Lead Wireless Engineer
About The Position
We are seeking an experienced Lead Wireless Engineer to serve as the primary technical resource on large-scale enterprise wireless migration and deployment engagements. This role focuses on planning, executing, and validating Access Point (AP) platform migrations typically involving legacy controller-based systems transitioning to modern cloud-managed or AI-driven wireless platforms across complex, high-density environments such as distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, campuses, and enterprise office spaces. This position requires strong hands-on wireless expertise, attention to detail in documentation, and the ability to lead cross-functional field teams through phased cutovers in operationally sensitive environments. The Lead Wireless Engineer will own the full technical lifecycle from pre-installation survey through post-deployment validation and project closeout.
Requirements
- Strong knowledge of 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi 6/6E), including MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS Coloring, and TWT
- Understanding of RF propagation concepts: FSPL, Fresnel zones, multipath, reflection, and absorption
- Experience with channel planning across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, including DFS and EIRP considerations
- Ability to identify and mitigate co-channel and adjacent-channel interference
- Proficiency in pre- and post-deployment survey methodologies (passive, active, predictive)
- Experience interpreting RF heat maps (RSSI, SNR, PHY rate, roaming performance)
- Hands-on experience with tools such as Ekahau (Survey Pro, Sidekick) and/or Hamina
- Proven experience leading enterprise wireless deployments and migrations
- Strong hands-on experience with AP installation, configuration, and validation
- Ability to lead field teams and coordinate across multiple stakeholders
- Experience working in high-density or operationally sensitive environments
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
- Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities
Responsibilities
- Conduct site walks to assess building layouts, AP mounting locations, IDF/MDF locations, pathways, lift requirements, and access constraints
- Perform pre-installation RF coverage surveys using industry-standard tools (e.g., Ekahau, Hamina) to establish baseline coverage and identify interference
- Review and validate existing AP placement plans, floor schematics, cable run lists, and inventory; resolve discrepancies with stakeholders
- Develop detailed staging, implementation, and testing plans; obtain stakeholder sign-off prior to execution
- Define phased deployment schedules aligned with maintenance windows and operational constraints
- Create BOMs, installation guides, and field checklists for technician teams
- Identify and document risks prior to cutover, including coverage gaps, cabling issues, and compatibility concerns
- Lead onsite AP staging, including unboxing, labeling, provisioning, and firmware validation
- Oversee 1:1 AP replacements or new deployments using existing infrastructure where applicable
- Manage phased cutover strategies, including parallel operation and rollback planning
- Direct and support field technicians during maintenance windows to ensure timely execution
- Conduct daily team briefings, track progress, and escalate issues in real time
- Validate AP provisioning, connectivity, and correct configuration profiles
- Coordinate access to network cabinets for testing, repairs, and troubleshooting
- Develop or support scripts for automated AP provisioning, configuration validation, and bulk operations
- Utilize platform REST APIs (e.g., Mist, Meraki, Catalyst Center) to streamline deployments
- Validate automation outputs and document any deviations from deployment plans
- Verify wireless coverage meets defined RF SLAs (RSSI, redundancy, channel utilization)
- Execute rollback procedures if performance thresholds are not met
- Perform post-installation RF validation surveys using tools like Ekahau Sidekick or equivalent
- Analyze results for interference, coverage gaps, roaming issues, and SNR deviations
- Capture installation documentation, including AP photos and system records
- Produce pre-installation survey reports with RF heat maps and recommendations
- Maintain accurate AP inventory records (make, model, serial number, location, port mapping)
- Deliver final documentation package, including validation surveys and as-built reports
- Document lessons learned and recommend process improvements
- Complete final handover and obtain customer sign-off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
