Data Center Hardware & Cabling Engineer | Req#4711

ActioNet, Inc.; Suitland, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ActioNet, Inc. is seeking a Data Center Hardware & Cabling Engineer to join our infrastructure team at the Census Data Center in Bowie, MD. The role involves hands-on deployment, cabling, and asset management within a government-contractor environment.

You will work with a diverse team, ensure accurate asset databases, and support server, network, and storage hardware installations, with occasional evening/weekend requirements as needed.

Qualifications

• Physical stamina to lift up to 50 lbs and work in constrained spaces.
• Deep understanding of TIA/EIA cabling standards, fiber polarity, and connector types (LC, SC, MPO).
• Expert use of cable testers (Fluke), label makers, and basic power tools.

Responsibilities

• Hardware Deployment & Maintenance: Install, bolt, and secure servers, switches, and PDUs into racks.
• Cable Management: Install and maintain structured cabling, terminate fiber and copper, and document networks.
• Asset & Inventory Management: Track equipment with DCIM tools, perform regular audits, and manage RMA processes.

Skills

Physical stamina

Cabling standards

Cable testers

Documentation

Education

2+ years data center experience

Tools

Fluke cable tester

Label maker

Power tools

Job description

Data Center Hardware & Cabling Engineer | Req#4711

Note: This role is full - time 40 hours per week and will require support (5pm -10pm) on Tuesdays and Wednesday

Target Salary $118K

Location: Suitland, MD

Candidate must be able to obtain Public Trust (federal government background investigation, with eligibility requirement - US Citizen)

Data Center Hardware & Cabling Engineer

ActioNet has an opening for an experienced, hands-on Data Center Hardware & Cabling Engineer to join our infrastructure team. This role ensures that our servers, networking gear, and storage systems are installed, organized, and tracked. The candidate will work with team members who possess diverse backgrounds (systems engineering, system administration) and will be part of a Government Contractor Team working at Census Data Center in Bowie, MD.

If you take pride in a perfectly dressed server rack and find satisfaction in a 100% accurate asset database, you’ll fit right in.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Deployment & Maintenance

• Rack & Stack:Physically install, bolt, and secure servers, switches, and PDUs into high-density racks.
• Component Replacement:Perform "smart hands" tasks including swapping failed DIMMs, CPUs, hard drives, and power supplies.
• Troubleshooting:Diagnose physical layer issues and work with remote engineering teams to restore service. Must be available weekends and evenings 25% of the year.

Cable Management

• Installation:Install and maintain structured cabling in a datacenter environment including Cat 5, Cat 6 and Fiber optic network cabling, including termination of Fiber and Copper. Must be able to work evening shifts on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Organization:Implement cable dressing standards to ensure airflow and maintainability. Establish network connection through accurate documentation and communication with Telecommunication offices.
• Labeling:Maintain a rigorous labeling convention for every cable at both termination points to ensure "traceability" without manual hunting.

Asset & Inventory Management

• Lifecycle Tracking:Utilize DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) tools to track equipment from "dock to grave."
• Auditing:Conduct regular physical audits to ensure the digital inventory matches the physical reality of the floor. Perform general datacenter walkthroughs.
• RMA Management:Handle the shipping and receiving of defective parts, ensuring all serial numbers are logged and warranties are leveraged.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Physical Stamina:Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on ladders or in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Technical Knowledge:Deep understanding of TIA/EIA cabling standards, fiber polarity, and connector types (LC, SC, MPO).
• Tool Proficiency:Expert use of cable testers (Fluke), label makers, and basic power tools.
• Organization:Must present an eye for detail regarding cable routing and database accuracy for Datacenter and Computer Room Assets. Must be able to maintain electronic records on datacenter infrastructure.
• Education/Experience:2+ years of experience in a production data center environment or a degree in a relevant technical field.

Certifications

• Required - Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) or BISCI Technician Certification or higher
• Nice to Have - CompTIA Server+ or Network+

ActioNet is a CMMI-DEV Level 4, CMMI-SVC Level 4, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, HDI-certified, woman-owned IT Solutions Provider with strong qualifications and expertise in Agile Software Engineering, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security and IT Managed Services. With 26+ years of stellar past performance, ActioNet is the premier Trusted Innogrator !

Advanced and Managed IT Services

Agile Software Development

DevSecOps

Cybersecurity

Health IT

C4ISR & SIGINT

Data Center Engineering & Operations

Why ActioNet?

At ActioNet, our Passion for Quality is at the heart of everything we do:

Commitment to Employees : We are committed to making ActioNet a great place to work and continue to invest in our ActioNeters.

Commitment to Customers : We are committed to our customers by driving and sustaining Service Delivery Excellence.

Commitment to Community : We are committed to giving back to our community, helping others, and making the world a better place for our next generation.

ActioNet is proud to be named a Top Workplace for the twelfth year in a row (2014 - 2025). We have a 98% customer retention rate. We are passionate about the inspirational missions of our customers, and we entrust our employees and teams to deliver exceptional performance to enable the safety, security, health, and well-being of our nation.

What's in It For You?

As an ActioNeter, you get to be part of an exceptional team and a corporate culture that nurtures mutual success for our customers, employees, and communities. We give you the tools to be successful; all you need to do is bring your best ideas, your energy, and a desire to develop your skills, experience, and career. Are you ready to make a difference?

ActioNet is an equal-opportunity employer and values inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Full-Time Employees are eligible to participate in our ActioNet’s Benefits Program:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Education and Professional Training
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Referral and Merit Recognition Programs
• Employee Assistance and Identity Theft Protection
• Paid Holidays: 11 per year
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Disability Insurance

ActioNet is an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

ActioNet Core Value #1 - Instill Integrity In Everything We Do