Position Summary
StarTouch is seeking a highly detail-oriented Construction Manager to lead the deployment of licensed and unlicensed microwave backhaul networks throughout the Pacific Northwest. This role is responsible for the complete lifecycle of microwave link implementation, including engineering review, drawing validation, equipment selection, bill of materials (BOM) creation, procurement coordination, construction oversight, turn-up testing, and project closeout.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of microwave transport systems, tower and site infrastructure, construction practices, and network deployment methodologies. Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, a commitment to quality and accuracy, and the ability to coordinate effectively with vendors, field teams, engineering staff, and suppliers.
This position is preferably based in Bellingham, Washington, though qualified candidates located elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest will be considered for a hybrid work arrangement.
Reports To: Director of Network Engineering (or Senior Director of Field Operations & Construction, as assigned)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with travel throughout the Pacific Northwest as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Microwave Network Design & Validation
• Create, review, and validate microwave link construction drawings and supporting documentation.
- Verify design accuracy, equipment specifications, antenna selections, mounting configurations, and path requirements.
- Ensure all drawings meet StarTouch engineering standards, quality requirements, and deployment objectives.
- Identify and resolve design discrepancies prior to construction.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize microwave path performance, reliability, and scalability.
Equipment Selection & Procurement
• Select appropriate microwave radios, antennas, waveguide/cabling, mounting hardware, power systems, and ancillary equipment.
- Develop detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) for microwave link deployments.
- Generate procurement packages and coordinate purchasing activities.
- Create and manage Purchase Requisitions and Purchase Orders (POs) in accordance with company procedures.
- Track material deliveries and ensure equipment readiness for scheduled deployments.
Construction Management
• Manage microwave deployment projects from construction kickoff through final acceptance.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external construction vendors and internal Field Operations teams.
- Coordinate scheduling, construction activities, site access, and resource assignments.
- Monitor project progress, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
- Ensure all construction activities comply with safety standards, company requirements, and applicable regulations.
Turn-Up, Testing & Commissioning
- Coordinate installation, integration, and commissioning of microwave links.
- Oversee turn-up testing activities and validate link performance against engineering specifications.
- Troubleshoot deployment issues in partnership with engineering and operations teams.
- Verify successful completion of acceptance testing and operational readiness.
Quality Assurance & Closeout
- Maintain rigorous quality control throughout all project phases.
- Review and validate as-built documentation, photographs, test results, and construction records.
- Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and properly archived.
- Assemble and approve Close Out Packages (COPs) for every deployed microwave link.
- Confirm projects are completed to StarTouch standards before acceptance and handoff to operations.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in telecommunications construction, microwave deployment, wireless network implementation, or related field.
- Hands-on experience with point-to-point microwave systems and network infrastructure deployment.
- Demonstrated experience creating or reviewing engineering and construction drawings.
- Strong understanding of telecommunications site construction practices, tower infrastructure, and wireless backhaul networks.
- Experience developing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and managing procurement processes.
- Proven ability to manage vendors, contractors, and multi-disciplinary project teams.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and project management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project tracking tools.
- Ability to travel throughout the Pacific Northwest as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Cambium, Aviat, Ceragon, Siklu, Ubiquiti, Mimosa, or comparable microwave platforms.
- Familiarity with tower structural considerations, grounding, power systems, and wireless site infrastructure.
- Experience with GIS, CAD, Visio, or similar drawing/documentation platforms.
- Knowledge of FCC licensing and microwave path coordination processes.
- PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- Experience working in ISP, WISP, carrier, or broadband environments.
Key Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ownership mentality and accountability for project outcomes.
- Effective vendor and stakeholder management.
- Strong decision-making and prioritization skills.
- Customer-focused and results-driven mindset.
What Success Looks Like
- Microwave link designs are validated accurately and deployed without rework.
- Equipment selections and BOMs are complete, accurate, and cost-effective.
- Projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.
- Vendors and field teams are effectively coordinated and supported.
- Turn-up testing is completed successfully with minimal deployment issues.
- Close Out Packages are complete, accurate, and delivered on time.
- StarTouch maintains the highest standards of network quality and reliability.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Company paid Vision and dental benefits
- Additional ancillary benefits for accident, hospitalization, long term and short term disability, special event, and cancer are available at the employee's expense.
- $100,000 company paid life insurance coverage which can be increased by employee contributions
- 401K basic retirement plan w/matching contribution plan
- 10 paid holidays - New Years, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and your Birthday.
- Seventeen (17) PTO days per year. Twenty-two days (22) after four (4) years of employment.
Offers of employment are subject to acceptable background screening, reference checks, drug testing, acceptable/insurable driving record, and valid driver's license.