Job Description: The Global Network Wireless Team is a dynamic and skilled group responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cutting-edge wireless network solutions across our enterprise. We're passionate about seamless connectivity and are looking for an expert to help us elevate our Cisco wireless environment.
The Cisco Wireless Engineer will be a pivotal member of our team, taking lead responsibility for the health, optimization, and evolution of our Cisco wireless infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on leveraging Cisco Catalyst Center. This role is crucial for ensuring our wireless networks deliver an exceptional user experience, provide robust coverage, and support critical business operations by proactively managing AP health, optimizing AP placements, and swiftly resolving any wireless-related issues.
· Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
· Proven hands-on experience managing and troubleshooting Cisco wireless solutions, including Access Points and Wireless LAN Controllers (even if managed via Catalyst Center).
· Significant experience with Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNA Center) for wireless assurance, automation, and analytics, particularly AP map management, health monitoring, and alerting.
· Strong understanding of RF principles, wireless site survey methodologies (predictive, passive, active), and tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet, or Catalyst Center's built-in tools).
· Knowledge of wireless networking standards (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax - Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E) and security protocols (WPA2/3, 802.1X, EAP types).
· Experience in developing project plans and managing small to medium-sized wireless projects.
· Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
· Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a diverse, global team.
In this position… The Cisco Wireless Engineer will immerse themselves in our Cisco wireless ecosystem, primarily utilizing Cisco Catalyst Center to manage, monitor, and optimize our extensive network of Access Points (APs). You'll be the go-to expert for ensuring accurate AP map placement for optimal coverage and location services, configuring and interpreting alerts to maintain AP health, and ensuring our wireless services are resilient and performant. This will require a deep understanding of Cisco wireless architecture, RF principles, and the capabilities of Catalyst Center. You'll collaborate closely with network planners, infrastructure teams, and business stakeholders to develop project plans for wireless enhancements, validate new installations, and provide top-tier support. We're looking for someone who can blend technical expertise with a proactive, problem-solving mindset. Candidate must be available for after-hours on-call rotation to serve as Level 3 support for critical wireless incidents.
· Catalyst Center Management: Act as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for Cisco Catalyst Center, including device onboarding, software updates, dashboard customization, and feature utilization.
· AP Health & Performance Monitoring: Proactively monitor Access Point health, client connectivity, RF performance, and interference sources using Catalyst Center analytics and other wireless tools.
· AP Map Placement & Optimization: Maintain and update accurate AP floor plan maps within Catalyst Center; conduct predictive and post-installation site surveys to ensure optimal AP placement, coverage, and capacity.
· Alert Management & Troubleshooting: Configure, manage, and respond to wireless-related alerts from Catalyst Center; perform in-depth troubleshooting and root cause analysis for wireless connectivity and performance issues.
· Project Planning & Execution: Develop comprehensive project plans for wireless network deployments, upgrades, and expansions, including defining scope, timelines, and resource requirements.
· Installation Validation & Quality Assurance: Oversee and validate new wireless installations, ensuring they meet design specifications, performance benchmarks, and security standards.
· Wireless Security & Compliance: Implement and maintain wireless security best practices, including 802.1x, WPA3, and integration with Cisco ISE; ensure compliance with security policies.
· Documentation & Training: Develop and maintain detailed wireless network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures; provide training and knowledge transfer to other team members and support staff as needed.
· Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging Cisco wireless technologies, industry best practices, and Catalyst Center updates to recommend and implement improvements.
· On-Call Support: Participate in an after-hours on-call rotation to provide Level 3 support for critical wireless infrastructure issues.