Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Telecommunications Engineering Experts in Seattle
Hatfield & Dawson Consulting, based in Seattle, has been a leader in telecommunications and electromagnetic engineering since its founding in 1945. Our firm specializes in comprehensive system design, regulatory compliance, and technical evaluation for radio and broadcast systems, serving clients nationwide. With decades of collective experience, our team delivers precise propagation analysis, construction supervision, and operational reviews tailored to each client's unique needs. We pioneered advanced computational methods for AM/FM antenna design, ensuring cost-effective solutions without adjustments. Our legacy includes working on high-profile projects like the Voice of America's million-watt transmitters. The firm remains committed to technical excellence, providing detailed reports for both technical and non-technical audiences, including coverage maps using cutting-edge propagation models.Our engineers hold professional certifications and have published extensively on electromagnetic radiation and antenna systems. We maintain rigorous ethical standards, conducting thorough due diligence inspections for broadcast property transactions to protect clients' interests. Our technical expertise spans multi-user communications sites, public safety systems, and compliance with federal regulations. Our client-centric approach combines deep historical knowledge with modern analytical techniques to solve complex telecommunications challenges.
Services
System Design
Needs Analysis
Regulatory Review
Propagation Analysis
Construction Supervision
Broadcast Engineering
Electromagnetic Analysis
Due Diligence Inspections
Technical Reporting
Signal Coverage Mapping
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- We have 75+ years of specialized experience in telecommunications engineering since 1945
- Pioneered modern computational analysis methods for AM antenna systems
- Comprehensive services from needs analysis to system implementation
- Our engineers hold multiple professional certifications including PE licenses
- Proven track record with complex projects like Voice of America transmitters
Services
System Design
Our system design service provides comprehensive telecommunications solutions from initial needs analysis to final implementation. We evaluate communication requirements, user needs, and technical constraints to create optimized radio systems for both new installations and upgrades. Our engineers develop detailed specifications and configurations that meet regulatory standards while maximizing operational efficiency. With expertise in two-way radio, broadcast, and data systems, we ensure reliable coverage and performance through advanced propagation modeling techniques.
Propagation Analysis
Using sophisticated computational models, we conduct precise propagation analysis to predict and optimize radio signal coverage. Our service evaluates terrain, atmospheric conditions, and interference factors to create accurate coverage maps for AM/FM radio, television, and wireless systems. We employ both theoretical and empirical methods to ensure reliable performance predictions. This analysis informs optimal antenna placement and transmitter configuration while maintaining compliance with FCC regulations and industry standards for signal strength and coverage areas.
Regulatory Review
Our regulatory review service ensures telecommunications projects meet all federal requirements through comprehensive compliance assessments. We prepare license applications, conduct proof-of-performance testing, and verify adherence to FCC technical standards. This includes evaluating electromagnetic radiation levels, station modifications, and construction permit requirements. Our expertise in regulatory processes helps clients avoid compliance issues and streamlined approval timelines through proactive documentation and field measurement validation.
Broadcast Engineering
We offer specialized broadcast engineering services covering AM/FM radio, television, and digital media transmission systems. Our experts handle allocation studies, antenna design, and facility optimization for commercial and non-commercial broadcasters. This includes FCC application preparation, field strength measurements, and system performance evaluations. Our experience with complex scenarios like border station allocations and multi-transmitter operations ensures reliable broadcast solutions that maximize coverage while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Due Diligence Inspections
Our technical due diligence service identifies critical issues in communications property transactions through thorough facility inspections. We verify transmitter locations, power levels, and licensing compliance while uncovering potential risks like illegal operations or safety violations. This service protects investors by validating technical specifications and operational claims. Our comprehensive reports provide actionable insights on required improvements and compliance status, ensuring informed decision-making for broadcast and telecommunications asset acquisitions.
People
Stephen S. Lockwood
President/Senior Electrical Engineer
As President, Stephen Lockwood oversees engineering operations with specialized expertise in electrical systems and telecommunications infrastructure. He manages complex projects requiring advanced technical solutions and regulatory compliance, drawing on extensive field experience with broadcast and radio systems. Lockwood ensures project deliverables meet professional engineering standards while maintaining client-focused service excellence.
James B. Hatfield
Consultant Engineer
A third-generation engineer in the firm founded by his father, James Hatfield provides strategic technical guidance for complex projects. With deep expertise in electromagnetic systems and regulatory compliance, he contributes to challenging assignments requiring specialized knowledge. His work builds on decades of family engineering legacy and continued innovation in telecommunications solutions and broadcast system design.
Benjamin F. Dawson
Consultant Engineer
Benjamin Dawson contributes specialized knowledge in antenna systems and electromagnetic radiation analysis. His engineering expertise focuses on optimizing transmission efficiency while maintaining safety standards. Dawson's work continues the firm's legacy of innovation in AM antenna design, applying advanced computational methods to solve complex propagation challenges and improve system performance across various telecommunications applications.
Erik C. Swanson
Broadcast Engineer
Erik Swanson specializes in broadcast system engineering with extensive experience in VHF/UHF propagation and facility optimization. He conducts technical evaluations for FM and television stations, focusing on improving coverage and regulatory compliance. Swanson's fieldwork includes on-site measurements, equipment testing, and developing solutions for challenging transmission environments while ensuring adherence to technical standards.
Thomas S. Gorton
Staff Engineer
Thomas Gorton provides engineering support for telecommunications projects with focus on system analysis and implementation. He contributes to propagation modeling, equipment testing, and technical documentation for radio and broadcast systems. Gorton's work emphasizes precision in data collection and analysis to ensure optimal system performance and compliance with regulatory requirements across various project types.
Questions
What telecommunications engineering services do you offer?
We provide system design, propagation analysis, regulatory compliance, construction supervision, and technical reporting for radio, broadcast, and wireless systems.
How experienced is your engineering team?
Our engineers have combined decades of experience since 1945, with specialized expertise in broadcast systems, electromagnetic analysis, and regulatory compliance.
Do you work with broadcast stations nationwide?
Yes, we provide engineering consulting services nationwide for AM/FM radio, TV broadcast, and multi-station operations across the United States.
What makes your propagation analysis unique?
We use advanced computational models with hybrid signal propagation methods to create highly accurate coverage maps for optimal system planning.
How do you handle regulatory compliance?
Our team prepares complete FCC applications, conducts proof-of-performance testing, and ensures all projects meet federal technical standards and documentation requirements.
Do you provide technical due diligence services?
Yes, we offer comprehensive technical audits for broadcast property transactions to identify compliance issues and operational risks before acquisition.
