Broadband Engineering Consultant (Remote)

Michael Baker International•Santa Ana, CA

9d•Remote

About The Position

Michael Baker International’s Broadband Practice provides broadband and telecommunications consulting and engineering services to state broadband offices, public agencies, municipalities, and other government entities nationwide. Services include technical advisory, broadband planning, data analysis and mapping, verification and challenge support, and grant and program implementation support. The practice advises clients on broadband technologies, evaluates broadband availability and serviceability information, and interprets Internet service provider data and documentation to support public-sector decision-making. It also supports technology evaluation, cost and schedule analysis, grant management, program and project strategy, risk assessments, and technical review of deployment-related information across wired and wireless environments. The Broadband Engineering Consultant supports multiple broadband consulting engagements, primarily for state and local government clients. The role combines broadband network expertise with analytical, communication, and project coordination skills. It involves reviewing and evaluating network designs and supporting documentation, and assisting with field validation to assess technical accuracy, compliance, and alignment with program requirements. The consultant interprets technical documentation and broadband data, evaluates network assumptions, and prepares clear, client-ready analyses and deliverables. The role may require occasional travel.

Requirements

4–8 years of experience involving broadband, telecommunications, network systems, GIS and mapping workflows, infrastructure analysis, technical consulting, or public-sector broadband program support.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
A minimum of 4–6 years of broadband network design or engineering experience, primarily as a consultant.
Expert understanding of broadband technologies, including fiber and fixed wireless systems, and ability to apply that knowledge in an advisory and analytical setting.
Familiarity with working network environments, including PON (GPON/XGS-PON) and/or DOCSIS concepts, and working knowledge of wireless network infrastructure, technologies, and spectrum use.
Ability to interpret technical documentation, network-related materials, broadband availability and serviceability information, and ISP-submitted program data, including evidence used in verification and challenge processes.
Experience working with spreadsheets and structured datasets.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting state broadband offices, public-sector telecommunications programs, or federally or state-funded broadband initiatives.
Familiarity or experience with BEAD and CPF broadband programs, grant administration support, field validation, and other compliance-oriented activities.
Experience reviewing broadband funding applications and associated project-area information, risk indicators, scoring inputs, or technical support materials.
Working knowledge of satellite communications, especially as related to the BEAD program.
Experience using GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS for location, project-area, or serviceability analysis.
Experience developing procedures, guidance documents, or training materials for technical or field-based teams.
Ability to translate technical broadband concepts into clear advisory guidance for clients, project teams, and public-sector stakeholders.
Certifications in network engineering design or related fields.

Responsibilities

Support broadband consulting engagements for state broadband offices, municipalities, and other public-sector clients, including telecommunications strategy, technical review, and data-driven decision-making.
Review and assess broadband-related data and supporting documentation, including service data, deployment project-area and location information, technology descriptions, and deployment records.
Analyze broadband serviceable locations (BSLs), project areas, and related datasets using spreadsheets, tabular analysis, GIS tools, targeted software platforms, and technical documentation to identify inconsistencies, trends, gaps, and project risks.
Evaluate broadband technologies and network environments, including fiber, PON-based systems, DOCSIS concepts, and fixed and mobile wireless, to support technical advisory services.
Support technical review of broadband grant applications and related program materials, including scoring inputs, risk indicators, and location-level documentation during application and award phases.
Support verification and challenge activities by reviewing ISP-submitted evidence, assessing data and documentation quality, and helping document findings for public-sector decision-making.
Prepare technical memoranda, issue logs, comparison analyses, summary reports, presentations, and other client-facing deliverables.
Help clients and project teams understand broadband deployment assumptions, cost and schedule considerations, serviceability issues, technology distinctions, and implications for program decisions.
Coordinate and support field teams conducting broadband validation, including guidance on procedures, documentation expectations, data collection, location validation, and consistent reporting.
Provide day-to-day technical support and coordinate with project managers, analysts, GIS staff, and field personnel to resolve issues and produce timely, accurate, defensible deliverables.
Participate in internal and client meetings and present technical information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Travel occasionally as required.