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Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Tt

Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... (e.g., MDF/IDF layouts, backbone and pathway systems), and/or AV systems. * Draft reports and ... Structural Engineering or other building design disciplines. * 2+ years of experience in the ...

USA Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.

Designer

Washington, DC

$85K/yr

... (e.g., MDF/IDF layouts, backbone and pathway systems), and/or AV systems. * Draft reports and ... Structural Engineering or other building design disciplines. * 2+ years of experience in the ...

DYNIS

Construction Manager - Wireless

Columbia, MD · On-site

... Telecom communications systems, as related to the work that is being performed. A successful ... structural construction in an industrial setting * Ability to read engineering drawings maps is ...

All JobsTelecom Structural Engineer JobsFreelance Telecom Structural Engineer JobsFreelance Telecom Structural Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56.6K

$112.6K

$172.2K

How much do freelance telecom structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance telecom structural engineer in Washington, DC is $112,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance telecom structural engineer do?

A Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer specializes in designing, analyzing, and evaluating the structural integrity of telecommunications infrastructure, such as cell towers, rooftop antennas, and supporting frameworks. They ensure that these structures meet safety codes, industry standards, and client requirements while accommodating new equipment or modifications. Working on a freelance basis, they handle project-based work for telecom companies, tower owners, or engineering firms, offering flexibility and expertise for both new builds and upgrades.

What are some common challenges freelance telecom structural engineers face when managing multiple projects for different clients?

Freelance telecom structural engineers often juggle projects with varying scopes, timelines, and client expectations, which can lead to challenges in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines. Coordinating with diverse teams—such as architects, construction crews, and telecom equipment vendors—requires strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, freelancers must stay current with changing industry standards and local regulations for each project location. Effectively managing documentation, invoicing, and client relations is also crucial for maintaining a successful freelance practice.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, typically with a relevant degree and professional licensure (such as PE or SE). Proficiency in structural analysis software (like STAAD.Pro or SAP2000), AutoCAD, and familiarity with telecom industry standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are valuable soft skills for successful project delivery and client interactions. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective telecom infrastructure that meets client and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer vs Telecom Project Engineer?

AspectFreelance Telecom Structural EngineerTelecom Project Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in structural or telecom engineeringEngineering degree, project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndependent, contract-based, on-site or remoteCompany-employed, on-site or office-based
Industry UsageDesign and analyze telecom structures, often freelance or consultingManage telecom projects, coordinate teams and resources

Freelance Telecom Structural Engineers focus on designing and analyzing telecom infrastructure structures independently, often working on a contract basis. Telecom Project Engineers oversee entire projects, managing teams and resources within a company. While both roles require engineering credentials, the freelance engineer emphasizes structural design, whereas the project engineer handles project execution and management.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Freelance Telecom Structural Engineer jobs near you

Telecom Conveyance Engineer, Data Center Infrastructure

Meta

Reston, VA

$170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a Telecom Conveyance Engineer to lead the design and standardization of physical conveyance or distribution infrastructure for our telecom systems within our data center campuses across our global data center portfolio. In this role, you will own the technical strategy for how connectivity is routed on our campuses—from outside plant systems to in-building systems that serve every row of computing infrastructure. This encompasses above ground and underground solutions that include conduit, tray, trench, trellis, and multi-trade rack as well as tunnel solutions.This is a senior technical role at the intersection of the connectivity and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) disciplines, as proper coordination is a must to ensure efficiency in design and deployment. There will be a focus on prefabricated and modular solution development. You will define how pathway and conveyance systems are designed, prefabricated, and deployed at hyperscale—driving standardization that enables faster construction delivery while maintaining design integrity across Meta's expanding fleet and helping to reduce overall delivery costs.You will work directly with our Connectivity Systems Engineering team to ensure distribution infrastructure supports current and next-generation network architectures while also partnering closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, civil, architectural, and structural engineering teams to develop integrated multi-trade solutions that optimize for constructability, maintainability, and scalability.Core focus of this role is advancing Meta's prefabrication strategy for pathway and conveyance assemblies—defining modular design approaches, qualification standards, and deployment frameworks that reduce on-site construction timelines and required installation personnel while improving quality and repeatability at scale.
Telecom Conveyance Engineer, Data Center Infrastructure Responsibilities:
  • Define theand own technical strategy and design standards for outside plant (OSP) connectivity pathways including underground conduit systems, manholes, handholes, vaults, and inter-building fiber routes, ensuring scalability, redundancy, and compliance with applicable standards and codes
  • Lead the design and standardization of inside plant (ISP) connectivity pathways including overhead cable tray systems, vertical risers, floor/wall penetrations, and pathway routing to network equipment
  • Architect integrated row conveyance solutions that coordinate cable tray, electrical busway, and water distribution systems within a unified overhead delivery framework
  • Assist with designing and standardizing multi-trade rack configurations that consolidate power, network, and cooling distribution infrastructure for efficient installation and maintenance
  • Drive Meta's prefabrication strategy for pathway and conveyance assemblies—defining modular design packages, factory qualification criteria, and field installation standards
  • Develop design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles that enable pathway components to be prefabricated off-site with predictable quality, tolerances, and installation interfaces
  • Lead cross-functional coordination with electrical, mechanical, structural, civil, construction teams and network engineering teams to ensure pathway designs accommodate all trade requirements and maintain separation and access standards into site master plans and building infrastructure layouts
  • Establish pathway capacity planning frameworks that account for current fill ratios, future growth, and evolving cable densities driven by AI/GPU infrastructure
  • Create design automation tools, templates, and parametric models that enable scalable pathway design across multiple facility types and regions
  • Drive continuous improvement of pathway designs based on construction feedback, operational lessons learned, and evolving infrastructure requirements

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Degree in electrical, mechanical, civil, or architectural engineering
  • 12+ years of experience in data center or mission-critical facility design, with significant focus on cable pathway, conveyance, or physical distribution infrastructure
  • Experience designing and specifying cable tray systems (ladder, solid-bottom, wire mesh), conduit design, electrical busway, and overhead/under-floor distribution architectures
  • Experience with outside plant design including underground duct banks, conduit routing, manhole/handhole design, and inter-building connectivity pathways
  • Demonstrated expertise in structured cabling pathway standards (TIA-568, TIA-569, BICSI TDMM) and applicable building/electrical codes (NEC, NFPA, IBC)
  • Experience collaborating with civil, structural, and network engineering disciplines to integrate conveyance systems into large-scale infrastructure programs
  • Ability to resolve complex, multi-trade coordination challenges and drive alignment across engineering and construction teams

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Track record of driving standardization across a global portfolio or multi-site program
  • Experience with hyperscale data center programs involving multiple concurrent facility builds
  • Familiarity with BIM coordination workflows, clash detection, and 4D construction sequencing
  • Proficiency in CAD/BIM tools (Revit, AutoCAD, or equivalent) for pathway design and coordination
  • Experience leveraging computational design or AI tools for pathway routing optimization
  • Knowledge of high-density fiber pathway requirements for AI/ML cluster connectivity
  • 15+ years of experience spanning data center pathway design and construction delivery
  • Direct experience developing prefabrication strategies, factory qualification programs, or modular construction frameworks at scale

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$170,000/year to $234,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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