Hybrid LTE Network Field Engineer chez ASARCO LLC

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.

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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.