Director, Wireless Engineering & Architecture at The National Football League

Mount Laurel, New Jersey, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Feb, 26

Salary

200000.0

Posted On

22 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Wireless Network Architecture, Leadership, Troubleshooting, Performance Optimization, Cisco Products, Extreme Products, Network Security, Event Support, Technical Documentation, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Innovation, Data-Driven Decision Making, IoT, Networking Protocols, Wireless Technologies

Industry

Spectator Sports

Description

The National Football League (NFL) is looking for a Director of Wireless Engineering & Architecture with a strong background in enterprise and stadium wireless environments to serve as a technical lead on an innovative team of solutions engineers and architects. The Director will be responsible for setting the strategic vision and technical direction for the NFL’s wifi infrastructure, ensuring robust, scalable, and high-performance connectivity that supports critical services across media workflows, game applications, and backend systems. The Director of Wireless Engineering & Architecture will be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and senior-most authority on wifi and wireless technologies within the organization. They will lead the architecture, design, and operations of NFL wireless networks, while also working along a team of engineers and collaborating with internal stakeholders, stadium authorities, and external partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in high-performance wireless networks, paired with proven leadership experience. A successful Director will be a self-starter with an ownership attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to drive innovation and execution across a high-performing team under tight deadlines. This role can be based out of our New York NY, Mount Laurel NJ, or Inglewood CA offices. Responsibilities Lead the strategic vision, architecture, and operational excellence of the NFL Corporate and Stadium wireless networks, ensuring high-performance connectivity for Core NFL Game Technology, media workflows, and backend services. Establishes, documents, and enforces enterprise standards for wireless network systems, leveraging automation, analytics, and emerging technologies to drive performance, scalability, and innovation. Provide dedicated strategic and operational support for on-site stadium wireless network and Wi-Fi technicians during NFL game days throughout the NFL season. Serve as the senior-most subject matter expert for wireless technologies, representing the NFL IT Department in executive forums, with Clubs, Stadium Authorities, and external partners Own the development and governance of wireless network documentation, including architectural diagrams, operational procedures, and training materials. Drive the evaluation and adoption of next-generation wireless technologies, aligning infrastructure investments with long-term business and technology strategies. Partner with senior leaders across operations, security, events, and infrastructure to ensure wireless capabilities are integrated into enterprise initiatives and future planning. Lead the resolutions of all wireless service issues, coordinating with IT teams, product support, vendors, and business units to ensure timely resolution and root cause analysis. Define and report on wireless network KPIs and performance metrics, providing executive-level insights into service levels, capacity planning, and infrastructure health. Provide technical leadership and guidance across internal infrastructure initiatives, ensuring wireless considerations are integrated into the broader IT strategies. Provide executive oversight for wireless infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with IT roadmaps, budget adherence, and timely delivery of key initiatives Perform as a Wireless Architect/ Principal SME on team of senior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence. Remain on the cutting edge by studying state-of-the-art wireless technologies, participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal wireless networks; participating in professional organizations on wireless topics. Represent the NFL in industry forums and professional organizations, staying at the forefront of wireless technology trends and best practices. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field, with 10+ years of experience or equivalent military service, including 5+ years in a architectural role. Proven track record of leading large-scale wireless infrastructure initiatives across complex enterprise or venue environments. Extensive hands-on experience exceeding 10 years in wireless network architecture and implementation, troubleshooting and performance optimization, and lifecycle maintenance, including channel planning, directional antennae configurations, and long-haul wireless applications. Deeply proficient in wireless network architecture and administration, particularly Cisco and Extreme products, with deep expertise in enterprise controllers, access points, routers, and switches. Strong understanding of wireless network performance, security, and troubleshooting methodologies. Collaborate within high-performing technical teams, cross-functional initiatives, and influence executive stakeholders. Experience supporting large-scale events or high-density wireless environments (e.g., stadiums, arenas). Strong business acumen with the ability to align wireless infrastructure strategy with organizational goals and operational needs. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging with executive leadership, external partners, and industry stakeholders. Proficiency in creating and maintaining technical documentation, diagrams, and reports. Preferred Qualifications CCIE Wireless, CWNE, or equivalent preferred. Deep knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, STP, NAT, IPSEC, GRE, etc.) Experience with networking concepts and principles, including but not limited to routing static/dynamic (EIGRP, OSPF, & BGP) and multi-layer switching (VLANs, VTP, Spanning Tree, etc.) In-depth knowledge of advanced networking protocols and architectures (e.g., SD-WAN, Wi-Fi 6/6E/7, private 5G, IoT). Familiarity with Cisco Identity Services Engine and DNA. DAS and Cellular Spectrum Analysis experience. Other Key Attributes / Characteristics Visionary mindset with the ability to define and drive long-term wireless infrastructure strategy across a complex, high-performance environment. Deep expertise in wireless network architecture, security, and performance optimization, with a strong grasp of industry best practices and emerging technologies Strong grasp of wireless network best practices and analysis with tools such as Wireshark, WiFi Explorer etc. Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex wireless network issues. Experience troubleshooting wireless networking device drivers and client system issues. Experience in troubleshooting video and voice performance over wireless networks. Capability to research and evaluate new wireless network technologies. Experience with IOT, sensors, wireless automated devices preferred. Effective communicator with the ability to translate technical concepts for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making, service quality, and operational efficiency. Proficient in creating and maintaining detailed technical documentation, including network diagrams and support materials Ability to work independently, prioritize issues and balance multiple projects. Positive and proactive approach to collaboration and seeking out tasks from senior engineers. Physical Demands This role will require long periods of standing or walking and surveying stadiums and arenas. It will also require the racking of Network and Data Center Hardware. Terms / Expected Hours of Work This role will require working weekends, holidays, shifts outside of normal business hours, and overtime. It will also require travel between offices domestically in NY, NJ, and CA, and stadiums throughout North America and Internationally for installations, maintenance, and support. Salary / Pay Range This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range. Salary $165,000—$200,000 USD Benefits Information To learn more about our comprehensive benefits offerings, please visit: NFL BENEFITS At the NFL, in-person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered. NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED. The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. WHO WE ARE: NFL Core Values: Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution. Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through. Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others. Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence. NFL Leadership Attributes: Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed. Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward. Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence. Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action. Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position. Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact WHO YOU ARE: Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees: Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic vision and operational excellence of the NFL's wireless networks, ensuring high-performance connectivity for critical services. Drive the evaluation and adoption of next-generation wireless technologies while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.