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Communications Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Communications Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$71.1K

$126K

$156.5K

How much do communications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications engineer in Seattle, WA is $125,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $147,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications engineer do?

A Communications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains communication systems and networks, such as telephone, radio, satellite, and internet connections. They ensure reliable and efficient transmission of data and voice signals, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement new technologies to improve performance. Communications Engineers may work with both hardware and software, collaborating with other technical teams to support large-scale infrastructure projects and meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Communications Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectCommunications EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, service providers, infrastructure projectsIT departments, data centers, enterprise networks
Industry UsageTelecommunications, broadcasting, satellite communicationsInformation technology, internet service providers, corporate networks

While both roles involve network and communication systems, Communications Engineers focus on designing and maintaining telecommunication infrastructure, whereas Network Engineers primarily manage and optimize computer networks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a communications engineer?

A communications engineer builds and maintains telecommunication systems, from radio to satellite to internet technologies. As a communications engineer, your job duties include designing and developing communications networks from the ground up, installing and testing communications systems, troubleshooting and debugging existing systems, and fixing problems as they arise. The qualifications for a career as a communications engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, and experience working on communications systems. You need strong technical skills and the ability to continuously learn new technologies.

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

To thrive as a Communications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of telecommunications principles, networking, signal processing, and typically a degree in electrical or communications engineering. Familiarity with tools such as network analyzers, RF simulation software, and certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ are often required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure reliable, secure, and high-performing communications systems in rapidly evolving technology environments.

What are some common challenges communications engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Communications Engineers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating new systems with legacy technologies, ensuring network security and reliability, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. They must also manage tight deadlines and evolving project requirements, which can require adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Effective communication with stakeholders, including project managers, IT professionals, and external vendors, is essential to successfully address these challenges and deliver robust communication solutions.
More about Communications Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Communications Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Communications Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Communications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,971 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Senior Communications Engineer, Rail Systems, Seattle WA

Hatch

Seattle, WA

$140K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Requisition ID: 98502 

Job Category: Infrastructure; Consulting; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management 

Location: Seattle, WA, United States 
 

Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. With more than 70 years of business and technical expertise in mining, energy, and infrastructure, our 10,000 colleagues in 150 countries tirelessly work toward bettering the industries in which we operate. With practical solutions that are safe, innovative and sustainable, we think globally while acting locally. Are you looking for an opportunity to join a diverse group of professionals who are committed to remaining exceptional? We look forward to hearing from you.

Our expertise in infrastructure includes aviation, highways and bridges, planning and advisory services, ports, rail and transit, tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the infrastructure team is for you!
 

Ready to advance your career? 


Hatch is seeking a highly motivated Senior Communications Engineer, Rail Systems to join our Transit team in Seattle, WA. 

We’re looking for an engineering professional who is results driven, detail oriented, and an excellent communicator. You should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team, managing multiple tasks while maintaining strong quality standards. Our communications engineers play a vital role in supporting transit agency operations designing and deploying networks that enable dispatching, safety systems, passenger information tools, ticketing, and administrative functions. Much of the work occurs in active (“brownfield”) rail and transit environments, where careful planning, execution, and field validation are essential. 

In this role, you will: 

  • Develop conceptual designs and contract documents for state-of-the-art communications networks and data centers for public transit clients. 

  • Ensure systems are built to specifications, function as intended, and balance client risk, needs, and cost. 

  • Establish design criteria, write specifications, create conceptual designs, prepare cost estimates, review contractor designs, and oversee testing, commissioning, and cutover activities. 

  • Participate in design, testing, and commissioning on transportation projects, with a focus on communications and IT infrastructure. 

  • Collaborate with team members locally and remotely to achieve project goals. 

What you bring: 

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field. 

  • At least 10 years of experience with communications infrastructure and technology, ideally in transit or transportation environments. 

  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, and BICSI standards. 

  • Experience designing detailed fiber-based communications systems including outside plant, switches, and data/control centers. 

  • Familiarity with network management and monitoring tools such as HP OpenView, WhatsUp Gold, Nagios, SolarWinds, or similar. 

  • Understanding of network throughput, latency, and reliability performance. 

  • Experience developing disaster recovery plans for network infrastructure. 

  • Experience designing CCTV systems using simulation tools. 

  • Experience designing Public Address systems for stations and facilities. 

  • Ability to define security requirements for protecting network and critical electronic infrastructure. 

  • Strong knowledge of Ethernet core protocols and extensions. 

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Certifications or experience with Cisco technologies. 

  • BICSI RCDD certification, PE or EIT licensure (preferred but not required). 

  • Experience working in the North American transit industry. 

 

Why join us?

  • Work with great people to make a difference
  • Collaborate on exciting projects to develop innovative solutions
  • Top employer


What we offer you?

  • Flexible work environment
  • Long term career development
  • Think globally, work locally

Don't meet every single requirement? You don't need to. At Hatch, we are building a diverse, inclusive workplace that fosters innovation. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if your past experiences don't perfectly align with the skills we've listed.

We're committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. Hatch is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know. We'll do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.

#HATCHUS #LI-RC1 

Base Compensation: $140,000 - $230,000 (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

Hatch is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the diverse needs of our employees. This includes:

  • Health and Welfare benefits: Top-tier medical coverage (one plan with no employee premium required), prescription drug, dental, vision; flexible spending accounts and a health savings account (with a generous employer contribution); life, accident, and disability insurance; employee assistance program (EAP), employee wellness program
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match of 50% per dollar up to 6%, fully vested after three years; additional 3% in profit-sharing contribution after one year of employment (immediately vested)
  • Paid Time Away from Work: 3-4 weeks of vacation based on experience and company discretion, prorated in the 1st year based on hire date (up to 2.5 weeks can be carried over per year); 10 paid holidays; 10 sick days per calendar year, with the ability to carry-over sick time to a maximum of 40 days to be used for future FMLA-qualifying events; Partial Paid Parental leave up to 12 weeks for birth parents and 4 weeks for non-birth parents

The benefits listed above apply to US-based, full-time permanent applicants only. Hatch reserves the right to change plans at its discretion.

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