Data Center Field Technician (L2) Abernathy, TX

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company; Abernathy (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company is seeking a Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) to perform in-rack installs, cable management, and advanced cooling integration in a data center environment. You will validate builds, wiring, and power connections while following project timelines and design standards.

The role involves OS installation, imaging, and basic hardware validation, with autonomy to resolve issues and guide junior technicians.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data center installations and hands-on hardware work.
• Ability to interpret installation designs, schematics, and MOPs; ensure quality and compliance.
• Experience with structured cabling, PDUs, and cooling integration in rack environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead rack build and in-rack deployment activities based on design documentation and schematics.
• Perform and validate rack & stack for servers, storage, and network gear.
• Execute OS installation and basic configuration per imaging standards.
• Audit installations for quality, safety, and adherence to timelines.
• Guide L1 technicians and coordinate with project teams.

Skills

Data center installs

Rack infrastructure

Structured cabling

PDUs & redundancy

DX airflow

D2C liquid cooling

OS installation & imaging

BIOS/firmware configuration

Hardware validation

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Health & safety in data centers

Physical ability

L2 technical guidance

Tools

PXE imaging tools

ISO-based installs

Automated deployment tools

Job description

Come join a thriving Data Center company and gain enough training and experience to be promoted all the way up to Lead position!

Contract length: 3+ months with likelihood of extension or being brought on permanently.

Required Skills & Experience

• 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)

Desired Skills & Experience

• 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

What You Will Be Doing

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.

Daily 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 eliminate 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

Posted By: Tyler Weston