Field Operations Manager (FOM) Location: Bellingham, WA (Hybrid Eligible)
Company: DNG / StarTouch Communications
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (CTH) or Direct Hire
$125k target base salary
Reports To: VP of Network Engineering
Position Overview DNG / StarTouch Communications is seeking a highly capable and results-driven
Field Operations Manager (FOM) to lead a distributed team of Field Technicians supporting our wireless network infrastructure across
Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.
This role is accountable for both
ongoing field operations of active (on-air) network assets as well as the
deployment of new network builds, link construction, and circuit turn-ups. The ideal candidate is a
strong leader of both people and projects, with a deep understanding of operational milestones, service delivery, and network performance accountability.
Key Responsibilities Field Operations Leadership Lead and manage a geographically dispersed team of Field Technicians across WA, OR, and NorCal.
- Maintain a high-performance culture focused on network reliability, uptime, and rapid issue resolution.
- Oversee day-to-day field operations for existing network assets, ensuring high availability and SLA adherence.
Project Delivery & Construction (CX) Drive execution of new network builds including
microwave links, site integration, and circuit turn-ups.
- Own the construction (CX) lifecycle from planning through completion, ensuring milestone alignment and delivery commitments.
- Forecast, track, and actualize key project milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
Ticketing & Operations Management Oversee field operations ticket management processes, ensuring efficient prioritization, dispatch, and resolution.
- Coordinate closely with the NOC for escalations, outages, and maintenance activities.
- Implement and optimize processes to improve operational efficiency and service quality.
Vendor & Resource Management Manage
construction vendors (CX) including selection, onboarding, performance evaluation, and accountability.
- Coordinate equipment procurement and Bill of Materials (BOM) planning to support both operations and project builds.
- Ensure alignment of vendor activities with project timelines and quality standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Work collaboratively across all functional teams, including:
o Site Acquisition
-
- RF Engineering
- Finance
- Network Engineering
- NOC
- Field Operations
- Serve as a key liaison ensuring field execution aligns with design, financial, and operational goals.
Executive Communication Provide clear, concise updates and reporting to executive leadership.
- Present on project status, operational performance, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Required Qualifications 7+ years of experience in
wireless telecom field operations and/or network deployment.
- 3+ years of experience leading distributed field teams.
- Strong experience in:
o Field operations ticket management
-
- Network construction (CX) lifecycle
- Vendor management and coordination
- Proven ability to manage complex, multi-site deployments and operations simultaneously.
- Demonstrated success in meeting milestones, deadlines, and service-level commitments.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communicator with experience presenting to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications Experience with
Site Tracker project management platform strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with Tier 1 telecom project management and operational systems.
- Background in microwave networks, fixed wireless, or similar infrastructure environments.
- Knowledge of network performance metrics, uptime standards, and field operations best practices.
Key Attributes for Success Strong leadership mindset with the ability to motivate and manage distributed teams
- Ownership mentality with a focus on execution and results
- Deep understanding of milestones, deliverables, and operational commitments
- Ability to balance urgent operations issues with long-term project delivery
- Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented
Why Join DNG / StarTouch? Take a leadership role in shaping and scaling a growing wireless network footprint
- Work directly with executive leadership and influence key operational outcomes
- Opportunity to transition from contract to long-term leadership role (if CTH)
Flexible hybrid work environment