrators

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Telecommunications, Mechanical or related; ABET-accredited preferred)
• 7 years of progressive experience in engineering, including fiber optic broadband infrastructure design and deployment
• Strong experience with outside plant (OSP) fiber optic network design (aerial, buried, and underground construction methods)
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and AutoCAD for fiber network design, mapping, spatial analysis, and engineering documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, SharePoint, and common project management tools
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt to evolving project requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced education or industry certifications (e.g., Master’s degree, PE, EIT/FE, CCNA/CCNP, CFHP, PMP, or similar)
• Experience working with federally funded broadband programs and compliance requirements (NTIA, USDA, ReConnect FCC programs, BEAD or similar)
• Familiarity with regulatory and environmental processes (NEPA, NHPA Section 106 consultation, tribal review processes)
• Familiarity with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or equivalent project tracking platforms.
• Experience designing middle-mile and last-mile fiber networks for rural, tribal, or underserved communities
• Familiarity with broadband technologies such as GPON, XGS-PON, Active Ethernet, or fixed wireless
• Working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, Native American tribal governance structures, tribal sovereignty, and cultural protocols
• Experience with OTDR testing, fiber characterization, and acceptance testing procedures
• Experience across multiple telecom domains (e.g., fiber, fixed wireless, IP/MPLS, transport, or access networks)
• Experience working in fast-paced or multi-project environments with shifting priorities
• Demonstrated experience supporting junior engineers or team members
• Experience working in a professional services consulting organization or capacity

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position involves a combination of office, remote, and field-based work environments
• Travel up to 25% may be required, including visits to rural and project sites
• Ability to walk project sites and work in varying outdoor conditions as needed
• Occasional site visits may involve uneven terrain, construction environments, and exposure to weather conditions

APPLICATION INFORMATION

SCREENING START DATE: May 22, 2026

POSTING CLOSE DATE: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by June 5, 2026

REQUIRED APPLICANT DOCUMENTS

Only qualified applicants should apply by sending the following documents to jobs @ nativenetwork.com:

• Resume / CV
• Cover letter addressing how your experience aligns with the required qualifications
• Portfolio or sample of engineering work product (network design, engineering report, or grant technical narrative)
• Three (3) professional references

BACKGROUND CHECK

This position requires a comprehensive background check, which may include criminal history and driving record review. Background checks will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and will include verification of professional certifications and education.

ABOUT US

Native Network, Inc. helps Native American Tribes connect with communications technology, so they are empowered to reduce costs, generate revenue, create jobs, and ultimately diversify their economies. Native Network provides professional services and wholesale telecommunications services to enable customers with the tools to connect & realize the benefits of the 21st century digital economy.

OUR CORE VALUES

As members of Native Network, Inc.'s organization, we shall strive to exceed our customers', employees', shareholders', and communities' expectations by conducting our business with the following values as our guide. We:

• Are customer focused and quality driven
• Have a sense of urgency
• Deliver on what we promise
• Are honest and respectful
• Work as a team
• Have a passion for excellence
• Go above and beyond to deliver for our customers

EEO/AA STATEMENT

Native Network, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of one's employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.