Contract Rf Optimization Engineer Jobs in Illinois

ActioNet is looking for a Senior Wireless Engineer to join our team in Chicago,IL. Remote work is available. 

The position requires up to 25% travel. This is a Mission Essential designated position per DFARS 252.237-7023.

Overview: The Senior Wireless Engineer designs, installs, optimizes, and maintains mobile broadband, cellular, and WLAN systems across enterprise Base Area Networks (BAN). This role supports both legacy and modernized wireless infrastructure, ensuring maximum coverage, minimal interference, and compliance with Air Force and DoW technical, security, and spectrum standards. 

Secret Clearance Required

Key Responsibilities

• Leads implementation of architectural vision for all Wi-Fi access point and control-related services across BAN.
• Understands requirements; plans optimal Wi-Fi designs for spectrum usage and device placement.
• Follows standards for all designs and implementations.
• Installs, configures, and maintains wireless network equipment, network management, and security, including 802.11 b/g/n/ac standards and industry best practices for implementing high-density Wi-Fi solutions.
•  Devises, plans, deploys, and improves wireless networks, from the beginning to implementation, by collaborating with vendors, managers, and network engineers. Leads and guides junior engineers. Self-starter with assigned tasks.
• Understands client requirements to cater to their appropriate needs.
• Uses tools to evaluate, test, and tweak wireless products, such as routers, switches, hubs, bridges, VPNs, and network amplifiers. Designs and validates the performance, quality, and reliability of the RF link. Designs and implements WLANs and other wireless networks. Writes manuals and documents current network procedures. 
• Has extensive knowledge of routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP).
• Makes use of enterprise monitoring tools (SolarWinds and Splunk). Optimizes network performance by supervising performance, addressing network problems and breakdowns, and partnering with network engineers to optimize the network. Develops and implements policies and classifies and oversees access to protect network systems.
• Makes sure all equipment, including servers and the other network products, are well-connected.
• Devises and supports RF link performance, reliability, and quality. Enables data and system protection by developing and maintaining mechanisms for backup and retrieval.
• Collaborates with different teams to ensure the optimized performance of VoIP and other wireless telecommunication devices. Works with security team to evaluate threats, troubleshoot issues, and comply with appropriate security configuration standards of their organizations.
• Designs and deploys changes to the configurations of clients per the applicable change management process.
• Proactively handles all network security solutions. Makes use of testing and diagnostic tools to assess and modify equipment.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, such as computer science, engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, data science, or related OR

• High school diploma or associate degree with 10 years performing as a Broadband/Wireless Engineer on large, complex networks.

Experience

• 7 years of experience with broadband, wireless, or enterprise network engineering.

• Demonstrated experience in WLAN RF design, enterprise wireless planning, and advanced wireless troubleshooting

• Experience designing and supporting TCP/IP networks, including switching, routing, QoS, NAC, NMS, and OSP/ISP distribution systems

• Experience with LTE EPC and 5G Core (5GC) architectures, protocols (S1/X2, NG, N2/N3), and mobility operations

• Proficiency with RF and cellular tools such as CellAdvisor, TEMS, Nemo, PCTEL scanners, or similar

• Working knowledge of network slicing, beamforming, MIMO technologies, and private cellular networks (CBRS/OnGo)

Technical Skills

• Proficient in broadband and wireless technologies, including 802.11 standards, RF engineering, spectrum analysis, and wireless security

• Strong understanding of network protocols, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture

• Skilled in MS Office Suite, Teams, and SharePoint

• Experience with wireless design tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet) and network performance monitoring systems

• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity controls, STIGs, ACAS scanning, and RMF processes

Certifications

• CompTIA Security+ (required for DoD 8140 compliance)

• Wireless certifications, such as CWNA or CWDP

Preferred Certifications

• 3GPP 5G/LTE certifications (Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, Samsung, Verizon, AT&T training)

• CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI)

• Certified Wireless Specialist - Cellular (CWS, CWSA)

Clearance

• Active Secret Clearance required

Desired Attributes

• Excellent analytical and problemsolving skills to diagnose and resolve wireless/system faults quickly and efficiently

• Strong communication skills for coordination with engineering teams, base communications units, and operational leadership

• Ability to work in highsecurity, missioncritical environments with strict standards and oversight

• Detailoriented, with strong documentation and compliance discipline