Network Wireless Engineer

Overview

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.

• 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 Air Wave/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 Clear Pass Policy Manager for network access control
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate wireless with wired network infrastructure (VLANs, routing, firewalls) and identity/authentication systems
• Support and enhance monitoring and observability using Aruba Air Wave, 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

• Bachelors 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, Air Wave/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)

• Aruba certifications such as: ACMP, ACDP, ACMX, or ACCP
• Experience with Aruba Clear Pass Policy Manager in enterprise environments;
  Aruba Air Wave, Central, and advanced monitoring platforms
• Prior experience supporting DoD networks (NMCI, NGEN, or similar large-scale environments)
• Experience with wireless site surveys (Ekahau, Air Magnet) and high-density wireless deployments
• Familiarity with network automation (Python, Ansible, API integrations) and multi-vendor wireless environments (Cisco, Juniper Mist, Ruckus)
• Knowledge of DoD security requirements, STIGs, and defense-in-depth principles

EEO statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.