Freelance Aruba Wireless Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

An established and growing managed services provider in NYC is seeking a skilled and client-focused Wireless Network Engineer to join its network engineering team. In this role, you will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for enterprise wireless network design, deployment, and optimization across a diverse client base spanning multiple industries. You will take ownership of the full wireless lifecycle — from predictive surveys and RF design through implementation, validation, and ongoing support — while also maintaining and optimizing the broader network environments that wireless infrastructure depends on.

This is a hands-on, client-facing position that demands both deep technical capability and strong relationship management skills. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow engineers and support staff, step in as the go-to resource for complex wireless challenges, and contribute to raising the bar across the team through mentorship, documentation, and thought leadership. The right candidate approaches problems with curiosity and precision, takes genuine pride in delivering outstanding client experiences, and can distill complex technical concepts into language anyone can understand.

Core Experience

• 5+ years of experience in network management, firewall administration, and technical support
• 3+ years of hands-on enterprise network architecture, design, and deployment experience
• Demonstrated success delivering end-to-end wireless network projects from initial assessment and design through deployment, tuning, and long-term support
• Sharp troubleshooting instincts with a structured, methodical approach to diagnosing complex wireless and network issues
• Proven ability to juggle competing priorities and manage client expectations effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of making technical content accessible to non-technical audiences

Technical Skills

• Deep expertise across 802.11 standards (a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be) and enterprise wireless architecture
• Solid command of core networking fundamentals including IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and VLAN design
• Strong grasp of RF principles, SSID architecture, wireless controller management, and high-density Wi-Fi design
• Hands-on experience implementing wireless security including 802.1X/RADIUS authentication, WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise encryption, and guest network segmentation
• Proficiency with wireless packet capture and analysis tools such as Wireshark or AirPCAP
• Comfort supporting Apple ecosystems (macOS, iOS) and common business productivity platforms including Google Workspace
• Ability to produce polished technical documentation including network diagrams, AP placement maps, rack elevations, and client-facing assessment reports

Platforms & Tools (Preferred)

Exposure to some or all of the following:

• Ekahau Suite
• Cisco Meraki Dashboard and Meraki firewalls
• Ubiquiti UniFi
• Aruba Central and Aruba wireless access points
• Brocade ICX switches
• WatchGuard or Palo Alto firewalls
• Dark fiber and related connectivity solutions

Certifications (Preferred)

• CWDP (Certified Wireless Design Professional) or equivalent advanced Wi-Fi design credential
• Ekahau Certified Survey Engineer (ECSE) or comparable wireless survey certification
• CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator)
• CompTIA Network+ or Security+

What You Will Be Doing

• Designing and deploying enterprise wireless solutions including predictive surveys, RF planning, and post-deployment validation across high-density environments
• Keeping client network and Wi-Fi environments running at peak performance across LAN, WAN, firewalls, WAPs, Internet connectivity, and core network hardware
• Enforcing wireless security best practices including 802.1X/RADIUS, WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise encryption, and guest network isolation and segmentation
• Functioning as the technical escalation resource for complex wireless and network challenges across both internal staff and the client base
• Getting hands-on with physical deployments — racking hardware, mounting access points, and ensuring all cabling is clean, labeled, and built to last
• Producing detailed client deliverables including assessment reports, gap analyses, AP placement maps, rack elevations, and structured cabling plans
• Keeping client network documentation accurate and current, including diagrams, configurations, change logs, and troubleshooting references
• Proactively monitoring network performance and implementing improvements before issues impact users
• Managing vendor and partner relationships including preferred status agreements, pricing negotiations, and renewal timelines
• Mentoring junior team members on wireless analysis techniques, RF troubleshooting methodologies, and network best practices
• Staying current on emerging wireless technologies and surfacing relevant updates to clients and teammates
• Contributing to project scoping and estimates, managing delivery accountability, and keeping stakeholders informed on status and risk throughout

Tech Breakdown

• 40% — Wireless Network Design, Deployment & Optimization
• 25% — Network Operations, Support & Troubleshooting
• 20% — Client Documentation, Reporting & Deliverables
• 15% — Collaboration, Mentorship & Vendor Management

Daily Responsibilities

• 35% — Hands-on wireless and network engineering, configuration, and troubleshooting
• 25% — Client communication, relationship management, and escalation support
• 20% — Documentation, diagrams, reporting, and client-facing deliverables
• 20% — Project coordination, team collaboration, and technology research

Performance Expectation

This role carries a monthly billable hour target in line with the engineering team's performance standards, with expectations communicated during the interview process.

The Offer

You will receive the following benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Hands-on exposure to a broad, modern technology stack across a wide range of enterprise client environments
• Ongoing professional development and certification reimbursement support
• A tight-knit, ego-free team that takes the work seriously without taking itself too seriously

This is a full-time exempt salaried position. The nature of managed services means some after-hours support and occasional travel to client locations should be expected.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.