Senior Wi-Fi Engineer

Role Summary

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 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.
• Minimum 3 years of 802.11 wireless survey, design and troubleshooting experience using industry leading tools such as Ekahau + sidekick or AirMagnet.
• Minimum 3 years of experience configuring 9800 series wireless LAN controllers.
• 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.
• Thorough knowledge of wireless security protocols and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• 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.
• Must have obtained one or more of the following industry certifications: CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, Ekahau ECSE, Cisco ENWLSI, or CCNP Enterprise (with Wireless focus).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel to any of the Port Authority locations.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to interpret spectrum analysis signatures, diagnose and address interference issues, and optimize wireless environments to meet SLA targets.
• Working knowledge of Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for comprehensive wireless visibility and assurance.
• Familiar with the operation and application of various atypical antenna types, such as high-gain omni-directional bridging, patch, Yagi and sector.
• Experience deploying and supporting wireless bridging and MESH topologies.
• Thorough understanding of wireless rogue detection and mitigation techniques.
• Experience designing and supporting wireless guest networks using mobility anchors.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to wireless services.
• Hands-on experience configuring Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) for RADIUS authentication.
• Experience with the SolarWinds network performance monitoring suite.
• Project management experience.
• Able to work on a ladder five feet off the ground.
• Cisco Routing and Switching certifications: CCNA, CCNP.

Selection Process

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 check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:

Minimum: $107,250 Midpoint: $139,430 Maximum: $171,600

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs.