Datacenter Installation Specialist: Fiber & Rack

GCS Recruitment; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment Specialists is seeking a hands-on Datacenter Installation Specialist to support data center infrastructure deployments and ISP-related projects. This role focuses on rack and stack activities, fiber infrastructure installation, structured cabling, and ongoing support within a data center environment.

You'll work onsite in Evanston, IL, collaborating with engineering, project management, and operations teams to install and document cabling, hardware, and connectivity, while

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in data center installations or network deployments.
• Hands-on experience with servers, switches, routers, cabinets, and rack equipment.
• Experience with fiber optic cabling, testing, and termination.
• Knowledge of structured cabling standards and deployment documentation.
• Ability to read rack elevations, schematics, and deployment plans.
• Strong troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Willingness to work on-site in data center environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, rack, and configure servers, switches, storage devices, and network gear.
• Perform rack-and-stack activities including rails, cabinets, PDUs, and cable management.
• Route, terminate, label, and document fiber and copper cabling.
• Install and maintain fiber infrastructure, patch panels, and ODFs.
• Test fiber, troubleshoot, and validate connectivity.
• Support hardware upgrades, replacements, and decommissions.
• Interpret rack elevations, floor plans, and deployment documents.
• Maintain accurate installation records and asset documentation.
• Support data center expansion and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, and operations teams.

Skills

Data center installation

Rack and stack hardware

Fiber optic cabling installation

Structured cabling standards

Reading rack elevations & deployment

Troubleshooting & break-fix

On-site physical installation

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Datacenter Installation Specialist to support data center infrastructure deployments and ISP-related projects. This position focuses on rack and stack activities, fiber infrastructure installation, structured cabling, hardware deployment, and ongoing support within a data center environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for technicians with strong experience in data centers, fiber optics, structured cabling, and network infrastructure installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Install and rack servers, switches, storage devices, and network equipment.
• Perform rack and stack activities including rails, cabinets, PDUs, and cable management systems.
• Route, terminate, label, and document fiber and copper cabling.
• Install and maintain fiber infrastructure, patch panels, and ODFs.
• Perform fiber testing, troubleshooting, and connectivity validation.
• Support hardware upgrades, replacements, decommissions, and break-fix activities.
• Read and interpret rack elevations, floor plans, and deployment documentation.
• Maintain accurate installation records and asset documentation.
• Support data center expansion and infrastructure upgrade projects.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, and operations teams.

Required Skills

• 3+ years of experience in data center installations, rack and stack, or network infrastructure deployments.
• Hands-on experience installing servers, switches, routers, cabinets, and rack equipment.
• Experience with fiber optic cabling, termination, patching, and testing.
• Knowledge of structured cabling standards and best practices.
• Experience reading rack elevations, schematics, and deployment plans.
• Strong troubleshooting and hardware break-fix skills.
• Ability to work onsite and perform physical installation activities.

Preferred Skills

• OTDR testing and fiber certification experience.
• Fusion splicing or fiber troubleshooting experience.
• Experience supporting ISP, colocation, or hyperscale data centers.
• Experience with Liquid Cooled Rack (LCR) environments or CDU systems.
• Remote hands support experience.
• Strong documentation and customer-facing communication skills.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.