Data Center Working Foreman – Optical Fiber

StarTech Networks Inc.; Midland, Odessa (TX, TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

StarTech Networks Inc. is seeking a Working Foreman with BICSI INST2-OF certification to lead field crews on our hyperscale data center build. The role blends hands-on installation with on-site leadership, supervising 6–8 technicians and ensuring high workmanship.

You will read schedules, patch, test, and hand off to Tier 1, while maintaining safety standards, documentation, and daily production reports. Valid driver license and OSHA 10 are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of structured cabling experience in data center or comparable environments.
• Minimum 1 year in foreman/lead installer capacity.
• Experience with high-fiber-count MPO trunks (144F/288F) and LC-based cabling.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a crew of 6-8 fiber installers across cable pull, patching, testing, and dressing in an assigned project zone.
• Interpret cable schedules, elevation drawings, port maps, and BOM documentation; assign daily work packages to your crew.
• Perform hands-on fiber optic installation alongside your crew: MPO/LC trunk pulls, patching, cleaning, dressing, labeling.
• Enforce cable management standards - bend radius, pulling tension, slack loops, ladder-rack dressing per manufacturer and industry spec.
• Own workmanship quality in your zone; coordinate rework, re-termination, and re-inspection when needed.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and JHAs; enforce OSHA-compliant lift and fall-protection practices at 12-15 ft ceiling heights.
• Submit daily production reports to the General Foreman.
• Interface with test technicians to hand off cables for Tier 1 acceptance; troubleshoot failed connectors and coordinate rework.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety compliance

Reading drawings

Tools

Fluke FI-7000

Viavi FBP

Fluke Versiv

OptiFiber Pro

Job description

Working Foreman - Optical Fiber (BICSI INST2-OF Certified)

Salary: All Salary Expectations Are Considered

Role Overview

Startech is hiring approximately 19 Working Foremen with active BICSI Installer 2 - Optical Fiber (INST2-OF) certification to lead field crews on our current hyperscale data center build. Each Foreman will supervise approximately 8 field technicians while directly participating in the installation work. This is a working leadership role - you will spend most of your day on the floor with your crew, not in an office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a crew of 6-8 fiber installers across cable pull, patching, testing hand-off, and dressing activities in an assigned project zone.
• Interpret cable schedules, elevation drawings, port maps, and BOM documentation; assign daily work packages to your crew.
• Perform hands-on fiber optic installation alongside your crew: MPO/LC trunk pulls, patching, cleaning, dressing, labeling.
• Enforce cable management standards - bend radius, pulling tension, slack loops, ladder-rack dressing per manufacturer and industry spec.
• Own workmanship quality in your zone; coordinate rework, re-termination, and re-inspection when needed.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and JHAs; enforce OSHA-compliant lift and fall-protection practices at 12-15 ft ceiling heights.
• Submit daily production reports (pulls completed, patches done, blockers) to the General Foreman.
• Interface with test technicians to hand off cables for Tier 1 acceptance; troubleshoot failed connectors and coordinate rework.
• Manage your zone's tools and consumables (cleaners, IPA, wipes, labels); escalated reorder needs to the material coordinator.
• Mentor junior installers on proper technique, cleanliness, and safety practices.
• Maintain accurate as-built markups and documentation for your zone.
• Required Certifications
• BICSI Installer 2 - Optical Fiber (INST2-OF) - current and in good standing (documentation required at application).
• OSHA 10 (OSHA 30 preferred).
• Aerial lift / scissor lift operator certification with current documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of structured cabling experience in data center or comparable enterprise environments.
• Minimum 1 year in a foreman, lead installer, or crew lead capacity.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with high-fiber-count MPO trunks (144F and 288F) and LC-based structured cabling.
• Proficient with fiber cleaning tools (Sticklers, US Conec, Fluke Quick Clean) and inspection scopes (Fluke FI-7000, Viavi FBP).
• Working knowledge of TIA-568, TIA-942, and BICSI installation standards.
• Ability to read structured cabling drawings, cable schedules, rack elevations, and port maps.
• Strong communication skills - comfortable running a daily huddle, submitting production reports, and interfacing with the General Foreman.
• Ability to hold your crew to quality and safety standards while maintaining team morale.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with test equipment: Fluke Versiv/OptiFiber Pro, Viavi T-BERD, EXFO MaxTester.
• Prior work under hyperscaler network hardware deployments (Ericsson, Cisco, Arista, Nokia).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Extended standing, walking, and climbing on scissor lifts, ladders, and scaffolds at 12-15 ft heights.
• Manual dexterity for fiber connector work in tight spaces.
• Ability to work extended shifts (up to 10 hours) in a temperature-controlled but active data center environment.
• Ability to wear required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hi-vis vest, and fall protection harness.
• Direct Reports: 6-8 field installers
• Work Environment: Active data center construction; extended overhead work