Senior Wi-Fi Engineer

Description

• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure compliance through thorough documentation, including wireless heatmaps, configuration standards, change records, and security checklists.
• 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.
• 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.
• Network Monitoring & Management: Utilize Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for comprehensive centralized monitoring, configuration management, and assurance reporting.
• 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).
• Mentorship & Governance: Provide technical guidance to junior staff and contribute to setting wireless standards and best practices across the agency.
• Project Support: Provide operational support for the wireless components of infrastructure modernization projects, Wi-Fi expansion initiatives, and building renovations requiring RF impact assessments.
• 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.
• Security & Authentication: Implement and enforce secure wireless access policies via Cisco ISE, encompassing 802.1X, certificate-based onboarding, and guest Wi-Fi segmentation.
• 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.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Minimum 3 years of experience configuring 9800 series wireless LAN controllers.
• Ability to interpret spectrum analysis signatures, diagnose and address interference issues, and optimize wireless environments to meet SLA targets.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to wireless services.
• Thorough understanding of wireless rogue detection and mitigation techniques.
• Deep understanding of RF principles, IEEE 802.11 protocols, roaming behaviors, and WLAN QoS.
• Experience designing fault tolerant wireless networks for data, video and voice.
• Cisco Routing and Switching certifications: CCNA, CCNP.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, senior leadership and external vendors.
• Understanding of Cisco routing and switching technologies, principles and protocols.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel to any of the Port Authority locations.
• Must have obtained one or more of the following industry certifications: CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, Ekahau ECSE, Cisco ENWLSI, or CCNP Enterprise (with Wireless focus).
• Hands-on experience configuring Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) for RADIUS authentication.
• Experience deploying and supporting wireless bridging and MESH topologies.
• Experience with the SolarWinds network performance monitoring suite.
• Working knowledge of Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for comprehensive wireless visibility and assurance.
• Project management experience.
• Thorough knowledge of wireless security protocols and practices.
• Experience designing and supporting wireless guest networks using mobility anchors.
• Minimum 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 environment.
• Familiar with the operation and application of various atypical antenna types, such as high-gain omni-directional bridging, patch, Yagi and sector.
• Minimum 3 years of 802.11 wireless survey, design and troubleshooting experience using industry leading tools such as Ekahau + sidekick or AirMagnet .
• Able to work on a ladder five feet off the ground.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance