Data Center Optical Engineer.

Ampcus, Inc; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ampcus Inc. is seeking a Data Center Optical Engineer to join our Schaumburg, IL team. The role focuses on racking, cabling, stacking, decommissioning, break-fix, remote hands, hardware replacement, and network transport optical troubleshooting to ensure seamless data center operations.

The candidate will perform optical testing, verification, and troubleshooting using MOPs, OTDR, and power meters, while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards and providing excellent customer support.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in data center operations or similar environment with customer interaction.
• Experience leading or coordinating small teams is preferred.
• Familiarity with safety standards relevant to data centers.

Responsibilities

• Break-Fix: work outside of normal hours including nights and weekends when needed.
• Remote Hands: install, test, document data center cabling and equipment per MOPs and vendor docs.
• Cabling: handle Ethernet and fiber cables/connectors, overhead rack work.
• Optical testing and troubleshooting: use OTDR, power meters, and test equipment to validate 10/100G circuits.
• Site audits: verify equipment placement and document cable lengths and conditions.
• Racking and stacking: organize hardware in data center racks and use hand/power tools.
• Decommissioning: safely remove outdated hardware following data destruction protocols.
• Hardware replacement: swap faulty components including routers, servers, switches.
• Power management: manage power feeds and ATS; maintain hot/cold aisles.
• Documentation: read cut-sheets for install and ensure correct port connections.

Skills

Data center ops

Customer service

Team leadership

Safety standards

English proficiency

Tools

MOPs knowledge

OTDR

Power meters

Job description

Ampcus Inc. is a certified global provider of a broad range of Technology and Business consulting services. We are in search of a highly motivated candidate to join our talented Team.

Job Title: Data Center Optical Engineer

Location: Schaumburg, IL

Job Summary

• We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Center Optical Engineer to join our team.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in racking, cabling, and stacking equipment, decommissioning, break-fix, remote hands services, hardware replacement, and network transport optical troubleshooting.
• The Optical Engineer will ensure the seamless operation of our data centre facilities, providing top-notch customer service and technical support.

Key Responsibilities

• Break-Fix: Must be able to work outside of normal business hours (i.e., shift work), to include nights and weekends, when needed.
• Remote Hands: In-depth knowledge of data center equipment installation and basic testing methods and procedures (MOPs). Knowledge of operating principles of data center, wireline and IP transport environments. Ability to interpret and perform tasks outlined in MOPs, vendor documentation, technical specifications, network practices, engineering letters and job aids. Knowledge of telephony networks, optical and IP networks. Ability to identify all colors associated with telecommunications cable and equipment indicator lights. Interpret and follow detailed method of procedures (MOPs) and engineering documents / diagrams.
• Cabling: Ability to work in overhead rack or grid for extended periods of time pulling long lengths of heavy cables. Handling, installation, and troubleshooting of Ethernet and fiber cables and connectors, including but not limited to CAT 5, CAT 6, structured cable, fan-outs, single mode, multi-mode, RJ45, and LC.
• Optical Testing and Troubleshooting: Complete all activities associated with physically placing equipment identified in project specification documents including but not limited to, routing, lacing, labeling, terminating and local / remote testing and turn up of ethernet, switchboard, fiber, and power cables. Utilize optical power meter, stabilized light source, VFL, OTDR, and test equipment to test 10/100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM (Y.1564), and iPerf (1G-10G). Analyze and resolve network issues associated with equipment installations / removals. Perform and assist card level troubleshooting and replacement procedures with assistance from control centers and/or back-office engineers.
• Site Audits: Review project specifications to validate equipment placement, cable assignments and determine cable lengths then document results in proprietary databases. Provide timely and accurate feedback to audit / survey requests.
• Racking and Stacking: Install, organize, and maintain hardware equipment in data center racks following standard operating procedures. The ability to use hand tools and power tools. Ability to learn and retain physical and mechanical installation specifications. Understanding of basic mechanical terms and tools.
• Decommissioning: Safely remove and dispose of outdated or failed hardware following data destruction protocols.
• Hardware Replacement: Replace faulty hardware components, including transport routers, servers, switches, and other network & IT equipment.
• Power Management: Work with power feeds, including redundancy, automatic transfer switches (ATS), and manage hot/cold aisles effectively.
• Documentation: Read and interpret cut-sheets for physical network installation, ensuring accurate port connections and cable management.
• AC and DC Power Equipment: Maintain and troubleshoot AC and DC power equipment, ensuring reliable power distribution and connectivity.
• Provide oversite of 3rd parties' on-site activities.

Soft Skills

• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently without continuous supervision.
• Must be a team player and have excellent interpersonal communication skills, especially with customers.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English language.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in stressful and demanding work environments.
• Ability to think forward and learn and apply new concepts quickly.
• Understand and follow all common and industry specific safety standards to protect personnel and assure network integrity / reliability.
• Communicate as required with multiple departments to optimize project scheduling, resolve roadblocks, and coordinate material deliveries.
• Use Hyperscale systems and applications to communicate with the customer as needed.
• Adhere to Hyperscale standards to ensure work meets customer quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • 3-5 years of experience working as a technician in data center operations or a similar environment, interacting directly with customers.
  • Team lead experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions.

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Ampcus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, age, protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.