DWDM Data Center Technician

Tek Tree LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tek Tree LLC is seeking a field-based telecom technician in the Chicago area to install, activate, and commission DWDM equipment across multiple sites. You will work with Ciena, Nokia, and Cisco platforms to turn up services, perform OTDR testing, and validate levels against designs.

The role requires travel across the United States, strong independent fieldwork skills, and the ability to read engineering documents while maintaining client standards and safety.

Qualifications

• Experience with DWDM systems and optical transport networks.
• Experience with Ciena, Nokia, or Cisco optical platforms is highly preferred.
• Solid knowledge of fiber optics and optical testing (OTDR, power levels).
• Knowledge of network activation and troubleshooting in field deployments.

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, activation, and commissioning of DWDM equipment.
• Work with optical platforms such as Ciena, Nokia, and Cisco.
• Execute turn-up procedures and service activation.
• Perform testing and troubleshooting using OTDRs and optical meters.
• Read and interpret network designs, schematics, and engineering documents.
• Support backbone and long-haul network deployments.
• Lead field activities when required and support junior technicians.
• Ensure all work meets client standards and technical requirements.

Skills

DWDM experience

Optical platforms (Ciena/Nokia/Cisco)

Fiber optics

OTDR testing

Network activation/troubleshooting

Fieldwork independence

Data center/telecom infra

Valid driver's license

Willingness to travel

Job description

Locations: Chicago, IL St. Louis, MO and Atlanta GA

Responsibilities

• Perform installation, activation, and commissioning of DWDM equipment


• Work with optical platforms such as Ciena (6500, Waveserver), Nokia (1830), and Cisco


• Execute turn-up procedures and service activation


• Perform testing and troubleshooting using OTDR, power meters, and optical tools


• Read and interpret network designs, schematics, and engineering documents


• Support backbone and long-haul network deployments


• Lead field activities when required and support junior technicians


• Ensure all work meets client standards and technical requirements

Qualifications

• Strong experience with DWDM systems and optical transport networks


• Experience with Ciena, Nokia, or Cisco optical platforms is highly preferred


• Solid knowledge of:


• Fiber optics


• Optical testing (OTDR, light levels)


• Network activation and troubleshooting


• Ability to work independently in the field


• Experience in data centers or telecom infrastructure


• Valid driver’s license


• Willingness to travel

Travel Requirements

• Extensive travel required depending on project needs


• Projects throughout the United States


• All travel-related expenses covered


• Must be willing to travel for extended periods when assigned


• Data centers and telecom facilities


• Clean, structured, and high-level technical environments


• No trenching or heavy construction work

What We Offer

• Consistent workload with guaranteed hours


• Overtime opportunities


• Long-term projects


• Exposure to carrier-grade infrastructure


• Opportunity to grow into leadership roles