Wireless LAN Engineer

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Enterprise Technology plays a critical part in shaping the future of mobility. If you’re looking for the chance to leverage advanced technology to redefine the transportation landscape, enhance the customer experience and improve people’s lives, this is the opportunity for you. Join us and challenge your IT expertise and analytical skills to help create vehicles that are as smart as you are.

This job is posted as HYBRID, and requires up to 3 days a week from our Dearborn, MI office.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Ford Motor Company is seeking a skilled and experienced LAN Architect to join our Network Engineering team. As a LAN Architect, you will be responsible for the strategic planning, design, and implementation of Ford's Local Area Network (LAN) and wireless network infrastructure. This includes ensuring the network is robust, scalable, secure, and aligned with business requirements. You will work across a variety of environments, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and campus/office buildings. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of LAN and wireless technologies, networking protocols, structured cabling, and industry best practices, and will be able to translate business needs into technical solutions.

Strategic Planning and Roadmap Development:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive LAN and wireless strategy and roadmap aligned with the organization's business objectives and technology vision.
• As part of a team of architects, identify and evaluate emerging LAN and wireless technologies and trends, and recommend their adoption when appropriate.
• Lead the design and architecture of proposed solutions from a LAN and wireless planning perspective, ensuring compatibility with current Business & Engineering and Manufacturing devices and systems.
• Ensure that LAN and wireless network designs comply with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of LAN and wireless hardware and software solutions.
• Develop and implement LAN and wireless security policies and procedures to protect the organization's data and systems.
• Ensure that LAN and wireless networks comply with all relevant security standards and regulations.

Design and Implementation:

• Take responsibility for designing and implementing LAN and wireless network solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization, considering factors like coverage, capacity, and security.
• Assess signal coverage, identify potential interference issues, and plan for network capacity to handle anticipated traffic loads.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations and topologies.
• Report on network performance and security issues.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in LAN and wireless network engineering, with a focus on architecture, design, and implementation.
• Proven experience managing complex LAN and wireless network projects.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of wireless technologies, including:
  • 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E) standards
  • Wireless security protocols (e.g., WPA2/3, 802.1X)
  • Wireless network design principles (e.g., site surveys, capacity planning)
  • Wireless network management tools (e.g., Ekahau, AirMagnet)
  • Wireless controllers and access points (e.g., Cisco, Aruba, Ruckus)
  • Wireless mesh networks
  • IoT wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN)
• Strong understanding of networking protocols and technologies, including:
  • TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP
  • VLANs, routing protocols
  • Firewalls, VPNs
  • Structured cabling
• Knowledge of Ford Data and Wireless Network would be an advantage.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent.
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or equivalent.
• Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) or equivalent.
• RCDD or equivalent. 

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent prese