Wireless Technical Lead

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Penn State Information Technology (PSU IT) Infrastructure Division is seeking a Wireless Technical Lead Network Engineer (Principal Professional) to provide senior-level technical leadership, direction, and oversight for the University’s enterprise wireless services team.

This role exists to lead the team to technically setting standards, guiding design decisions, mentoring engineers, and serving as the primary technical authority for wireless platform. While the Technical Lead remains technically engaged, the primary focus is technical leadership over individual execution. This is a non-managerial position that works in close partnership with the Wireless Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Leadership & Direction

• Serve as the primary technical leader for wireless and cellular services
• Responsible for collaborative design,  technical guidance and direction to engineers implementation, and operations
• Establish and maintain technical standards, design patterns, and best practices
• Review and guide complex or high-risk technical decisions and changes
• Provide support to Cellular Product Manager when needed

Architecture & Service Design

• Lead wireless architecture and long-term technical planning
• Ensure designs align with reliability, scalability, security, and operational goals
• Evaluate new technologies and approaches in support of service evolution
• Maintain architectural documentation and reference designs
• Work with the Team to implement automation to improve rollout of wireless

Operational Leadership

• Provide technical leadership during major incidents, escalations, and service degradations
• Guide troubleshooting efforts and ensure effective root cause analysis
• Identify systemic issues and drive corrective actions to reduce recurrence
• Act as an escalation point for complex technical issues

Mentorship & Team Enablement

• Mentor and coach wireless and cellular engineers
• Support skill development, onboarding, and knowledge transfer
• Promote consistent engineering practices and shared ownership
• Encourage documentation and operational maturity

Collaboration & Influence

• Partner with the Wireless Manager on technical strategy and priorities
• Collaborate with other ENCS network teams and Penn State IT partners
• Translate business and customer needs into sound technical direction
• Lead or participate in cross-team technical initiatives

Technical Scope

• Enterprise wireless networking and RF design
• Wi-Fi service integration
• Network Authentication and integration with identity services and information security operations (e.g., RADIUS, EAP-TLS)
• Monitoring, observability, and performance analysis
• Automation and tooling used to support reliability and scale
• Technical documentation, standards, and operational runbooks

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates will demonstrate strength across several of the following areas:

• Proven ability to lead complex technical initiatives without formal supervisory authority.
• Strong systems thinking and advanced problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus.
• Experience mentoring peers and serving as a technical lead or subject matter expert.
• Extensive expertise in enterprise wireless networking and RF design.
• Strong background in RADIUS authentication and certificate-based access control.
• Familiarity with large-scale monitoring and observability platforms supporting high availability.
• Experience operating in complex, distributed environments, including higher education or similar institutions.
• Comfortable working in highly available, mission-critical environments.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

LOCATION

This position offers significant remote work opportunities; however, periodic on-site work is required based on operational needs. Candidates should live in the local area or be willing to travel to campus as needed at their own expense. Participation in an on-call rotation is required and occasional overnight travel may be needed.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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