Wireless Engineer

Wireless Engineer

Overview: The Wireless Engineer designs, installs, optimizes, and maintains mobile broadband, cellular, and WLAN systems across enterprise Base Area Networks (BAN). This role supports both legacy and modernized wireless infrastructure, ensuring maximum coverage, minimal interference, and compliance with Air Force and DoW technical, security, and spectrum standards. The Wireless Engineer contributes to system design, RF planning, troubleshooting, site surveys, documentation, and operational sustainment while collaborating with network engineering, cybersecurity, and base communications teams. The Wireless Engineer supports the design, deployment, and optimization of 4G LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) wireless solutions across enterprise and mission environments, ensuring resilient broadband connectivity and low‑latency performance for critical applications. The Wireless Engineer applies knowledge of RAN architecture, mobile core functions, and backhaul integration to ensure seamless mobility and high‑availability wireless service.

Location: Dayton, Ohio

Key Responsibilities

Wireless and Broadband System Engineering

• Assist with the design of mobile broadband/cellular solutions across BAN environments, including antennas, power, backhaul, and spectrum utilization

• Design enterprise WLAN infrastructure using advanced RF principles, including predictive and on‑site RF modeling, heat mapping, and site surveys

• Ensure WLAN design follows DoD/DAF RF, HERO, HERP, and HERF safety standards and spectrum certification requirements

• Support green‑field wireless designs—no legacy wireless reuse—per modernized network requirements

• Evaluate RF propagation characteristics, building materials, multipath conditions, and flight line/industrial environment constraints

Installation, Configuration, and Integration

• Install, configure, and test broadband, WLAN, and cellular systems in accordance with engineering design packages

• Ensure compliance with OEM specifications, DoD STIGs, NIAP, FIPS, and applicable cybersecurity guidelines

• Coordinate with Network Engineers to optimize system integration, traffic flows, bandwidth usage, and performance

• Support installation of wireless infrastructure across operational facilities, maintenance hangars, warehouses, munitions areas, and flight line operations areas

Site Surveys and Spectrum Management

• Conduct predictive, passive, active, and verification wireless site surveys (indoor and outdoor)

• Document survey results, including RF readings, spectrum analysis, heat maps, interference sources, and channel planning

• Ensure compliance with AFI 17‑220 spectrum processes, including SCG data collection, device certification inputs, and safe RF emissions near ordnance, fuels, and personnel

• Identify and document OSP/ISP constraints, power/grounding requirements, and environmental hazards that affect wireless deployment

Operations, Sustainment, and Troubleshooting

• Monitor wireless system performance, availability, and security posture using approved NMS tools

• Diagnose and resolve wireless issues involving RF interference, connectivity, hardware failures, authentication, or configuration conflicts

• Perform preventive maintenance, firmware updates, vulnerability mitigation, and configuration optimization

• Support Tier 2/3 wireless troubleshooting as part of shared operational responsibilities with the Base Communications Squadron

Documentation and Compliance

• Develop and maintain technical documentation including design diagrams, RF heat maps, configuration files, and installation records

• Ensure wireless systems meet DoD, DAF, STIG, RMF, TEMPEST, and cybersecurity standards

• Record installation, maintenance, and repair actions for operational continuity and future reference

• Produce required documentation deliverables, such as Wi‑Fi heat maps, wireless installation descriptions, and RF assessments for transition packages

5G/LTE System Engineering

• Designs and implements LTE and 5G RAN components, including small cells, macro cells, antennas, eNodeB/gNodeB platforms, and associated transport networks.

• Performs RF engineering tasks for 5G and LTE systems, including waveform analysis, MIMO/Antenna configuration, carrier aggregation, and spectrum allocation.

• Supports integration of 5G Standalone (SA) and Non‑Standalone (NSA) architectures into existing enterprise networks.

• Evaluates and configures 5G core functions such as AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, NRF, and interfaces (N1–N4, N6–N14, etc.) for mission needs.

• Optimizes throughput, coverage, and reliability using drive testing, RF measurements, SINR/RSRP/RSRQ analysis, and spectrum monitoring.

5G/LTE Operations and Testing

• Installs, configures, and validates LTE and 5G radios, including DAS systems, small cells, and private cellular networks.

• Performs acceptance testing using tools such as spectrum analyzers, RF scanners, UE testing platforms, and OEM management systems.

• Conducts testing of new cellular technologies, including network slicing, edge computing capabilities (MEC), and 5G security features before deployment.

• Troubleshoots cellular service issues involving signaling failures, handover performance, RF interference, mobility challenges, and core‑radio integration.

Collaboration and Compliance

• Works with spectrum management authorities to ensure proper frequency licensing and compliance for LTE and 5G deployments.

• Ensures 5G/LTE systems comply with DoD/DAF cybersecurity requirements, including STIG, RMF, FIPS, and Zero‑Trust Architecture considerations.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, such as computer science, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, or related OR

• High school diploma or associate degree with 7 years performing as a Broadband/Wireless Engineer on large, complex networks.

Experience

• 5 years of experience with broadband, wireless, or enterprise network engineering.

• Demonstrated experience in WLAN RF design, enterprise wireless planning, and advanced wireless troubleshooting

• Experience designing and supporting TCP/IP networks, including switching, routing, QoS, NAC, NMS, and OSP/ISP distribution systems

• Experience with LTE EPC and 5G Core (5GC) architectures, protocols (S1/X2, NG, N2/N3), and mobility operations

• Proficiency with RF and cellular tools such as CellAdvisor, TEMS, Nemo, PCTEL scanners, or similar

• Working knowledge of network slicing, beamforming, MIMO technologies, and private cellular networks (CBRS/OnGo)

Technical Skills

• Proficient in broadband and wireless technologies, including 802.11 standards, RF engineering, spectrum analysis, and wireless security

• Strong understanding of network protocols, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture

• Skilled in MS Office Suite, Teams, and SharePoint

• Experience with wireless design tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet) and network performance monitoring systems

• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity controls, STIGs, ACAS scanning, and RMF processes

Certifications

• CCNA, JNCIA, or equivalent

• CompTIA Security+ (required for DoD 8140 compliance)

• Additional wireless certifications, such as CWNA or CWDP, are desirable

Preferred Certifications

• 3GPP 5G/LTE certifications (Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, Samsung, Verizon, AT&T training)

• CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI)

• Certified Wireless Specialist – Cellular (CWS, CWSA)

Clearance

• Active Secret Clearance required

Desired Attributes

• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills to diagnose and resolve wireless/system faults quickly and efficiently

• Strong communication skills for coordination with engineering teams, base communications units, and operational leadership

• Ability to work in high‑security, mission‑critical environments with strict standards and oversight

• Detail‑oriented, with strong documentation and compliance discipline