Senior Wifi Engineer at The Port Authority Of New York & New Jersey in Jersey City, NJ | Kablio

Role

Description

hardware deployment

wireless design

network monitoring

rf optimization

site surveys

incident response

Hardware Deployment: Configure and manage diverse Cisco wireless hardware, including 3700, 3800, and 9100 series access points, along with 5520 and 9800 Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs), supporting both legacy and next-generation wireless standards (802.11ac through 802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6E).
Wireless Design & Planning: Design and optimize internal and external enterprise-grade wireless networks using specialized planning software, ensuring seamless accommodation of various Wi-Fi applications including voice, video, and location-based services.
Network Monitoring & Management: Utilize Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for comprehensive centralized monitoring, configuration management, and assurance reporting.
Mentorship & Governance: Provide technical guidance to junior staff and contribute to setting wireless standards and best practices across the agency.
Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor key wireless performance indicators (KPIs) and actively tune RF parameters, including power levels, channel plans, and band steering, to effectively reduce co-channel interference and maximize client performance.
Project Support: Provide operational support for the wireless components of infrastructure modernization projects, Wi-Fi expansion initiatives, and building renovations requiring RF impact assessments.
Site Surveys: Conduct passive and active on-site RF surveys with Ekahau Pro, analyzing results to strategically guide access point placement for optimal coverage, capacity, and fault tolerance across diverse environments.
Incident Response & Troubleshooting: Serve as the lead operational escalation point for complex wireless issues, performing packet captures, spectrum surveys, and log analysis, and coordinating root cause analysis for service disruptions.
Documentation & Compliance: Ensure compliance through thorough documentation, including wireless heatmaps, configuration standards, change records, and security checklists.
Security & Authentication: Implement and enforce secure wireless access policies via Cisco ISE, encompassing 802.1X, certificate-based onboarding, and guest Wi-Fi segmentation.

Requirements

9800 wlc

ccnp

ekahau

solarwinds

cisco ise

wireless security

s.Desired Qualificati

Operating within a highly regulated environment, the Senior Wi-Fi Engineer will ensure reliable wireless connectivity for staff, visitors, and critical operational systems. This involves conducting RF planning, performing onsite wireless surveys, and configuring controller-based wireless policies. The role demands close collaboration with cybersecurity, operations, and project management teams to ensure compliance, maximize uptime, and deliver high performance across all wireless deployments. Qualified candidates must possess excellent communication skills and be able to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels.

The Port Authority’s Technology Department is looking for a Cisco Unified Wireless Network (CUWN) Subject Matter Expert (SME). Reporting to the Manager of Network Operations, the Senior Wi-Fi Engineer will be responsible for the design, configuration, deployment, and ongoing support of secure and scalable wireless networks across government-owned facilities. This individual needs to bring advanced technical expertise in 9800-series Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) and Wi-Fi 6E-capable 9100-series access points.

.Required Skills and Qualificatio

DUE TO IMMEDIATE NEED, UNABLE TO HIRE CANDIDATES THAT MAY REQUIRE VISA SPONSORSHIP NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

t.Minimum 3 years of experience configuring 9800 series wireless LAN controller
ors.Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to wireless servi
und.Cisco Routing and Switching certifications: CCNA, C
s.Must have obtained one or more of the following industry certifications: CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, Ekahau ECSE, Cisco ENWLSI, or CCNP Enterprise (with Wireless focus
s.Understanding of Cisco routing and switching technologies, principles and protocol
S.Experience designing fault tolerant wireless networks for data, video and voic
ion.Experience with the SolarWinds network performance monitoring su
nsMinimum 5 - 7 years of hands-on experience configuring Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) and Access Points (APs), preferably within a public sector or highly regulated environmen
t.Minimum 3 years of 802.11 wireless survey, design and troubleshooting experience using industry leading tools such as Ekahau + sidekick or AirMagne
ets.Working knowledge of Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for comprehensive wireless visibility and assura
ies.Thorough understanding of wireless rogue detection and mitigation techniq
).Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel to any of the Port Authority location
e.Thorough knowledge of wireless security protocols and practice
s.Strong analytical and troubleshooting skill
s.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, senior leadership and external vendor
nce.Familiar with the operation and application of various atypical antenna types, such as high-gain omni-directional bridging, patch, Yagi and sec
tor.Experience deploying and supporting wireless bridging and MESH topolog
ues.Experience designing and supporting wireless guest networks using mobility anch
nce.Able to work on a ladder five feet off the gro
ces.Hands-on experience configuring Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) for RADIUS authenticat
onsAbility to interpret spectrum analysis signatures, diagnose and address interference issues, and optimize wireless environments to meet SLA targ
s.Deep understanding of RF principles, IEEE 802.11 protocols, roaming behaviors, and WLAN Qo
s.Excellent verbal and written communication skill
s.Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skill

Benefits

nefits The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achie

ocess The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

initial phone interview for qualified candidates
in‑depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s)
conditional offer followed by background check

Visa Sponsorship

no visa sponsorship now or in the future

Security clearance

candidates receiving a conditional offer will undergo a background check

Company

Overview

1921 Established

Year of establishment

The Port Authority was founded to oversee critical infrastructure development between New York and New Jersey.

It plays a crucial role in overseeing key infrastructure between two of the most populous and connected states in the U.S.
It operates a vast network of assets, including major airports, bus terminals, rail facilities, and shipping ports.
It oversees some of the busiest transportation hubs in the world, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal.
In addition to transportation, it plays a key role in regional planning and economic development, improving connectivity for businesses and commuters alike.
Major projects include the ongoing redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport, the modernization of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and the expansion of the PATH rail network.
It has historically been at the forefront of innovations in large-scale infrastructure projects, setting new standards in efficiency and sustainability.
A standout achievement was its leadership in the post-9/11 rebuilding efforts at the World Trade Center site, culminating in the construction of the One World Trade Center.

Culture + Values

Integrity: The company operates with honesty, fairness, and transparency.
Safety: The company maintains a safe environment for employees, partners, and the public.
Accountability: The company is responsible and answerable for its actions.
Innovation: The company embraces new ideas and technologies to improve performance.
Collaboration: The company partners across agencies, jurisdictions, and communities.

Environment + Sustainability

Net-zero by 2050

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target

Aimed to achieve zero-net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

$344 million

EPA Funding Secured

Secured $344 million in funding for zero-emission cargo equipment and other green initiatives.

5 MW

Solar Array Installation

Installed a 5-megawatt solar array at Newark Airport.

70,000 gallons

Fuel Savings

Annual fuel savings achieved through road upgrades in the Port Newark Corridor.

35% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2025; 50% by 2030.
Converted 98% of ship-to-shore and rail-mounted gantry cranes to electric, targeting 100% by 2026.
Light-duty non-emergency vehicle fleet 50% electric by 2025; fully electric by 2028.
Building One retrofit in progress to be fossil-fuel-free by 2025.
Initiated largest solar plus storage system at JFK Airport.
First U.S. airport agency to adopt Paris Climate Agreement commitments.
Electric-truck charging stations and Tier 4/zero-emission material-handling equipment phasing.

Inclusion & Diversity

48% Women

Women in Management

Women hold 48% of Board-appointed management positions within the organization.

5% Target

Annual Female Leadership Goal

An annual target to increase female representation in senior leadership by 5% has been set.

20% Higher Promotion

Mentorship Program Success

Participants in the mentorship program, 60% of whom are women, have a promotion rate 20% higher than average.

98% Pay Gaps Corrected

Gender Pay Equity Review

A comprehensive gender pay equity review in 2024 identified and corrected 98% of pay gaps.

Conducted annual workforce diversity survey: female staff representation 42%; target 45% by 2026.

Articles

Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals – PA Careers

About the Port Authority

Official Blog of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Contact – Environmental Initiatives