Data Center Technician (Entry Level)

StarTech Networks Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

StarTech Networks Inc. in Chattanooga, TN is seeking an entry-level Data Center Technician to support active hyperscale data center projects. In the first months you will assist and observe; within the first year you will execute work with your crew.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and hands-on wiring and cabling tasks, with room to grow into higher technician roles as you complete certification coursework.

Qualifications

• 80 hours mandate training.
• US Citizens/ Green Card Preference.

Responsibilities

• Assist with fiber and copper cable pulls - reel and jack setup, routing through ladder rack and cable tray, bend radius and slack management to customer specification.
• Patch, label, and dress cable to project standard, including connector cleaning and inspection with scopes and cleaning tools.
• Support rack and stack activities - cabinet roll-in, leveling, rack-level power distribution unit installation, ground bonding, and in-rack cable management.
• Perform structured cabling installation for Cat6 / Cat6A copper and MPO / LC fiber under supervision, progressing to independent work packages.
• Complete accurate daily documentation: work completed, port and label records, photos, and as-built markups.
• Follow every site safety requirement - daily job hazard analysis, toolbox talks, personal protective equipment, lift and ladder discipline, and customer red-zone protocols.
• Observe customer site rules at all times: badging and escort procedures, sub-location confirmation, equipment handling, and clean-work-zone standards.
• Hand off completed cable segments to test technicians and support troubleshooting of failed connectors or links.
• Care for issued tools, test equipment, and consumables; report shortages to your Field Tech Lead.
• Attend the weekly technical and safety sessions and complete assigned certification coursework.

Job description

Datacenter Technician (Entry Level Position)

Onsite at Chattanooga, TN

US Citizens/ Green Card Preference

80 hours mandate training

Key Responsibilities:

Responsibilities grow with training. In the first months you will assist and observe; within the first year you will execute the work with your crew.

• Assist with fiber and copper cable pulls - reel and jack setup, routing through ladder rack and cable tray, bend radius and slack management to customer specification.
• Patch, label, and dress cable to project standard, including connector cleaning and inspection with scopes and cleaning tools.
• Support rack and stack activities - cabinet roll-in, leveling, rack-level power distribution unit installation, ground bonding, and in-rack cable management.
• Perform structured cabling installation for Cat6 / Cat6A copper and MPO / LC fiber under supervision, progressing to independent work packages.
• Complete accurate daily documentation: work completed, port and label records, photos, and as-built markups.
• Follow every site safety requirement - daily job hazard analysis, toolbox talks, personal protective equipment, lift and ladder discipline, and customer red-zone protocols.
• Observe customer site rules at all times: badging and escort procedures, sub-location confirmation, equipment handling, and clean-work-zone standards.
• Hand off completed cable segments to test technicians and support troubleshooting of failed connectors or links.
• Care for issued tools, test equipment, and consumables; report shortages to your Field Tech Lead.
• Attend the weekly technical and safety sessions and complete assigned certification coursework.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Extended standing, walking, kneeling, climbing ladders and lifts, and overhead work at heights of approximately 12-15 ft.
• Manual dexterity for connector work in confined spaces behind racks and in overhead trays.
• Ability to work shifts of up to 10 hours in an active, temperature-controlled data center environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and fall protection harness.

Work Environment and Schedule

Active hyperscale data center construction and operational environments - campus, colocation, and greenfield sites. Work is performed on site in the market you are hired for. Standard shifts with extended hours during critical project phases; some programs run multiple shifts, and migration and cutover work occasionally falls outside normal business hours.

Career Path

Entry‑Level Data Center Technician → Data Center Technician → Senior Technician → Field Tech Lead → Working Foreman → Project Coordinator. Progression is based on demonstrated quality of work, safety record, reliability, teamwork, and certification milestones. Many of our current site leads started with no data center experience.