Data Center Lead Technician

Instrata; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Instrata is seeking a Data Center Lead Technician to supervise field teams in installation, maintenance, and operation of data center infrastructure. You will coordinate with project managers, engineers, and superintendents to deliver safe, reliable, mission-critical environments.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong knowledge of cabling, fiber optics, power and cooling, and a commitment to safety and quality on fast-paced projects.

Qualifications

• 4–6+ years in data center or critical infrastructure environments.
• Experience with fiber and copper testing equipment preferred.
• Industry certifications such as BICSI Installer or OSHA 10/30 are a plus.
• Familiarity reading construction drawings and diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily field operations for a team of data center technicians, ensuring work is safe, efficient, and to specification.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide technical guidance.
• Install, terminate, and test structured cabling, fiber optics, and low‑voltage systems.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and superintendents for task prioritization and updates.
• Mentor junior technicians and document test results and material used.
• Ensure all work complies with OSHA, safety and quality standards.

Skills

Structured cabling

Fiber optics

Power & cooling

Reading drawings

Leadership

Safety compliance

Testing equipment

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fluke

EXFO

OTDRs

Job description

Job Summary:

The Data Center Lead Technician supervises and supports a team of field technicians in the installation, maintenance, and operation of data center infrastructure. This role ensures work is completed safely, on time, and in accordance with design specifications and quality standards. The Lead Technician serves as the primary point of contact for field teams, coordinating activities with project managers, engineers, and superintendents to deliver reliable, mission-critical data center environments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead daily field operations for a team of data center technicians, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to specification.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide technical guidance and support to team members.
• Install, terminate, and test structured cabling, fiber optics, and low-voltage systems.
• Assist with installation and maintenance of racks, cabinets, cable trays, and pathways.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in the field, escalating as needed to project leadership.
• Ensure all work complies with safety, quality, and company standards, including OSHA requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of completed work, test results, and materials used.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and superintendents for task prioritization, issue resolution, and project updates.
• Support commissioning, punch list completion, and project closeout activities.
• Mentor and train junior technicians, promoting skill development and best practices.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of data center systems, including structured cabling, fiber optics, power, and cooling infrastructure.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in installation, termination, and testing of fiber and copper cabling.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor field technicians in fast-paced, high-demand environments.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and project schedule adherence.
• Familiarity with tools and testing equipment (Fluke, EXFO, OTDRs) used in data center infrastructure projects.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Minimum 4-6 years of experience in data center, structured cabling, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Familiarity with fiber and copper testing equipment (Fluke, EXFO, etc.) preferred.
• Industry certifications such as BICSI Installer, OSHA 10/30, or manufacturer-specific cabling certifications a plus.

Physical Requirements:

The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned as the scope of the position may change as necessitated by business demands.