Data Center Field Technician (L2) - W2 CTH

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company; Colorado City (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company is seeking a Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) to execute in-rack installation activities in a data center. The role covers rack builds, structured cabling, power distribution, and initial system bring-up with an emphasis on quality and safety.

You will guide L1 technicians, interpret design documentation, validate work, and support troubleshooting during deployment, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to standards.

Qualifications

• 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 including DX airflow management within racks.
• Direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling systems installation and basic validation.
• Experience with OS installation and imaging tools (e.g., PXE, ISO-based installs, automated deployment tools).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills during installations.

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, including DX airflow management.
• Install and validate direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling systems and components.
• Perform visual inspections for leaks and proper routing and strain relief.
• Coordinate with project teams, engineering, and operations for smooth delivery.
• Update documentation and report installation progress and deviations.

Skills

Data center installs

Rack infrastructure

Structured cabling

Power distribution

DX cooling

D2C liquid cooling

OS installation

Troubleshooting

Tools

PXE

ISO‑based installs

Automated deployment tools

Job description

• L2s will Conduct pre and post rack inspections, hose fastening checks, manifold installs, break/fix component swap outs--use this information to screen.
• Must have experience troubleshooting fiber cables, must have data center knowledge and experience.
• Must Know basic rack and stack, basic cabling + fiber.

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 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