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 Responsibilities

• Serve as Tier III escalation support for complex wireless incidents, including client connectivity, roaming, authentication, and performance issues
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and drive long-term remediation for recurring problems
• Design, configure, and optimize Aruba wireless infrastructure, including:
• Mobility Conductors / Mobility Masters
• Controllers (AOS) and Central-managed environments
• Campus and remote access points
• Provide advanced wireless troubleshooting using:
• Packet captures and client session analysis
• RF spectrum analysis and performance metrics
• Controller and AirWave/Central data
• Lead and validate RF design and optimization, including:
• Channel and power planning
• Interference mitigation
• High-density environment tuning
• Implement and maintain secure wireless solutions using:
• 802.1X authentication (EAP-TLS), WPA3
• Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager for network access control
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate wireless with:
• Wired network infrastructure (VLANs, routing, firewalls)
• Identity and authentication systems
• Support and enhance monitoring and observability using Aruba AirWave, Central, and related tools
• Contribute to SRE practices, including:
• Continuous service improvement
• Runbook development and operational standardization
• Participation in Agile/SAFe processes (JIRA, DSUs, retrospectives)
• Review and support management activities, including deployments, upgrades, and maintenance
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and provide technical guidance across teams

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor'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 platforms
• Strong expertise with:
• Aruba WLAN solutions (Controllers, Mobility Conductors, AirWave/Central)
• Wireless troubleshooting and client connectivity analysis
• Advanced 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/WPA3
• RADIUS-based authentication systems
• Proven ability to troubleshoot:
• Complex wireless performance and roaming issues
• Authentication and access control problems
• Experience working in large, multi-site enterprise environments
• Familiarity with Agile tools and workflows (e.g., JIRA, SAFe)
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret
• DoD 8570 IAT Level III certification (e.g., CISSP, CASP, CCNP Security)

Preferred Qualifications

• Aruba certifications such as:
• ACMP, ACDP, ACMX, or ACCP
• Experience with:
• Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager in enterprise environments
• Aruba AirWave, Central, and advanced monitoring platforms
• Prior experience supporting:
• DoD networks (NMCI, NGEN, or similar large-scale environments)
• Experience with:
• Wireless site surveys (Ekahau, AirMagnet)
• High-density wireless deployments
• Familiarity 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