Data Center Field Technician L2

Motion Recruitment; Colorado City (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Motion Recruitment is seeking a Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) to lead in-rack deployment, cabling, and system bring-up in a U.S. data center setting.

Responsibilities include interpreting design docs, verifying installations, and guiding L1 technicians while coordinating with project teams to meet schedules and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data center installations or similar hands-on role.
• Strong understanding of rack infrastructure, server, storage, and network hardware.
• Proficiency in structured cabling (fiber and copper) and cable management.
• Experience with power distribution within racks (PDUs, dual feeds, redundancy).
• Knowledge of cooling methods including DX airflow management.
• Direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling installation and basic validation.
• OS installation and imaging tools (PXE, ISO-based installs).
• BIOS/firmware configuration and hardware validation basics.

Responsibilities

• Lead rack build and in-rack deployment activities based on design documentation.
• Interpret rack layouts, elevation diagrams, and cabling schematics.
• Perform and validate rack & stack activities for servers, storage, and network equipment.
• Execute and verify structured cabling (fiber and copper), including basic testing/validation.
• Install and validate power connections (PDUs, dual feeds, load considerations).
• Configure airflow and cooling for DX-cooled environments.
• Install and validate direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling systems.
• Perform OS installation and basic configuration per build standards.
• Verify hardware functionality (POST, BIOS/firmware baseline).
• Conduct post-install QA: audits, labeling, and risk mitigation.
• Guide L1 technicians and coordinate with project teams.

Job description

The Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) is a developing technical role responsible for executing and overseeing in-rack installation activities of moderate complexity within a data center environment. This includes rack builds, equipment installation, structured cabling, power distribution, advanced cooling integration (DX and direct-to-chip liquid cooling), and initial system bring-up activities.

This role works with greater autonomy and is responsible for interpreting installation designs, validating work quality, and supporting troubleshooting during deployment activities.

Through proactive coordination and problem-solving, this role ensures installations are completed efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with technical standards and project timelines.

The primary objective of this role is to deliver high-quality installation and validation outcomes while minimizing delays, rework, and SLA risks.

The Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) is responsible for managing standard to medium-complexity installation tasks, guiding L1 technicians, and resolving issues encountered during implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead rack build and in-rack deployment activities based on design documentation
• Interpret rack layouts, elevation diagrams, and cabling schematics
• Perform and validate rack & stack activities for servers, storage, and network equipment
• Execute and verify structured cabling (fiber and copper), including basic testing/validation
• Install and validate power connections (single/dual feed, PDUs, load considerations)
• Implement and optimize cooling solutions:
• Configure airflow best practices for DX-cooled environments
• Install and validate direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling systems, including cold plates, hoses, manifolds, and quick disconnects
• Perform visual inspections for leaks and ensure proper routing, strain relief, and secure connections
• Perform initial system bring-up activities:
• Execute OS installation and basic configuration (in line with build standards and imaging processes)
• Validate hardware functionality (POST checks, BIOS/firmware baseline verification)
• Perform basic network connectivity checks where required
• Conduct post-installation quality assurance:
• Verify installations against design specifications and checklists
• Perform cable, power, and labeling audits
• Validate airflow and cooling setup (DX and D2C)
• Identify and remediate defects or elevate issues
• Identify and resolve installation issues, escalating when required
• Support and guide L1 technicians on best practices and procedures
• Coordinate with project teams, engineering, and operations for smooth delivery
• Update documentation and report installation progress and deviations

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all data center safety standards, permits, and procedures
• Actively promote safe working practices and intervene in unsafe situations
• Apply electrical safety awareness when working with powered equipment and PDUs
• Follow and enforce safe handling procedures for direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems (including leak prevention and response)
• Ensure proper use of PPE by self and supporting team members
• Conduct risk awareness during installations (e.g., heavy lifts, cable congestion, liquid connections)
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workspace safety
• Report and elevate hazards, incidents, and non-compliance issues

Requirements (L2)

• Proven experience in data center installations or similar hands-on technical role
• Strong understanding of rack infrastructure, server, storage, and network hardware
• Proficiency in structured cabling (fiber and copper) and cable management best practices
• Experience with power distribution within racks (PDUs, dual feeds, redundancy concepts)
• Working knowledge of cooling methodologies:
• DX airflow management within racks
• Direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling systems (installation, connection handling, and basic validation)
• Experience with system deployment activities:
• OS installation and imaging tools (e.g., PXE, ISO-based installs, or automated deployment tools)
• Basic BIOS/firmware configuration and hardware validation
• Familiarity with post-install validation and quality assurance processes
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and MOPs
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills during installations
• Ability to work independently and guide junior technicians
• Good understanding of health and safety regulations in data center environments
• Physically capable of performing installation tasks in demanding environments