Engineering Manager - Wireless Network

About the role

Halter is seeking an Engineering Manager to oversee our wireless network engineering team, which is crucial for maintaining one of the largest private IoT networks globally. This role encompasses managing over a million devices across New Zealand, Australia, the US, and Canada, utilizing various technologies such as LoRa, cellular, and satellite direct-to-device. The position requires a blend of technical expertise and leadership, as you will be involved in shaping network architecture, strategizing spectrum usage, and ensuring the team excels in their roles. You will own the end-to-end reliability of our critical wireless infrastructure, driving decisions that directly impact network performance and uptime across multiple continents. Furthermore, you will define and lead the technical strategy for tower deployment and coverage expansion into new regions, making key choices on site selection and RF planning initiatives. In this capacity, you will recruit, develop, and mentor a highly specialized wireless network engineering team, recognizing the unique and rare skill set required in this field. You will also collaborate closely with firmware, backend, hardware, and field operations teams to clarify requirements and actively shape product development from a network perspective. Finally, you will support engineering-led initiatives and explore the use of AI tools to enhance development processes and discover innovative working methods to solve complex infrastructure challenges.

What you'll do

• Ensure network reliability by managing uptime, incident responses, and on-call practices to maintain a healthy 24/7 operational network without overwhelming the team.
• Drive the strategy for tower deployment and coverage as the company expands into new regions, including site selection and RF planning.
• Recruit and develop a highly skilled wireless network engineering team, recognizing the unique skill set required in this field.
• Collaborate closely with firmware, backend, hardware, and field operations teams to clarify requirements and shape product development.
• Support engineering-led initiatives and explore the use of AI tools to enhance development processes and discover innovative working methods.
• Gain firsthand knowledge by visiting farms, as understanding the domain is crucial for effective problem-solving.
• Contribute to the overall engineering culture at Halter, helping to create an environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Own the technical roadmap for the wireless network, balancing long-term vision with immediate operational demands.
• Act as the primary technical leader for spectrum strategy, ensuring efficient and compliant use of wireless frequencies.

Requirements

• Proven experience in leading engineering teams, including conducting performance reviews, mentoring, and recruitment.
• Strong foundational knowledge in wireless networking, with the ability to discuss spectrum allocation, path loss, link budgets, and antenna behavior credibly.
• Hands-on experience with long-range wireless technologies such as LoRa/LoRaWAN and cellular systems deployed at scale.
• Familiarity with platform infrastructure, including configuration management tools like Ansible, and the ability to automate fleet operations effectively.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Go, Python, or C++, enabling you to review team tools and engage with data-related inquiries.
• Ability to structure and prioritize work efficiently while balancing speed and quality in project execution.
• Capability to maintain composure under pressure, demonstrating low ego and the ability to motivate a team through complex challenges, including live infrastructure incidents.
• Experience in fast-paced startup environments, with a track record of navigating growth and addressing ambiguous challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement reliable systems that operate at scale across diverse geographic regions.
• Strong understanding of network security principles and practices as they apply to IoT device ecosystems.
• Commitment to data-driven decision making, utilizing metrics and observability tools to guide infrastructure improvements.
• Willingness to adhere to company policies and operational procedures to ensure consistent and secure network management.
• Capacity to translate high-level business objectives into concrete technical requirements for the engineering team.
• Dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment where diverse skills are valued and developed.

Nice to have

• Experience with satellite direct-to-device technology or non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
• Familiarity with spectrum regulatory processes (e.g., FCC, ACMA, ComReg).
• Exposure to embedded systems or firmware development.
• Background in building or managing infrastructure in remote or challenging environments.
• Knowledge of AI applications in engineering contexts.

Skills & tools

• Wireless networking principles
• RF engineering and planning
• Configuration management (Ansible or similar)
• Programming (Go, Python, C++)
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Incident management and response

Practical notes

• Halter offers a collaborative and supportive work environment, emphasizing the importance of in-person interactions to foster strong relationships.
• The company provides a range of benefits, including health insurance, generous parental leave, a personal development budget, and wellness leave.
• Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and personal growth, with a focus on building a high-performing team culture.
• The office-first approach is central to Halter's ethos, promoting face-to-face collaboration while allowing for flexibility when necessary.

Join us at Halter, where you can make a significant impact in the agricultural technology sector while working alongside a talented team dedicated to innovation and sustainability.