Data Center Optical Engineer

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A telecom services provider is seeking a highly skilled Data Center Optical Engineer in Atlanta to support the installation and maintenance of optical transport infrastructure in data centers. The ideal candidate will handle tasks ranging from cabling installation to troubleshooting optical connections and managing vendor oversight. Strong knowledge of networking, excellent communication skills, and ability to work independently are essential. This position offers an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment with a focus on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in data center operations or optical transport environments.
• Direct customer interaction experience required.
• Team lead or supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site break-fix support and execute remote hands tasks.
• Install and manage optical and network cabling.
• Perform local and remote optical testing and troubleshooting.

Skills

Optical networking knowledge

IP networking knowledge

Strong communication skills

Self-starter

Organizational skills

Tools

Optical test equipment

Hand and power tools

Job description

Data Center Optical Engineer/Installation

Locations

Atlanta, GA | Chicago, IL | Denver, CO | San Jose, CA | Los Angeles, CA | Dallas/Fort Worth, TX | Reston, VA

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Data Center Optical Engineer to support the installation, operation, and maintenance of optical transport and network infrastructure within hyperscale data center environments. This role requires hands‑on expertise in racking and stacking, structured cabling, optical testing, break‑fix support, and remote hands services. The ideal candidate is customer‑focused, safety‑conscious, and capable of working independently in fast‑paced, mission‑critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Break‑Fix & Remote Hands Support

• Provide on‑site break‑fix support, including after‑hours, night, and weekend coverage as required.
• Execute remote hands tasks following approved Methods of Procedure (MOPs), engineering documentation, and vendor specifications.
• Support wireline, optical, IP transport, and telephony network environments.
• Coordinate with control centers and back‑office engineering teams for troubleshooting and resolution.

Optical & Network Cabling

• Install, route, label, lace, and terminate copper and fiber cabling, including CAT5/CAT6, structured cabling, fan‑outs, single‑mode and multi‑mode fiber.
• Work for extended periods in overhead racks or grid systems pulling long, heavy cable runs.
• Ensure proper cable management and adherence to data center standards.

Optical Testing & Troubleshooting

• Perform local and remote testing and turn‑up of Ethernet, fiber, and power connections.
• Utilize optical test equipment including power meters, light sources, VFLs, and OTDRs.
• Test 10G–100G circuits using BERT, RFC 2544, Y.1564 (EtherSAM), and iPerf.
• Diagnose and resolve network transport issues related to installations, removals, and hardware failures.
• Perform card‑level troubleshooting and hardware replacements.

Racking, Stacking & Hardware Support

• Install, organize, and maintain servers, switches, routers, and transport equipment in data center racks.
• Safely decommission and dispose of hardware in accordance with data destruction and security protocols.
• Replace faulty hardware components and support lifecycle upgrades.
• Use hand and power tools in accordance with mechanical and installation specifications.
• Work with AC and DC power systems, including redundant power feeds and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS).
• Support hot/cold aisle management and ensure proper power distribution and connectivity.

Site Audits & Documentation

• Review project specifications to validate equipment placement, cable assignments, and cable lengths.
• Document findings accurately in proprietary databases and provide timely audit feedback.
• Read and interpret cut sheets, engineering diagrams, and installation documentation to ensure accuracy.

Vendor & Third‑Party Oversight

• Provide on‑site oversight and coordination of third‑party vendors and contractors.
• Ensure all work meets hyperscale customer quality, safety, and compliance standards.

Qualifications

Experience

• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in data center operations, network infrastructure, or optical transport environments.
• Direct customer interaction experience required.
• Team lead or supervisory experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of optical, IP, and transport networking.
• Proficiency with optical testing tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with hyperscale data center standards and systems.

Soft Skills

• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and customer communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and documentation skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in high‑pressure environments.
• Proactive learner with the ability to quickly adopt new technologies and processes.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and in variable environmental conditions.
• Ability to distinguish cable colors and equipment indicator lights.

Certifications & Training

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 required (or ability to obtain).
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Compliance with PPE, ergonomics, and all required safety training.
• Ongoing refresher training as required to maintain certifications.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to meet on‑site SLA response times (e.g., 4‑hour on‑site support).
• Availability to work within assigned base market.
• Supplier‑provided Android phone (not manufactured in China), laptop, and required tools.