Telecommunications Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Telecommunications Consultant

Job Description

Salas O'Brien is a nationally recognized employee-owned engineering and consulting firm dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and high-performing environments. As we continue to expand our Technology Consulting practice, we are seeking an experienced Senior Telecommunications Consultant to join our growing team.

The Senior Telecommunications Consultant is responsible for leading the planning, design, and implementation of telecommunications and structured cabling infrastructure systems that support modern buildings and connected environments. This individual serves as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, guiding the development of reliable, scalable, and future-ready communications infrastructure for a variety of project types, including commercial office buildings, corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, higher education, sports and entertainment venues, mixed-use developments, airports, and mission-critical facilities.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership throughout all phases of project delivery, from requirements gathering and master planning through design, construction administration, and project closeout. Working closely with owners, architects, engineers, IT stakeholders, and contractors, the Senior Telecommunications Consultant will develop solutions that support operational needs while aligning with industry standards, technology trends, and project budgets.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in telecommunications infrastructure with excellent communication skills, project leadership capabilities, and a passion for emerging technologies that shape the modern connected building.

Job Duties

• Lead the design and documentation of telecommunications infrastructure systems for new construction and renovation projects.
• Meet with clients, IT departments, and stakeholders to gather business, operational, and technical requirements.
• Develop telecommunications infrastructure solutions that support voice, data, wireless, security, audiovisual, and smart building technologies.
• Design and specify:
• Structured Cabling Systems
• Outside Plant (OSP) Infrastructure
• Fiber Optic Backbone Systems
• Copper Cabling Systems
• Telecommunications Rooms and Equipment Rooms
• Data Centers and MDF/IDF Spaces
• Pathway and Raceway Systems
• Campus Distribution Infrastructure
• Wireless Infrastructure and Wi-Fi Support Systems
• Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Pathways
• Carrier Service Entrance Facilities
• Prepare drawings, specifications, narratives, telecommunications room layouts, pathway plans, riser diagrams, and cost estimates.
• Develop infrastructure budgets and assist clients with technology master planning and capital improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate telecommunications requirements with architects, electrical engineers, security consultants, audiovisual consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Conduct site assessments and surveys of existing telecommunications infrastructure.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, and requests for information (RFIs).
• Participate in construction administration activities, including field observations, punch lists, and issue resolution.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining quality, budget, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior consultants and designers.
• Support proposal development, client presentations, project interviews, and business development initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 8 to 15 years of experience in telecommunications consulting, structured cabling design, ICT consulting, or a related field within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
• Demonstrated experience designing and documenting:
• Structured Cabling Systems
• Fiber Optic Networks
• Copper Distribution Systems
• Telecommunications Spaces
• Campus Infrastructure
• Pathway and Raceway Systems
• Strong understanding of telecommunications standards, including:
• ANSI/TIA Standards
• BICSI Best Practices
• NEC Requirements Related to Telecommunications Infrastructure
• Telecommunications Space Planning Guidelines
• Experience developing construction documents, specifications, and project cost estimates.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Professional client-facing demeanor and ability to build long-term client relationships.

Preferred

• BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification.
• Additional BICSI credentials such as OSP, RTPM, DCDC, or TECH certification.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with:
• Data Center Design
• Smart Building Infrastructure
• Wireless Systems Infrastructure
• Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
• Edge Computing and Connected Building Technologies

Location

Location: Boulder, CO; Chicago; IL, Dallas, TX; Hartford or Boston, CT; or San Diego, CA; Hybrid work model.  Fully remote positions available based on qualifications.

Travel: 10%

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.  The expected base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $120,000 USD per year depending on experience. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

• For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Why Join Salas O'Brien?

As a Senior Telecommunications Consultant, you will help shape the technology infrastructure that powers today's connected buildings and campuses. You'll work alongside industry-leading experts in telecommunications, audiovisual systems, security, acoustics, and smart building technologies while contributing to high-profile projects that influence how people communicate, collaborate, learn, and experience the built environment.

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.