Data Center Lead

GCS Recruitment; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Hands-on training

Safety-focused environment

Job summary

GCS Recruitment in Columbus, OH seeks a Data Center Lead to supervise on-site fiber splicing and testing in mission-critical environments. You will coordinate field crews, ensure safety and quality, and liaise with vendors and project stakeholders. The role requires hands-on leadership and deep fiber optics knowledge.

Join a company that supports hands-on training and career growth in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Hands-on fiber splicing and testing experience in data-center environments.
• Proven ability to lead field crews and manage safety and quality.
• Experience with OTDR, OLTS, and fiber characterization tools.

Responsibilities

• Site Leadership: Lead and supervise on-site fiber splicing and testing crews.
• Coordinate daily field activities from kickoff through closeout.
• Ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, and per specifications.
• Provide technical guidance to field technicians and splicers.
• Oversee optical testing and ensure insertion/return loss specs are met.
• Identify and troubleshoot fiber issues and maintain quality records.
• Manage risk assessments and enforce PPE and facility protocols.
• Serve as on-site point of contact for stakeholders and vendors.
• Track progress with schedules and daily reports; ensure documentation completeness.

Skills

Fiber optic splicing

Team leadership

Field operations

Safety compliance

Tools

OTDR

VIAVI

EXFO FastReporter

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Data Center Lead

Location: Columbus, OH

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Lead to oversee large-scale fiber optic infrastructure projects within mission-critical data center environments. This role will provide hands-on leadership for high-density fiber splicing, optical testing, quality control, crew coordination, and day-to-day field operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong fiber optic expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to manage field teams while maintaining strict quality, safety, and data center standards.

Key Responsibilities

Site Leadership

Lead and supervise on-site fiber splicing and testing crews.

Coordinate daily field activities from project kickoff through closeout.

Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and according to project specifications.

Provide technical and operational guidance to field technicians and splicers.

Fiber Testing & Quality Control

Oversee optical testing using OTDR, OLTS, VFL, and fiber characterization equipment.

Review and interpret test results, including SOR files.

Ensure fiber links meet required insertion loss and return loss specifications.

Identify and troubleshoot issues such as optical link failures, macrobends, dirty connectors, and other fiber-related problems.

Maintain accurate splicing records, testing documentation, and quality reports.

Risk & Safety Management

Conduct site-specific risk assessments and identify potential safety or operational concerns.

Ensure teams follow data center security, safety, PPE, and facility protocols.

Recommend and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Maintain compliance with clean-room and critical-facility requirements.

Client, Vendor & Site Coordination

Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for project stakeholders, facility representatives, vendors, and other trades.

Coordinate with engineering, operations, installation, procurement, and project management teams.

Resolve field issues, questions, and concerns efficiently.

Support operational improvements and changes throughout the project lifecycle.

Scheduling & Administration

Develop and manage daily crew schedules and work plans.

Track project progress against the baseline schedule.

Maintain splicing matrices and daily progress reports.

Utilize project management and reporting tools to monitor project status and deliverables.

Ensure documentation is accurate and completed throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Leadership & Communication

Strong supervisory and team leadership skills.

Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and customer service abilities.

Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and meet strict project deadlines.

Technical Expertise

Strong hands-on knowledge of fiber optic splicing and testing.

Experience with OTDR, OLTS, VFL, and fiber characterization.

Ability to interpret optical test results and troubleshoot fiber performance issues.

Experience with high-fiber-count ribbon splicing.

Knowledge of single-mode and multimode fiber deployments.

Understanding of data center fiber infrastructure and network architectures, including spine-and-leaf environments.

Familiarity with data center hot-aisle/cold-aisle protocols.

Software & Tools

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Windows, and Google Workspace.

Experience with fiber testing and reporting software such as EXFO FastReporter and VIAVI.

Comfortable working with project management, documentation, and reporting systems.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work will be performed primarily within active data center environments and remote office settings.

Travel to various field locations may be required, including potential overnight stays.

Must be comfortable working around active equipment, server racks, overhead cable pathways, and raised floors.

Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods.

Must have the physical dexterity to safely navigate confined or restricted areas within data center environments.

Must follow all applicable site security, PPE, safety, and facility requirements.

What We Offer

Join a team where you can build your career while working on challenging, large-scale infrastructure projects. You'll have opportunities to develop your technical and leadership skills while working in a safety-focused environment with hands-on training and strong operational support.