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What does a wireless network engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A Wireless Network Engineer specializes in designing and developing wireless telecommunication systems and networks. They are responsible for understanding the client or company's needs, performing installations and upgrades, configuring wireless equipment, conducting assessments and inspections, troubleshooting problems, and performing corrective measures and adjustments as necessary. They must also create strategies to optimize local wireless networks, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Wireless Network Engineers must manage and lead staff to reach goals, all while promoting and implementing the company's policies and regulations.

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Wireless network engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real wireless network engineer resumes:

  • Install, configure and manages Centos Linux to support in-house requirements.
  • Manage local/wide area network, servers, and communications connections to remote locations.
  • Plan and coordinate VoIP deployments, manage firewall configurations, and assist with structure cable projects.
  • Assist field technicians with network operation requests such as configuring Cisco manage switches and performing troubleshooting for connectivity issues.
  • Configure new IOS, OSPF, MPLS, QoS and security base on requirements.
  • Help CY920 Wi-Fi certification: run test plan, interface between WiFi team and RF team where need
  • Configure EIGRP, multicast, GLBP, and HSRP protocols.
  • Test vendor interoperability for DWDM, OCn, DSn and Ethernet circuits.
  • Well experience in troubleshooting and optimizing performance in CISCO base routers and switches.
  • Conduct site surveys for proper wireless coverage, including RF planning and network design.
  • Design and configure, OSPF, BGP distribute routing efficiently within the enterprise network.
  • Create and test Cisco router and switching operations using OSPF routing protocol, and MPLS switching for stable VPNs.
  • Install and programme the router with traffic shaping and qos.
  • Maintain facilities on UNIX driven database for switch and field personnel.
  • Involve with the testing and evaluation of new data and telecommunication equipment.

Wireless network engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Wireless Network Engineers are proficient in RF, Wireless Network, and Switches. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Wireless Network Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • RF, 7%

    Designed and installed RF phases for high profile Kraft Foods, Inc, and HP's Global Network Services department.

  • Wireless Network, 7%

    Review Wi-Fi deployment and make recommendation for further enhancement of SEC enterprise wireless network.

  • Switches, 5%

    Assisted field technicians with network operation requests such as configuring Cisco managed switches and performing troubleshooting for connectivity issues.

  • WLAN, 5%

    Design and installation of Ruckus WLAN system for AtlanticGroup with the ability to support up to 600 concurrent users.

  • Lan Wan, 5%

    Work on different networking concepts and routing protocols like OSPF and other LAN WAN technologies.

  • Troubleshoot, 4%

    Worked with other engineers to troubleshoot connectivity problems.

Common skills that a wireless network engineer uses to do their job include "rf," "wireless network," and "switches." You can find details on the most important wireless network engineer responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a wireless network engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Wireless network engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "major contributions network design and implementation in new data center facility. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform wireless network engineer duties is communication skills. Wireless network engineers responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Wireless network engineers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "deployed 2700+ cisco lwap s to support wireless data and voip communications over 802.11a/b/g/n in a large campus environment. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for wireless network engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how wireless network engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a wireless network engineer: "participate in or lead complex network design, performance engineering or problem resolution projects. ".

See the full list of wireless network engineer skills

Choose from 10+ customizable wireless network engineer resume templates

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Compare different wireless network engineers

Wireless network engineer vs. Administrator

Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.

We looked at the average wireless network engineer salary and compared it with the wages of an administrator. Generally speaking, administrators are paid $28,235 lower than wireless network engineers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both wireless network engineer and administrator positions are skilled in troubleshoot, dns, and linux.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a wireless network engineer are more likely to require skills like "rf," "wireless network," "switches," and "wlan." On the other hand, a job as an administrator requires skills like "customer service," "data entry," "payroll," and "financial reports." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Administrators really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,798. Comparatively, wireless network engineers tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $104,043.On average, administrators reach similar levels of education than wireless network engineers. Administrators are 1.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Wireless network engineer vs. Network support analyst

Network support analysts are professionals who provide technical support as well as maintain various network components for an organization's network system. These analysts are responsible for installing and configuring local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), internet systems, and other components of network systems. They are required to monitor the performance of networks and systems and align network use and access by using master consoles. Network support analysts must also organize and deploy security measures for the network so that they can safeguard software, hardware, and data.

On average, network support analysts earn a $17,196 lower salary than wireless network engineers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both wireless network engineers and network support analysts have skills such as "switches," "lan wan," and "troubleshoot. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, wireless network engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "rf," "wireless network," "wlan," and "wifi." Meanwhile, a network support analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "problem resolution," "firewall," "network support," and "windows server." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Network support analysts earn a lower average salary than wireless network engineers. But network support analysts earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $98,644. Additionally, wireless network engineers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $104,043 annually.network support analysts earn lower levels of education than wireless network engineers in general. They're 5.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Wireless network engineer vs. Network operation technician

A network operation technician is responsible for providing technical assistance with computer network issues. Network operation technicians repair and troubleshoot networks and routers, identifying the source of defects by listening to the customers and determining step-by-step guidelines for resolution. They also configure servers to optimize the network's performance and recommend strategies to improve the system's infrastructure. A network operation technician must have excellent organizational and technical skills, especially in explaining the network problems to the customers and addressing preventive maintenance.

On average, network operation technicians earn lower salaries than wireless network engineers, with a $36,845 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on wireless network engineers and network operation technicians resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "rf," "switches," and "lan wan.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from wireless network engineer resumes include skills like "wireless network," "wlan," "wifi," and "ise," whereas a network operation technician is more likely to list skills in "network operations," "customer service," "trouble tickets," and "remedy. "

Network operation technicians earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $74,614. Comparatively, wireless network engineers have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $104,043.network operation technicians typically earn lower educational levels compared to wireless network engineers. Specifically, they're 7.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Wireless network engineer vs. Network support technician

A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.

Network support technicians typically earn lower pay than wireless network engineers. On average, network support technicians earn a $52,495 lower salary per year.According to resumes from wireless network engineers and network support technicians, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "switches," "lan wan," and "troubleshoot. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A wireless network engineer uses "rf," "wireless network," "wlan," and "wifi." Network support technicians are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "network support," "provides technical support," and "desk support. "network support technicians enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $48,633. For comparison, wireless network engineers earn the highest salary in the retail industry.In general, network support technicians hold lower degree levels compared to wireless network engineers. Network support technicians are 9.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of wireless network engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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