Data Center Field Technician L2 (Multiple Markets) - W2 Contract

Kelly Digital Infrastructure; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Digital Infrastructure seeks a Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) to execute and oversee in-rack installations in a data center setting. Responsibilities include rack builds, cabling, power, and initial system bring-up, with a focus on quality and timeline adherence.

The role requires interpreting designs, validating work, and guiding L1 technicians while coordinating with engineering and operations for smooth project delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data center installations or similar hands-on technical role.
• Strong understanding of rack infrastructure, servers, storage, and network hardware.
• Experience with structured cabling (fiber and copper) and cable management best practices.

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 and stack activities for servers, storage, and network equipment.
• Install and validate power connections (PDUs, dual feeds, redundancy).
• Configure airflow and DX-cooled environments; validate D2C liquid cooling systems.
• Perform OS installation and basic configuration per build standards.
• Conduct post-installation QA and walkdowns against design specs and checklists.
• Guide junior technicians and coordinate with project teams to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Hands-on technical skills

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings & schematics

Project coordination

Tools

PXE

ISO-based installs

Imaging tools

Cable management tools

Job description

Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2)

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 ***??*** 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 escape 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 cable) 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