Wireless Engineer

Wireless Engineer - Apex Systems

Charlottesville, VA

$75,200.00 - $

The Campus Wireless Engineer is responsible for designing, deploying, optimizing, and maintaining high-performance wireless networks across a large, multi-building campus environment. This role ensures reliable, secure, and scalable Wi‑Fi connectivity that supports academic, administrative, research, and guest users. The engineer collaborates with network operations, security teams, vendors, and end users to deliver a robust wireless experience.

• Design and implement campus‑wide Wi‑Fi networks, including RF planning, coverage design, and capacity analysis.
• Conduct site surveys (predictive and on‑site) to validate wireless performance and ensure optimal access point (AP) placement.
• Deploy and configure wireless access points, controllers, cloud‑managed systems, and related infrastructure.
• Monitor wireless network performance and proactively identify and resolve issues such as interference, roaming problems, and coverage gaps.
• Perform RF optimization, channel planning, and power adjustments to improve reliability and user experience.
• Maintain accurate documentation of wireless configurations, topology maps, and asset inventories.
• Provide Tier II/III support for wireless incidents, working closely with helpdesk and field technicians.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to authentication, DHCP, DNS, roaming, RF interference, and client connectivity.
• Collaborate with security teams to ensure compliance with wireless security standards and best practices.
• Manage wireless controllers, cloud management platforms, and network management/monitoring tools.
• Maintain firmware life cycles and ensure timely updates across wireless infrastructure.
• Coordinate with vendors for support cases, hardware replacements, and feature updates.
• Participate in campus expansion or renovation projects requiring wireless connectivity.
• Work with facilities teams, architects, and contractors to integrate wireless requirements.
• Provide input on wireless network capacity planning and future technology upgrades.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of hands‑on wireless networking experience in a campus or large‑enterprise environment.
• Strong understanding of RF principles, Wi‑Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), and wireless design concepts.
• Experience with wireless vendors such as Cisco, Aruba, Juniper/Mist, Ruckus, or similar.
• Proficient with wireless survey tools (Ekahau, iBwave, Air Magnet).
• Solid knowledge of TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, and network security fundamentals.

• Industry certifications such as CWNA, CWDP, CWSP, or vendor‑specific wireless certifications (Cisco CCNP Enterprise Wireless, Aruba ACMP/ACMX).
• Experience supporting IoT and high‑density environments (auditoriums, stadiums, dormitories).
• Familiarity with network automation and scripting (Python, Ansible).
• Experience with cloud‑managed networking platforms.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and project coordination abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on reliability and performance.

Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers an HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a Support Linc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts.

In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on‑demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks…