Manager of Wireless Engineering

MetTel; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 185,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

MetTel is seeking a Manager of Wireless Engineering in Washington, DC to lead the strategy, design, and delivery of its wireless network infrastructure. This position oversees a team of over 40 engineers responsible for the latest wireless technologies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in wireless systems and proven leadership skills.

The role includes managing a $15M annual budget while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Join MetTel and contribute to pioneering wireless solutions.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in wireless network engineering.
• 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Experience managing $10M+ technology budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, design, and delivery of the wireless network infrastructure.
• Oversee a team of 40+ engineers and architects.
• Define and execute the enterprise wireless strategy.

Skills

Wireless network engineering

Leadership

Enterprise Wi-Fi architecture

RF design

Wireless security

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Cisco

Aruba/HPE

DAS

Wireless network analytics platforms

Job description

MetTel is a global communications solutions provider with the most complete suite of fully managed services that focus on secure connectivity, and network and mobility services. We simplify communications and networking for business and government agencies. Our customers include many of the Fortune 500, and Gartner recognizes us as an industry leader. We have the broadest portfolio of technology and integrated partnerships, as well as our private network, which we use to create tailored solutions design, deployment, and ongoing management, driving cost savings, efficiency, innovation, and the ability to focus on core objectives.

We believe that each team member is a key to the success and sustainability of the group. In order to achieve this, we offer an environment where all professionals can grow and develop their skills and competencies, collaborate with diverse professionals, share knowledge and enjoy a rewarding career.

We are seeking a seasoned Manager of Wireless Engineering to join our Network Engineering team!

The Manager will lead strategy, design, and delivery of our wireless network infrastructure. This role oversees a team of 40+ engineers and architects responsible for enterprise Wi-Fi, cellular/DAS, and next‑generation wireless technologies across the organization’s national footprint. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in wireless systems with proven leadership in scaling engineering organizations and driving multi‑year technology roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise wireless engineering strategy spanning Wi-Fi 6/6E/7, private 5G, DAS, and CBRS deployments
• Lead a department of 40+ wireless engineers, RF designers, and technical architects across multiple regions
• Own the wireless technology roadmap and align it with business growth objectives and capital planning cycles
• Partner with CTO, VP of Infrastructure, and business unit leaders to prioritize wireless investments and capacity planning
• Drive design standards, RF engineering best practices, and quality assurance processes for all wireless deployments
• Oversee vendor relationships and contract negotiations with wireless OEMs including Cisco, Aruba/HPE, and Ericsson
• Manage departmental P&L including $15M+ annual capital and operating budgets
• Establish KPIs and SLAs for wireless network performance, availability, and user experience
• Lead evaluation and pilot programs for emerging wireless technologies (Wi-Fi 7, private LTE/5G, IoT connectivity)
• Represent the wireless engineering organization in executive steering committees and board-level technology reviews
• Recruit, develop, and retain top wireless engineering talent; build succession plans for key technical leadership roles
• Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, RF safety standards, and enterprise security policies across all wireless systems

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or related field; Master’s preferred
• 12+ years of progressive experience in wireless network engineering, with 5+ years in senior leadership roles
• Deep technical expertise in enterprise Wi-Fi architecture (Cisco, Aruba/HPE), RF design, and wireless security
• Experience leading engineering teams of 25+ across multiple locations
• Proven track record managing $10M+ technology budgets and delivering large-scale wireless deployments
• Strong understanding of 802.11ax/be standards, RF propagation, spectrum management, and wireless troubleshooting
• Experience with DAS, small cell, and cellular integration in enterprise environments
• Executive-level communication skills with experience presenting to C‑suite and board audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• CWNE (Certified Wireless Network Expert) or CWNP certifications
• Experience with private 5G/LTE and CBRS spectrum
• Background in healthcare, higher education, or large campus wireless environments
• Experience with wireless network analytics platforms (Ekahau, AirMagnet, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with network automation and programmability (Python, APIs, controller-based architectures)
• MBA or executive leadership training

*The salary reflected is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay rate for this position ranges from $185,000 - $240,000. Pay varies by work location and may also depend on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience and abilities of the successful candidate. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

Keywords: #Manager, #Strategy, #Wireless, #Infrastructure, #Leadership, #NewYorkCity, #WashingtonDC, #NewJersey

MetTel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

To learn more about our company visit us at www.mettel.net