Field Operations Manager

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