LTE Network Field Engineer

POSITION OVERVIEW The LTE Network Field Engineer plays a critical role in supporting and maintaining the enterprise network infrastructure at ASARCO, with a strong focus on LTE connectivity and field-deployed technologies. This position combines hands-on technical proficiency with strategic contribution, ensuring robust, secure, and high-performance communication systems for both IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS LTE Network Support: Provide hands-on support for the Nokia LTE infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted performance for AHS and other field automation systems. Field Deployment & Troubleshooting: Perform installation, testing, and diagnostics of LTE base stations, user equipment (UE), antennas, and backhaul components in harsh mining environments. Performance Monitoring: Use network monitoring tools to track LTE performance, identify bottlenecks, and proactively resolve issues impacting availability, latency, or throughput. Cross-Team Collaboration: Work with OT, AHS operations, IT networking, and vendor teams to troubleshoot LTE-related issues and coordinate firmware or configuration changes. Documentation: Maintain current technical documentation for LTE components, coverage maps, asset inventories, and work procedures. . ADDITIONAL DUTIES Support Projects and Upgrades: Participate in LTE expansion efforts, including site surveys, RF planning, and new equipment commissioning. Incident Response: Serve as the front-line responder for Severity 1 and 2 incidents related to LTE and network infrastructure. After-Hours Availability: Be available for critical after-hours tasks to minimize operational disruptions during upgrades or maintenance. Network Governance: Review and approve LTE-related change control requests, ensuring alignment with best practices and security standards. RESPONSIBILITIES The LTE network engineer is responsible for: Ensure secure and stable LTE-based communication for AHS trucks, field devices, and industrial sensors. Design and implement enhancements in LTE topology, IP routing, and wireless coverage for operational continuity. Maintain strict adherence to the Purdue Model principles and network zone segmentation, while aligning with NIST cybersecurity guidelines and IEC 62443 standards for industrial control system security. Assist with backhaul integration between LTE and core IT/OT infrastructure. Contribute to audits, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement of LTE-related performance metrics. Technical Expertise LTE and Networking Expertise Deep understanding of LTE architecture including eNodeBs, EPC/core, UE configuration, and QoS principles. Experience working with Nokia LTE technologies , configuration tools, and radio planning practices. Familiarity with: IP routing (OSPF, BGP), static routes , VPNs Firewalls (Fortinet, Palo Alto, Cisco ASA) Wireless standards (802.11) and RF propagation analysis tools (EkaHau, iBwave, or similar) Industrial networking protocols (Modbus, Profinet) Understanding of licensed and unlicensed wireless bands and related use cases (e.g., CBRS, ISM). Awareness of federal spectrum management regulations (e.g., FCC Part 90/96 in the U.S. or international equivalents). Experience configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless links in outdoor or industrial environments. Tools and Technical Proficiency Monitoring tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds, OPManager) Scripting (PowerShell, Python), network diagramming (Lucidchart, MS Visio) Understanding of the OSI model, CPwE framework, and Purdue Model for industrial network segmentation, along with familiarity with NIST standards and IEC 62443 for securing OT environments. Strong proficiency in troubleshooting Layer 2 and Layer 3 network issues, with a solid understanding of wireless network operations and associated hardware components. Responsible for executing, supporting, and enforcing the Company's Environmental, Health and Safety program as required by OIS policy, directives, and principles. Desirable Skills Experience in mining or industrial environments Ability to interface with OEM vendors , LTE specialists , and automation system integrators Strong field troubleshooting and hands-on problem-solving abilities Education and Experience Required: High school diploma or GED 5+ years' experience in relevant network infrastructure roles Valid driver's license and ability to work in field environments English language fluency. o At least CEFR B2 - Upper Intermediate: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field Certifications in Cisco, Nokia, or other wireless/networking disciplines Experience supporting LTE for Autonomous Haulage Systems or comparable applications