Lead Wireless Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Lead Wireless Engineer to serve as the primary technical resource on large-scale enterprise wireless migration and deployment engagements. This role focuses on planning executing and validating Access Point (AP) platform migrations typically involving legacy controller-based systems transitioning to modern cloud-managed or AI-driven wireless platforms across complex high-density environments such as distribution centers manufacturing facilities campuses and enterprise office spaces.

This position requires strong hands-on wireless expertise attention to detail in documentation and the ability to lead cross-functional field teams through phased cutovers in operationally sensitive environments. The Lead Wireless Engineer will own the full technical lifecycle from pre-installation survey through post-deployment validation and project closeout.

Primary Responsibilities:

Planning & Pre-Survey

• Conduct site walks to assess building layouts AP mounting locations IDF/MDF locations pathways lift requirements and access constraints
  
• Perform pre-installation RF coverage surveys using industry-standard tools (e.g. Ekahau Hamina) to establish baseline coverage and identify interference
  
• Review and validate existing AP placement plans floor schematics cable run lists and inventory; resolve discrepancies with stakeholders
  
• Develop detailed staging implementation and testing plans; obtain stakeholder sign-off prior to execution
  
• Define phased deployment schedules aligned with maintenance windows and operational constraints
  
• Create BOMs installation guides and field checklists for technician teams
  
• Identify and document risks prior to cutover including coverage gaps cabling issues and compatibility concerns
  

Deployment Coordination & Execution

• Lead onsite AP staging including unboxing labeling provisioning and firmware validation
  
• Oversee 1:1 AP replacements or new deployments using existing infrastructure where applicable
  
• Manage phased cutover strategies including parallel operation and rollback planning
  
• Direct and support field technicians during maintenance windows to ensure timely execution
  
• Conduct daily team briefings track progress and escalate issues in real time
  
• Validate AP provisioning connectivity and correct configuration profiles
  
• Coordinate access to network cabinets for testing repairs and troubleshooting
  

Automation & Scripting Support

• Develop or support scripts for automated AP provisioning configuration validation and bulk operations
  
• Utilize platform REST APIs (e.g. Mist Meraki Catalyst Center) to streamline deployments
  
• Validate automation outputs and document any deviations from deployment plans
  

Validation & Cutover Support

• Verify wireless coverage meets defined RF SLAs (RSSI redundancy channel utilization)
  
• Execute rollback procedures if performance thresholds are not met
  
• Perform post-installation RF validation surveys using tools like Ekahau Sidekick or equivalent
  
• Analyze results for interference coverage gaps roaming issues and SNR deviations
  
• Capture installation documentation including AP photos and system records
  

Documentation & Project Closure

• Produce pre-installation survey reports with RF heat maps and recommendations
  
• Maintain accurate AP inventory records (make model serial number location port mapping)
  
• Deliver final documentation package including validation surveys and as-built reports
  
• Document lessons learned and recommend process improvements
  
• Complete final handover and obtain customer sign-off
  

Technical Skills & Knowledge

RF Fundamentals & Survey

• Strong knowledge of 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6/6E) including MU-MIMO OFDMA BSS Coloring and TWT
  
• Understanding of RF propagation concepts: FSPL Fresnel zones multipath reflection and absorption
  
• Experience with channel planning across 2.4 GHz 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands including DFS and EIRP considerations
  
• Ability to identify and mitigate co-channel and adjacent-channel interference
  
• Proficiency in pre- and post-deployment survey methodologies (passive active predictive)
  
• Experience interpreting RF heat maps (RSSI SNR PHY rate roaming performance)
  
• Hands-on experience with tools such as Ekahau (Survey Pro Sidekick) and/or Hamina
  

Key Qualifications

• Proven experience leading enterprise wireless deployments and migrations
  
• Strong hands-on experience with AP installation configuration and validation
  
• Ability to lead field teams and coordinate across multiple stakeholders
  
• Experience working in high-density or operationally sensitive environments
  
• Strong documentation and reporting skills
  
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities