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Backhaul Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

You will be part of a growing team, coordinate tasks with integration engineers, and perform ... Theory and application related to project management, radio access networks, backhaul to sites ...

... IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists ... Responsible for backhaul pick-ups from vendor locations. Required to unload or load product by hand ...

... IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists ... Responsible for backhaul pick-ups from vendor locations. Required to unload or load product by hand ...

Backhaul Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$31.4K

$82K

$122.5K

How much do backhaul engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhaul engineer in Michigan is $82,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Backhaul Engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing network infrastructure?

Backhaul Engineers often encounter challenges when introducing new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, minimizing network downtime during upgrades, and managing increased data traffic. They must carefully plan migrations, coordinate with cross-functional teams like network architects and operations, and perform thorough testing to maintain service reliability. Staying updated with evolving standards and managing vendor relationships are also key aspects of successfully integrating new solutions.

What is the difference between Backhaul Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectBackhaul EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Telecommunications, Networking, or related field; certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; similar certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentTelecom sites, cell towers, network infrastructure facilitiesOffices, data centers, client sites
Industry UsageTelecommunications, mobile network providersIT, corporate networks, service providers
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Backhaul Engineer primarily focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining the communication links that connect cell towers to core networks, often working in telecom environments. Network Engineers have a broader role, managing overall network infrastructure across various industries. While both roles require similar certifications and technical skills, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are Backhaul Engineers?

Backhaul Engineers are telecommunications professionals who design, implement, and maintain the network infrastructure that connects core networks to edge networks, such as cell towers or local exchanges. Their work is critical for ensuring high-speed, reliable data transmission between network nodes, which supports services like mobile data, voice calls, and internet connectivity. They often work with fiber optics, microwave links, and other transmission technologies to optimize network performance and capacity. Backhaul Engineers also troubleshoot issues, plan network expansions, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backhaul Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhaul Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking principles, telecommunications infrastructure, and transmission technologies, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with network management systems, fiber optics, microwave transmission tools, and certifications like CCNA or equivalent are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting network issues. These competencies ensure reliable, high-capacity network connectivity and support the seamless delivery of data services critical to modern communications.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Backhaul Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Backhaul Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Backhaul Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,017 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Network Operations Director

Network Operations Director

RF Connect

Farmington Hills, MI โ€ข On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Company Description
RF Connect is a team of industry leaders transforming connectivity. We invest in our team, have fun, and give back to our community. We lead the way in the design, deployment, and support of high performance wireless networks and solutions. Our philosophy is simple - hire the best people, do the best work, and set the standard for the industry. Due to our growth and national expansion, we are currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, customer-oriented team members who are looking for an organization where they can make a major contribution and be an integral part of continued growth.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Network Operations Director to lead the overall performance, reliability, and operational excellence of RF Connect's Managed Services Network Operations Center (NOC). This leadership role oversees network monitoring, incident response, service assurance, and operational support across Radio Access Network (RAN), Packet Core, and Backhaul environments.
The Director will be responsible for maintaining high levels of network availability and customer satisfaction while ensuring service level commitments are achieved. In addition to operational leadership, this individual will serve as a senior customer-facing representative for key managed services accounts, participating in service reviews, escalations, and strategic customer discussions.
The ideal candidate possesses deep experience managing wireless network operations teams, strong technical expertise in cellular network infrastructure, and a demonstrated ability to lead customer-facing service organizations. Experience working for or supporting major wireless carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, DISH Wireless, or similar mobile network operators is highly preferred.
To be successful in this role you should have prior business-to-business customer support experience, have a tenacious customer-focused attitude, and have a strong knowledge base in order to manage and grow our Managed Services portion of our business. In this role you will report to our General Manager of Operator Services in our Farmington Hills, MI headquarters office. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with regular weekly travel to the headquarters office, as outlined in our Hybrid/Remote Work Policy. We will also consider remote applicants residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
What You'll Do (responsibilities)
Network Operations Leadership & Infrastructure Management (approx. 70-80% of the role)
  • Lead all NOC operations supporting RAN, Packet Core, and Backhaul environments.
  • Manage network performance, availability, and service assurance activities.
  • Direct incident response, escalation management, and root-cause analysis efforts.
  • Establish and monitor operational KPIs, SLAs, and service metrics.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational automation.
  • Oversee staffing, scheduling, performance management, and development of NOC personnel.
  • Partner with engineering teams on capacity planning, network optimization, and technology upgrades.
  • Ensure operational readiness for LTE, 5G, CBRS, private wireless, and IoT deployments.

Customer & Service Management (approx. 20-30% of the role)
  • Serve as the senior operational contact for managed services customers.
  • Participate in customer escalations and critical issue resolution.
  • Conduct periodic service reviews and operational business reviews.
  • Communicate network performance and service metrics to customers.
  • Support customer retention and growth through exceptional service delivery.
  • Collaborate with Sales and Operations leadership on customer satisfaction initiatives.

Qualifications
Experience You Have
  • 8+ years of telecommunications industry experience in IT, telecommunications, or managed services operations.
  • 5+ years managing NOC, service assurance, network operations, or managed services teams.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting cellular wireless networks, including RAN, Packet Core, and Backhaul environments.
  • Experience leading 24x7 operational support organizations.
  • Experience managing customer-facing service delivery and escalation processes.
  • Experience with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, DISH Wireless, UScellular, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, Mavenir, or similar wireless carrier/vendor environments, highly preferred.
  • Experience supporting LTE, 5G, CBRS, private wireless, or neutral host networks, highly preferred.

Technical Skills You Have
  • Knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure, networking, managed services environments, 3GPP, RAN, Packet Core, etc.
  • Experience with network monitoring tools, Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) platforms, and ticketing systems.
  • Familiarity with network performance metrics, incident management, and service level management.

Core Competencies
  • Network Operations Management
  • Managed Services Delivery
  • SLA Management
  • Incident Management
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Telecommunications Infrastructure
  • Network Monitoring and Performance Optimization
  • Technical Account Management
  • Cross-functional Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Data-driven decision making

Educational/Vocational Training You Have
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field, or an equivalent combination of experience, certifications, or other technical training.
  • Any relevant certifications are a plus.

Environmental/Physical Demands
  • Must be capable of lifting within regulatory limits
  • This position sometimes operates in commercial construction sites, hospitals, and occupied commercial & government buildings. Some activities require the use of a ladder or lift and standing or walking for extended periods of time. When in the office uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.

Additional Information
Job Type: Full-time
Job Location: Farmington Hills, MI, USA or Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, Metro area; only US-based candidates with US work authorization considered, no outside recruiters
Education Level: 4-year college degree (or equivalent)
Travel: Occasional national travel required, as needed to support the business/department & customer site locations
Compensation Package
  • Competitive, commensurate with experience
  • Health benefits
  • HSA w/ company matching
  • 401k w/ company matching
  • PTO w/ rollover

All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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