Data Center Optical Engineering Technician

Wiverse; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications firm in Schaumburg, Illinois, is seeking a Data Center Optical Engineering Technician. The role involves ensuring seamless operations in data centers and providing excellent technical support. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years' experience in data center operations along with strong technical skills in cabling and optical testing. This is a mid-senior level contract position requiring US citizenship and involves shift work, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience working as a technician in data center operations.
• Experience in customer interaction and team leadership preferred.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the operation of data center facilities and provide technical support.
• Handle hardware replacement and maintain equipment effectively.
• Perform documentation and maintain standards in network installation.

Skills

Cabling and troubleshooting Ethernet and fiber cables

Optical testing and troubleshooting

Excellent interpersonal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Organizational and administrative skills

Tools

Optical power meter

Stabilized light source

OTDR

VFL

Job description

Data Center Optical Engineering Technician

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 center facilities, providing top‑notch customer service and technical support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Break‑Fix: Must be able to work outside of normal business hours (shift work), 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.
• Cabling: Ability to work in overhead rack or grid for extended periods 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: Utilize optical power meter, stabilized light source, VFL, OTDR, and test equipment to test 10/100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM, and iPerf. Analyze and resolve network issues associated with equipment installations and removals. Perform and assist card level troubleshooting and replacement procedures.
• 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. Use hand tools and power tools. Learn and retain physical and mechanical installation specifications.
• 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 oversight of 3rd‑party on‑site activities.

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.

Soft Skills:

• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently without continuous supervision.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal communication skills, especially with customers.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to multi‑task and maintain composure in stressful and demanding work environments.
• Think forward, 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.

Other:

• US Citizenship is required.

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.

Senior level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Contract. Industry: Telecommunications.