The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Senior Wi-Fi Engineer
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, 07390
Description
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 role requires 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 includes RF planning, onsite wireless surveys, and configuring controller‑based wireless policies. The role involves 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.
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 guide access point placement for optimal coverage, capacity, and fault tolerance.
Hardware Deployment: Configure and manage Cisco wireless hardware, including 3700, 3800, and 9100 series access points, along with 5520 and 9800 WLCs, supporting both legacy and Wi‑Fi 6/6E standards (802.11ac through 802.11ax).
Security & Authentication: Implement and enforce secure wireless access policies via Cisco ISE, including 802.1X, certificate‑based onboarding, and guest Wi‑Fi segmentation.
Network Monitoring & Management: Utilize Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for centralized monitoring, configuration management, and assurance reporting.
Performance Optimization: Monitor KPIs and tune RF parameters (power, channel plans, band steering) to reduce co‑channel interference and maximize client performance.
Incident Response & Troubleshooting: Serve as the lead escalation point for complex wireless issues, performing packet captures, spectrum surveys, and log analysis; coordinate root cause analysis for service disruptions.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintain thorough documentation including wireless heatmaps, configuration standards, change records, and security checklists.
Project Support: Provide operational support for infrastructure modernization projects, Wi‑Fi expansion, 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 in a public sector or highly regulated environment.
Minimum 3 years of 802.11 wireless survey, design and troubleshooting experience using tools such as Ekahau Pro with Sidekick or AirMagnet.
Minimum 3 years of experience configuring 9800 series WLCs.
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 abilities.
Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, senior leadership, and external vendors.
Understanding of Cisco routing and switching technologies, principles and protocols.
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 Port Authority locations.
Desired Qualifications
Ability to interpret spectrum analysis signatures, diagnose interference, and optimize wireless environments to meet SLA targets.
Working knowledge of Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for wireless visibility and assurance.
Familiar with various atypical antenna types (high‑gain omni, patch, Yagi, sector).
Experience deploying and supporting wireless bridging and MESH topologies.
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 and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.
Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 role requires 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 includes RF planning, onsite wireless surveys, and configuring controller‑based wireless policies. The role involves 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.
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 guide access point placement for optimal coverage, capacity, and fault tolerance.
Hardware Deployment: Configure and manage Cisco wireless hardware, including 3700, 3800, and 9100 series access points, along with 5520 and 9800 WLCs, supporting both legacy and Wi‑Fi 6/6E standards (802.11ac through 802.11ax).
Security & Authentication: Implement and enforce secure wireless access policies via Cisco ISE, including 802.1X, certificate‑based onboarding, and guest Wi‑Fi segmentation.
Network Monitoring & Management: Utilize Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for centralized monitoring, configuration management, and assurance reporting.
Performance Optimization: Monitor KPIs and tune RF parameters (power, channel plans, band steering) to reduce co‑channel interference and maximize client performance.
Incident Response & Troubleshooting: Serve as the lead escalation point for complex wireless issues, performing packet captures, spectrum surveys, and log analysis; coordinate root cause analysis for service disruptions.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintain thorough documentation including wireless heatmaps, configuration standards, change records, and security checklists.
Project Support: Provide operational support for infrastructure modernization projects, Wi‑Fi expansion, 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 in a public sector or highly regulated environment.
Minimum 3 years of 802.11 wireless survey, design and troubleshooting experience using tools such as Ekahau Pro with Sidekick or AirMagnet.
Minimum 3 years of experience configuring 9800 series WLCs.
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 abilities.
Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, senior leadership, and external vendors.
Understanding of Cisco routing and switching technologies, principles and protocols.
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 Port Authority locations.
Desired Qualifications
Ability to interpret spectrum analysis signatures, diagnose interference, and optimize wireless environments to meet SLA targets.
Working knowledge of Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for wireless visibility and assurance.
Familiar with various atypical antenna types (high‑gain omni, patch, Yagi, sector).
Experience deploying and supporting wireless bridging and MESH topologies.
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 and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.
Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr