Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Bellingham, WA

About StarTouch

StarTouch Broadband Services designs, builds, and operates carrier-grade wireless and fiber networks throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our engineering team is responsible for delivering innovative broadband solutions that connect homes, businesses, and communities across diverse geographic environments.

We are seeking an Associate Wireless & Microwave Network Engineer to join our growing Engineering Team. This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineering professional who is passionate about wireless technologies, telecommunications, networking, and broadband infrastructure.

This role is designed as a career development opportunity, providing direct mentorship from experienced engineering leadership while offering hands-on exposure to RF engineering, microwave transport, fiber transport, outside plant (OSP) design, network planning, and broadband deployment projects.

We are looking for someone who is intelligent, curious, highly motivated, and eager to learn. Strong technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude are more important to us than years of industry experience.

Position Summary

The Associate Wireless & Microwave Network Engineer will support the planning, design, deployment, documentation, and optimization of StarTouch's broadband infrastructure, including fixed wireless, microwave transport, and fiber network solutions.

Working closely with the RF Engineering Manager and other engineering staff, this individual will participate in all phases of network engineering, from site planning and network design through implementation and ongoing operational support.

This role offers exposure to both office-based engineering and occasional field activities, providing a well-rounded foundation for a long-term career in telecommunications engineering.

Key Responsibilities

RF & Wireless Network Engineering

• Support the design and optimization of fixed wireless broadband networks.
• Assist with RF propagation studies, coverage analysis, interference evaluation, and link design.
• Support spectrum planning and wireless network performance analysis.
• Participate in wireless capacity planning and network expansion projects.
• Analyze network performance metrics and recommend improvements.

Microwave & Transport Engineering

• Assist with the design and engineering of point-to-point microwave transport systems.
• Perform path analysis, link budget calculations, and fade margin evaluations.
• Support deployment, testing, and optimization of microwave transport networks.
• Assist in troubleshooting wireless and transport network performance issues.

OSP & Infrastructure Engineering

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, construction drawings, network diagrams, and site plans.
• Assist with tower, rooftop, fiber, and wireless infrastructure planning.
• Review site surveys, GIS data, photographs, and drone imagery to support engineering decisions.
• Support development of broadband expansion projects utilizing wireless, microwave, and fiber technologies.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and infrastructure databases.

Solution Development & Network Planning

• Assist in developing customer and network solutions utilizing fixed wireless, microwave, and fiber transport technologies.
• Evaluate existing network infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support project planning, bill-of-material development, and technical design package creation.
• Assist with project cost estimates under the guidance of senior engineering staff.

Vendor & Project Coordination

• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, telecommunications carriers, and service providers to support network deployments.
• Support engineering project execution by tracking deliverables, schedules, and implementation milestones.
• Work closely with Operations, Construction, Field Services, and Engineering teams throughout project lifecycles.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • RF Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Physics
  • Related technical discipline

OR

• Expected graduation within six (6) months of hire date.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of wireless communications fundamentals.
• Knowledge of basic RF principles, propagation concepts, and antenna systems.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals, including IP networking concepts.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Personal Attributes

• Strong intellectual curiosity and desire to learn.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Detail-oriented approach to engineering and documentation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any of the following is beneficial but not required:

• Fixed wireless broadband technologies
• Microwave transport systems
• Fiber optic network infrastructure
• Cambium, Tarana, Ubiquiti, Mimosa, or similar wireless platforms
• GIS and mapping applications
• AutoCAD or similar drafting tools
• RF planning tools such as LinkPlanner, Radio Mobile, iBwave, Atoll, or Planet
• Linux, scripting, or automation experience
• CCNA-level networking knowledge
• Telecommunications internships, capstone projects, research programs, or relevant personal projects

Work Environment

• Preferred location is Bellingham, Washington.
• Hybrid work schedule available (typically 2-3 days in office each week).
• Occasional local and regional travel for site visits and field surveys.
• Valid driver's license preferred.
• Ability to work occasionally at telecommunications facilities and field locations.

Why Join StarTouch?

• Direct mentorship from experienced RF and broadband engineering professionals.
• Exposure to wireless, microwave, fiber, and broadband technologies.
• Opportunity to develop into a highly skilled RF and network engineer.
• Hands-on involvement with real-world broadband infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative, agile engineering team environment.
• Meaningful impact on broadband expansion and community connectivity throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Who We're Looking For

We're not searching for someone who already knows everything. We're looking for someone who has the intelligence, curiosity, and drive to learn almost anything.

If you're an engineer who enjoys solving challenging technical problems, asking thoughtful questions, learning from experienced mentors, and building a long-term career in telecommunications and wireless engineering, we'd love to hear from you.

StarTouch Broadband Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.