Network Engineer - Wireless Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Chelsea, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) is the lead enterprise technology organization for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Charged with driving the ongoing alignment of business and technology across the Commonwealth’s Executive Branch, EOTSS oversees and manages the enterprise technology, digital infrastructure and services, as well as the Commonwealth Security Operations Center and an enterprise Standard Operating Environment that includes an information security and risk management framework for over 125 state agencies and over 43,000 state employees. We directly serve our constituents by providing digital services and tools that enable taxpayers, drivers, businesses, visitors, families and other citizens to do business with the Commonwealth in a way that makes every interaction with government easier, faster, and more secure.
Our Mission: We provide technology leadership across the Commonwealth to enhance the quality of public service and foster positive community outcomes.
EOTSS seeking a Network Engineer – Wireless Specialist who will be responsible in providing operational and technical support for the Commonwealth’s enterprise wireless (WiFi) network infrastructure across multiple locations. This position supports Cisco and Juniper wireless environments and assists in maintaining secure, reliable, and high-performing wireless connectivity for agency users and services. The incumbent will perform entry-to-journey level professional work in the implementation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of wireless network systems in a large, multi-site public sector environment.
The primary work location for this role will be at 200 Arlington Street, Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST. This position is expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days as needed. Participation in on-call rotation and availability for off-hours work during cutovers, incidents, or emergencies. Occasional travel to agency sites or training locations (reimbursed per policy).
All offers of employment into this position are conditional and subject to passing: a Massachusetts Criminal Background Check (CORI); a security clearance (fingerprinting) consistent with IRS and/or public safety requirements; and security training.

Requirements

• Applicants must have (A) at least two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional or practical experience in the field of information technology network services, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
• Substitutions: I. An Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. II. A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) professional experience in network administration, network engineering, IT infrastructure support, or a closely related technical field, with hands-on responsibility for designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting enterprise network environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise wireless networking technologies, including architecture, deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management of large-scale WiFi environments.
• Hands-on experience supporting Cisco wireless platforms and/or Juniper Mist wireless solutions, including configuration of controllers, access points, cloud-managed systems, firmware upgrades, policy management, and performance tuning.
• Strong understanding of core networking principles and protocols, including TCP/IP, routing (static and dynamic), switching, VLAN configuration, DHCP, DNS, and network segmentation best practices.
• In-depth knowledge of IEEE 802.11 wireless standards and RF fundamentals, including channel planning, signal propagation, interference mitigation, power levels, and site survey analysis.
• Proficiency with network monitoring, diagnostic, and troubleshooting tools, such as packet analyzers, spectrum analyzers, SNMP-based monitoring systems, and wireless performance management platforms.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex network and wireless performance issues in high-availability environments.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional technical teams, managing priorities effectively in dynamic operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document configurations, develop technical procedures, and communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to physically install, rack, cable, and support networking equipment, including access points, switches, and related infrastructure, and to lift equipment in accordance with workplace safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Wireless Infrastructure Support
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of enterprise wireless networks utilizing Cisco and Juniper (Mist) technologies.
• Support wireless LAN controllers (WLCs), cloud-managed wireless platforms, and access points.
• Monitor wireless network performance, availability, and capacity using enterprise monitoring tools.
• Troubleshoot wireless connectivity issues including authentication failures, RF interference, roaming issues, and performance degradation.
• Perform firmware updates, patching, and configuration changes in accordance with change management policies.
• Network Configuration & Implementation
• Assist in configuring SSIDs, VLANs, authentication methods, and wireless security settings.
• Support implementation and maintenance of secure wireless protocols including WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise, 802.1X, and RADIUS authentication.
• Document configurations, network diagrams, and operational procedures in accordance with Commonwealth standards.
• Participate in wireless deployments, site expansions, and hardware replacements.
• Incident & Service Management
• Respond to and resolve service tickets and incidents within established service level agreements (SLAs).
• Escalate complex issues to senior engineers as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records in ticketing, asset management, and change management systems.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.
• Security & Compliance
• Ensure wireless infrastructure adheres to Commonwealth security policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support coordination with information security teams on vulnerability remediation and audit findings.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with applicable frameworks (e.g., NIST, CJIS, or other regulatory standards applicable to the agency).
• Collaboration & Communication
• Provide Tier 2 technical support to internal IT staff and service desk teams.
• Collaborate with network, server, security, and field services personnel.
• Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits

• When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
• Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree