Wireless Network Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hybrid POTENTIAL. Must be able to get to the office.
Description:
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 APs)
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 AirMagnet 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 APs)
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 AirMagnet.
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 security architectures, including WPA2/WPA3, RADIUS, and segmentation.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across a matrixed organization.
Demonstrated customer service orientation and commitment to service excellence.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Cisco certifications such as CCNA Wireless, CCNP Enterprise (Wireless concentration), or CCIE Wireless.
Experience with Cisco DNA Center automation, APIs, and wireless assurance analytics.
Knowledge of location services, wireless analytics, and IoT integration within Cisco platforms.
Experience integrating wireless networks with network security solutions (Cisco ISE, NAC).
Familiarity with cloud-managed wireless (Meraki) and hybrid enterprise environments.
Experience supporting large-scale, multi-site wireless deployments.
Knowledge of scripting (Python, PowerShell) for automation of wireless operations.
Experience working with managed service providers.
Experience with VLAN design, QoS, segmentation, and network performance tuning in enterprise wireless environments.
Top 3 Must-Haves (Hard and/or soft Skills)
Hands-on experience with Cisco wireless technologies, including:
• Cisco Catalyst Wireless (9800 controllers, Cisco APs)
• Cisco Meraki wireless solutions
• Cisco DNA Center (Assurance and Automation)
Fundamentals of Networking
Wired Networking a plus
Firewall knowledge a plus
Top 3 Nice-To-Haves (Hard and/or soft Skills)
Good team player
Good attitude
Efficient
Willing to learn
Collaborate with multiple inintities
Notes
:
Travel
:
Up to 25% required to support site surveys, deployments, troubleshooting, and wireless optimization activities across RCCB facilities.
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status