WHO WE ARE

Supported by more than 4,000 employees in nearly 100 locations across the United States, we provide a full continuum of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. Our clients include U.S. federal, state and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker is committed to delivering a standard of excellence that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve our clients' complex challenges.

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Broadband Network Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in designing wired networks, with additional knowledge of the design of wireless networks being a plus. This role involves, under general supervision, creating and assessing broadband network designs, working with GIS to integrate geospatial elements, and ensuring compliance with current federal funding requirements for programs including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Field work to verify or test network installations to ensure they meet design specifications and comply with program regulatory requirements.

 

Key Responsibilities:

·         Design and develop comprehensive network plans and cost projections for wired, primarily fiber optic, broadband infrastructure to support client decision making, construction procurement, and eventual construction.

·         Assess and evaluate broadband network designs to ensure technical feasibility and sustainability. Confer with managers and other technical staff to determine assistance required in any plan preparation, evaluation of project conditions, recommended design changes, and reports.

·         Evaluate broadband network costs in relation to design specifications and program regulatory requirements.

·         Develop methods for, oversee, and conduct field work to verify and/or test network installations meet design specifications and comply with federal and state program regulatory requirements. Analyze collected field data from aerial and underground installations, splicing test results, pole data/make ready, utilities, and other relevant features.

·         Collaborate with GIS specialists to incorporate geospatial data into network designs and field validation tools and materials

·         Create work plans and schedules for deployment oversight. Oversee and monitor broadband deployment construction. Coordinate with internet service providers to manage deployment efforts.

·         Understand and assess permit requirements for network designs, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

·         Perform research to support project tasks. Stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and standards related to broadband network design and permitting.

·         Use software applications to edit, manipulate and report project data.

·         Perform calculations and analyses to support project objectives. Perform quality control procedures.

·         Provide technical guidance to client or other project personnel.

·         Interaction with client to ensure satisfactory customer service.

·         Prepare and present technical and project/program information to team members, management, and clients.

·         Provide technical support and guidance to project teams regarding broadband network design and deployment. Collaborate with other project and team members.

·         Occasional to moderate travel required,

 

Qualifications and Skills:

·         Experience working with state broadband offices and with local governments on broadband projects.

·         Technical knowledge of broadband with an in-depth understanding of fiber optic, fixed and mobile wireless, cable, satellite and other telecommunications networks.

·         Proficiency with network design software and tools.

·         Strong understanding of broadband technologies and infrastructure.

·         Familiarity with GIS and integrating geospatial elements into designs. Knowledge of ESRI tools a plus.

·         Knowledge of federal funding requirements for IIJA BEAD and ARPA CPF programs.

·         Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

·         Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements.

·         Proven track record of effective communication, both written and verbal, complemented by strong presentation skills. Ability to engage with internal teams, clients, subconsultants, and vendors.

·         Creative thinker with the capacity to conceptualize innovative solutions

·         Proficiency in the Microsoft Suite of tools, including Teams

·         A professional attitude with a strong passion for contributing to the advancement of America’s information infrastructure, leveraging expertise in wireline and wireless communications technologies.

 

Preferred Technical Qualifications:

·         Experience with wireless network deployment

·         Experience with NEPA and NHPA permitting requirements; evaluating the need for assessments in sensitive areas and historical locations

 

Education and Experience:

·         Bachelor’s Degree with 4-6 years of broadband network design/engineering and consulting experience

·         Certifications in network engineering or related fields preferred

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position is $64,000 to $101,000.  This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.