Network Engineer Enterprise Wireless

Position: Network Engineer   Enterprise Wireless
Title:
Network Engineer
Duration: 6 Months

Location:

Niles, IL 60714

Position Summary:
The Network Engineer within RCCB IT Operations is responsible for designing, implementing, optimizing, and supporting enterprise wireless network infrastructure across RCCB West and Mid-West facilities. This role ensures secure, reliable, and high-performing wireless connectivity for business-critical operations in office, warehouse, distribution, and production environments.
This position focuses on Cisco wireless technologies, including Cisco Catalyst Wireless, Cisco DNA Center, and Meraki platforms. Key responsibilities include RF design, site survey analysis, capacity planning, wireless standards, performance optimization, and advanced troubleshooting.
The successful candidate will combine strong wireless networking expertise with practical experience supporting end-user connectivity, collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors, and following ITIL-based service management practices.
Position Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Provide end-to-end ownership and accountability for enterprise wireless network services, including performance, availability, and service delivery across RCCB locations.
Design, deploy, and optimize Cisco wireless network solutions, including:
Cisco Catalyst Wireless (9800 series controllers and Client)
Cisco Meraki wireless environments
Cisco DNA Center for automation and assurance
Conduct and validate wireless site surveys using industry-standard tools such as Ekahau or Air Magnet to support RF coverage, channel planning, capacity design, and post-deployment validation.
Perform RF analysis and troubleshooting, addressing interference, signal degradation, roaming issues, and client performance challenges.
Develop and maintain wireless heatmaps, RF design documentation, configuration standards, and predictive models for new and existing facilities.
Lead wireless infrastructure deployments and refresh initiatives, including hardware upgrades, EOL/EOS lifecycle management, and firmware standardization.
Monitor and optimize wireless network performance using Cisco DNA Center Assurance, Meraki Dashboard, and other monitoring tools.
Troubleshoot complex end-user connectivity issues, including authentication failures, latency, packet loss, and roaming behavior across wireless networks.
Serve as Tier 3 escalation for wireless-related incidents and problems, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
Define and enforce wireless standards, including security (WPA2/WPA3, 802.1X), SSID design, segmentation, and QoS for business-critical applications.
Collaborate with infrastructure teams to integrate wireless with LAN/WAN, security, and cloud networking components.
Develop and maintain detailed documentation, including wireless architecture diagrams, configurations, runbooks, and knowledge base articles.
Support automation initiatives leveraging Cisco DNA Center, APIs, Python, and Ansible for wireless provisioning and operations.
Participate in on-call rotation to support wireless operations, including after-hours escalation when required.
Adhere to ITIL processes for incident, problem, and change management.
Perform other duties and support additional projects as assigned.
Required

Skills and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience designing and supporting enterprise wireless networks; or high school diploma/GED and 6+ years of relevant experience.
Hands-on experience with Cisco wireless technologies, including:
Cisco Catalyst Wireless (9800 controllers, Cisco Client)
Cisco Meraki wireless solutions
Cisco DNA Center (Assurance and Automation)
Experience conducting and analyzing wireless site surveys and RF designs using tools such as Ekahau or Air Magnet.
Strong understanding of 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax), RF fundamentals, channel utilization, and interference mitigation.
Experience troubleshooting wireless connectivity issues, including client performance, roaming, authentication (802.1X), and coverage gaps.
Knowledge of network protocols and supporting infrastructure, including DHCP, DNS, VLANs, and basic routing/switching.
Understanding of wireless…