Field Lead Technician (L3) - Data Centers

Network Connex; Montgomery (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Connex Company is seeking a Field Lead Technician (L3) to manage installation teams in live, mission-critical data centers. You will lead fiber optic installations, testing, and troubleshooting, ensuring safety and QA/QC standards.

You will mentor L1/L2 technicians, coordinate with engineers and vendors, and travel to regional sites as needed. A strong background in cabling, testing, and team leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or associate’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of field service/data center experience.
• Fiber optic testing certification (OTDR/OLTS) required.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record.

Responsibilities

• Lead field teams delivering installation services in accordance with contracts.
• Define scopes, work plans, and field execution with minimal direction.
• Lead toolbox talks and on-site safety discussions.
• Attend and represent field operations in project/customer meetings as required.
• Coordinate with engineers, vendors, and internal teams to meet milestones and quality standards.
• Respond to on-site service requests and travel to regional data center sites as needed.
• Serve as SME in fiber optic installation, testing, and troubleshooting in live data centers.
• Read and apply cable maps, schematics, floor layouts, and project docs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and service reports for all work.

Skills

Fiber optic installation

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

OTDR testing

Documentation

Communication skills

Safety compliance

Rack and stack

Education

High school diploma

Technical training or associate degree

Fiber optic testing certification (OTDR/OLTS)

Driver's license

BICSI/RCDD/CCNA or similar

Tools

OTDR equipment

Structured cabling tools

Job description

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Position Overview

The Field Lead Technician (L3) leads teams performing installation services as defined under applicable agreements and ensures all work is executed to required technical, quality, and safety standards. This role serves as a subject matter expert in fiber optic installation, testing, and complex troubleshooting, and operates effectively in live, mission-critical data center environments. The Field Lead Technician (L3) independently performs and oversees all installation and cabling services, is responsible for field leadership, coordination, oversight of quality assurance and quality control activities, and for developing L1 and L2 technicians.

Fieldwork may include overtime, weekends, holidays, and off-hours. Travel may be required based on business needs.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

Leadership & Field Execution

• Lead field teams executing installation services as defined under contractual agreements, ensuring compliance with all technical, safety, QA, and QC standards
• Establish and oversee scope, work plans, procedures, and field execution activities with minimal direction from management
• Lead toolbox talks, field coordination activities, and on-site safety discussions
• Attend and represent field operations in project, coordination, and customer meetings as required
• Coordinate with engineers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure project milestones and quality standards are met
• Respond to onsite service requests and travel to regional data center sites as needed

Technical Expertise & Troubleshooting

• Serve as a subject matter expert in fiber optic cable installation, testing, and complex troubleshooting across live, mission-critical data center environments
• Perform and oversee all installation and cabling services, including routing, terminating, labeling, and testing copper and fiber optic cabling
• Perform and direct rack and stack operations, patch panel installations, cable dressing, and structured cabling to maintain clean, organized, and high-performing systems
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex, multi-domain failures across fiber optic and twisted pair systems at scale, including loss of signal, low signal, and interface errors
• Diagnose physical connectivity issues, hardware failures, and support break/fix activities; identify and resolve issues independently without escalation
• Read, interpret, and apply cable maps, schematics, floor layouts, specifications, drawings, and supplementary project documentation
• Maintain accurate documentation, asset tracking, and service reports for all assigned work

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure installation services are performed in compliance with technical specifications, safety requirements, and QA/QC standards
• Oversee QA and QC execution for assigned projects and installations, ensuring documentation accuracy and adherence to standards
• Follow and enforce all data center safety, security, and change management procedures

Team Development & Mentorship

• Train, mentor, and develop L2 Field Technicians and L1 Field Trainee Technicians, supporting their professional growth and adherence to standards
• Conduct performance observations and provide constructive feedback to support technician development
• Support workforce readiness through hands-on coaching in operational, live, mission-critical environments

Technical Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Expert-level knowledge of fiber optic cable installation, splicing, and testing methodologies
• Advanced troubleshooting capabilities across fiber optic and copper cabling systems and network infrastructure
• Proficiency in fiber optic testing at scale using OTDR and OLTS equipment, including complex fault isolation and resolution
• Familiarity with PON or point-to-multipoint network deployments utilizing simplex fiber and non-standard wavelengths
• Demonstrated understanding of network topology with the ability to teach and mentor L1 and L2 technicians
• Strong understanding of structured cabling systems, testing methodologies, documentation standards, and quality requirements
• Knowledge of cabling standards including Cat5e, Cat6/6A, single-mode, and multi-mode fiber
• Working knowledge of server hardware, network devices, and basic networking concepts
• Ability to lead teams while maintaining safety, quality, and customer standards
• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or associate’s degree preferred
• 5 or more years of documented industry experience in data center, structured cabling, or field service environments
• Documented fiber optic testing experience at scale, including complex troubleshooting
• Documented fiber optic testing certification on OTDR and OLTS
• Experience leading installation teams in operational and live mission-critical data center environments
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply specifications, drawings, and project documentation
• Possession of all relevant certifications required for the role
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• BICSI RCDD, RTPM, CompTIA Network+, CCNA, or similar industry certifications
• Experience supporting enterprise hardware platforms (e.g., Dell, HPE, Cisco)
• Experience working in enterprise or hyperscale data center environments
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects or work fronts
• Familiarity with project management tools, ticketing systems, remote support tools, and reporting workflows
• Fiber splicing certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights as required by the facility