IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University in Columbus seeks an IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer to maintain and expand campus network facilities. You will install, test, and document fiber optic and copper cabling, working with a team of IT professionals to ensure reliable services across the campus and extension sites.

The role requires hands-on maintenance, adherence to building and fire codes, and the ability to respond to emergencies after hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's level degree in a technical field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years IT infrastructure and/or data center facilities experience or combination thereof in an enterprise environment
• 1+ year of fiber optic and copper cabling installation and testing experience for networking systems
• Fiber optic training via Light Brigade, BICSI, Corning or other equivalent training
• Basic knowledge of building and fire codes as applicable to communications installations
• Strong written and verbal customer service and communication skills
• Ohio driver’s license and after-hours availability

Responsibilities

• Maintain, install, test, document, repair, and support campus IT infrastructure and data center facilities.
• Collaborate with IT specialists, engineers, project managers and architects to support network expansion and reliability.
• Provide after-hours support and participate in on-call rotations.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Learning agility

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical field or equivalent

Tools

OTDR

Power meter

Fiber optic scopes

Fusion splicer

Mechanical terminations

Job description

Job Title:

IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer

Department:

OCIO | Telecommunication and Networking

The IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer is responsible for the successful implementation, maintenance, and support of the IT and data center physical infrastructure that enables campus network services. Leveraging professional experience and technical expertise, the Engineer applies knowledge of industry concepts, practices, and protocols across outside plant and data center facilities. Responsibilities include installation, testing, documentation, repair, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure and circuits.

The Engineer, working under general direction from leadership, architects, and senior engineers, contributes to projects of moderate scope and complexity, applying judgment within defined parameters. The role focuses on maintaining and enhancing campus network services through collaboration with IT specialists, engineers, project managers, and architects to support network expansion initiatives and improve service delivery. The Engineer also supports the strategic vision of network leadership by providing recommendations to enhance network performance, reliability, and overall user experience.

The Engineer performs reactive and preventive maintenance of network physical infrastructure, including triage, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and resolution of network issues across the Columbus campus, regional campuses, and Ohio State Extension offices. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation and occasional after-hours support, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The Engineer represents the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation with professionalism and a strong commitment to customer service. The role requires effective interaction with students, faculty, staff, partners, affiliates, and visitors while delivering efficient, reliable, and cost-effective technology solutions that support the needs of the university and its colleges, departments, and business units.

Required Education and Experience:

Education:

Bachelor's level degree in a technical field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of IT infrastructure and/or data center facilities experience or combination thereof in an enterprise environment
• One or more years of fiber optic and copper cabling installation and testing experience for networking systems
• Fiber optic training via Light Brigade, BICSI, Corning or other equivalent training
• Basic knowledge of building and fire codes as applicable to communications installations
• Great written and verbal customer service and communication skills with ability to convey technical information with clarity and conciseness
• Ability to learn new technologies and methods and work both independently and within a team
• A valid Ohio driver's license and ability to respond to emergencies after hours

Desired Education and Experience:

• Two (2) to four (4) years of IT infrastructure and/or data center facilities experience or combination thereof in an enterprise environment
• Experience reading construction drawings and familiarity with associated programs such as TrueView, AutoCad, and/or Bluebeam.
• Experience with tools and materials such as OTDR, power meter, fiber optic scopes, splicing, and using a fusion splicer & mechanical (example: Unicam) terminations
• Familiarity with ITIL processes and good practices
• BISCI certification and/or other telecom and fiber optic related certifications

This position is mapped to Information Technology, IT Infrastructure and Data Center, Specialized, S2.

Additional Information:

The Targeted Hiring Range for this position is $70,100 to $81,960. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

Sub-function: Information Technology, IT Infrastructure and Data Center

Career Band: Individual Contributor – Specialized

Career Level: S2

Location:

Mount Hall (0311)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.