Data Center Installation Technician / Level 2

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company is hiring a Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) in Charleston, SC. The role covers hands-on rack and stack, structured cabling, power and cooling installations, and post-install validation.

The ideal candidate has data center installation experience and is comfortable working with servers, storage, network gear, fiber and copper cabling, and liquid cooling systems. Travel to other data centers is required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on data center installation experience.
• Basic rack and stack experience.
• Structured cabling experience including fiber.
• Copper cabling and cable management knowledge.
• Hands-on experience with liquid cooling or D2C cooling.
• Understanding of rack infrastructure, servers, storage, and network equipment.
• Experience with rack power distribution (PDUs, A/B feeds).
• Ability to read technical drawings, rack layouts, schematics, and MOPs.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and guide junior technicians.

Responsibilities

• Perform rack builds and in-rack installations per design docs.
• Rack and stack servers, storage, and network equipment.
• Read and follow rack layouts, diagrams, cabling schematics, MOPs.
• Install and validate structured cabling (fiber and copper).
• Perform basic fiber testing and cabling validation.
• Install power connections (PDUs, A/B feeds) and validate them.
• Support cooling installations and airflow management.
• Initial hardware bring-up, imaging, BIOS/firmware checks, POST validation.
• Basic network connectivity checks and post-install audits.
• Coordinate with engineering, project, and operations teams and document progress.

Skills

Data center installation

Rack & stack basics

Structured cabling (fiber)

Structured cabling (copper)

Liquid cooling experience

Rack infrastructure knowledge

PDUs and power feeds

OS imaging & BIOS checks

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation reading

Tools

MOPs reading

Job description

We are seeking a Data Center Field Installations Technician (L2) for a hands-on data center deployment role. This position focuses on rack and stack activities, structured cabling, power connections, cooling installation, and post-installation validation.

The ideal candidate has prior data center installation experience and is comfortable working directly with server and network hardware, fiber and copper cabling, rack infrastructure, and liquid cooling systems.

This is a physical, hands-on role requiring the ability to work independently, follow technical documentation, troubleshoot installation issues, and support junior technicians.

Travel Requirements: This position will be on site in Charleston, SC with 50% travel to other data center locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform rack builds and in-rack equipment installations based on design documentation
• Rack and stack servers, storage, and network equipment
• Read and follow rack layouts, elevation diagrams, cabling schematics, and installation procedures
• Install, route, and validate structured cabling, including fiber and copper
• Perform basic fiber/cabling testing and validation
• Install and validate rack power connections, including PDUs and A/B power feeds
• Support cooling installations, including:
• DX cooling and airflow management
• Cold plates, hoses, manifolds, and quick disconnects
• Visual inspections for leaks and proper connection/routing
• Perform initial hardware bring-up and basic validation
• Complete basic OS installation, imaging, BIOS/firmware checks, and POST validation as required
• Perform basic network connectivity checks
• Conduct post-installation quality checks and audits
• Verify cabling, power, labeling, airflow, and cooling against project specifications
• Identify and correct installation defects or escalate issues when necessary
• Assist and provide guidance to L1 technicians
• Coordinate with engineering, project, and operations teams
• Maintain accurate installation documentation and report progress or issues

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in a data center installation or deployment environment
• Basic rack and stack experience
• Structured cabling experience, including fiber
• Working knowledge of copper cabling and cable management
• Hands-on experience with liquid cooling or direct-to-chip (D2C) cooling
• Understanding of rack infrastructure, servers, storage, and network equipment
• Basic experience with rack power distribution, including PDUs and A/B feeds
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, rack layouts, schematics, and MOPs
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and support junior technicians
• Ability to perform physically demanding installation work in a data center environment

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all data center safety procedures, permits, and requirements
• Follow electrical safety practices when working around powered equipment and PDUs
• Safely handle liquid cooling components and connections
• Use required PPE and follow safe lifting and material-handling procedures
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Identify and report safety hazards, incidents, and installation concerns

Ideal Background

Candidates with experience as a Data Center Technician, Data Center Installation Technician, Deployment Technician, Infrastructure Technician, Structured Cabling Technician, or similar hands-on installation professional may be a strong fit.

This is an installation-focused position. Candidates should have hands-on experience with rack and stack, cabling/fiber, and liquid cooling.