Network Wireless Engineer

Senior Wireless Engineer (SME)Leidos is seeking a Senior Wireless Engineer (SME) to support enterprise WLAN services within a large-scale DoD network environment. This role operates within an SRE framework and is responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of Aruba-based wireless infrastructure across geographically distributed locations.The selected candidate will serve as the technical authority for wireless networking, providing Tier III escalation support, leading complex troubleshooting efforts, and contributing to wireless design, optimization, and continuous service improvement. This position requires a balance of hands-on engineering, operational support, and technical leadership in a mission-critical environment.Primary ResponsibilitiesServe as Tier III escalation support for complex wireless incidents, including client connectivity, roaming, authentication, and performance issuesLead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and drive long-term remediation for recurring problemsDesign, configure, and optimize Aruba wireless infrastructure, including:Mobility Conductors / Mobility MastersControllers (AOS) and Central-managed environmentsCampus and remote access pointsProvide advanced wireless troubleshooting using:Packet captures and client session analysisRF spectrum analysis and performance metricsController and AirWave/Central dataLead and validate RF design and optimization, including:Channel and power planningInterference mitigationHigh-density environment tuningImplement and maintain secure wireless solutions using:802.1X authentication (EAP-TLS), WPA3Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager for network access controlCollaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate wireless with:Wired network infrastructure (VLANs, routing, firewalls)Identity and authentication systemsSupport and enhance monitoring and observability using Aruba AirWave, Central, and related toolsContribute to SRE practices, including:Continuous service improvementRunbook development and operational standardizationParticipation in Agile/SAFe processes (JIRA, DSUs, retrospectives)Review and support management activities, including deployments, upgrades, and maintenanceMentor junior and mid-level engineers and provide technical guidance across teamsBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree and 8–12 years of relevant experience (or equivalent experience in lieu of degree)5+ years of hands-on experience with enterprise wireless networks, including Aruba or similar platformsStrong expertise with:Aruba WLAN solutions (Controllers, Mobility Conductors, AirWave/Central)Wireless troubleshooting and client connectivity analysisAdvanced knowledge of:802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax)RF fundamentals (channel planning, interference, signal propagation)Experience with wireless security, including:802.1X authentication, WPA2/WPA3RADIUS-based authentication systemsProven ability to troubleshoot:Complex wireless performance and roaming issuesAuthentication and access control problemsExperience working in large, multi-site enterprise environmentsFamiliarity with Agile tools and workflows (e.g., JIRA, SAFe)Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain Top SecretDoD 8570 IAT Level III certification (e.g., CISSP, CASP, CCNP Security)Preferred QualificationsAruba certifications such as:ACMP, ACDP, ACMX, or ACCPExperience with:Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager in enterprise environmentsAruba AirWave, Central, and advanced monitoring platformsPrior experience supporting:DoD networks (NMCI, NGEN, or similar large-scale environments)Experience with:Wireless site surveys (Ekahau, AirMagnet)High-density wireless deploymentsFamiliarity with:Network automation (Python, Ansible, API integrations)Multi-vendor wireless environments (Cisco, Juniper Mist, Ruckus)Knowledge of:DoD security requirements, STIGs, and defense-in-depth principles Navstar