• LTE Network Field Engineer

    Turner Mining Group (Kearny, AZ)


    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.

     

    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