Network Field Operations Technician

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 41,328 - 78,523; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Network Field Operations Technician to diagnose and resolve copper and fiber optic cabling issues, install and document network hardware, and support network upgrades in a dynamic field environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, customer service, and collaboration with Network Engineering to ensure reliable communications infrastructure on campus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience installing/testing/maintaining cabling systems (UTP/STP/fiber) and IT infrastructure.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills across organizational levels.
• Working knowledge of Windows OS and Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to work independently or in a team.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Willing to work on-campus schedule Mon-Fri 8:30–17:00 with occasional after-hours/weekend support.
• Eligible to obtain Interim Secret security clearance by start date and maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Respond to ServiceNow requests for network/telephone port activations, MACs, and incident resolution with timely SLAs.
• Test, repair, and restore copper and fiber cabling infrastructure using standard tools and test equipment.
• Install, configure, label, and document network hardware (switches, UPS, PDUs, servers, telecom equipment).
• Coordinate with Network Engineering for infrastructure projects and technology deployments.
• Support office relocations by provisioning, testing, and recovering network/telephone connections; maintain accurate records.
• Maintain documentation of network infrastructure, port assignments, and work performed.
• Deliver excellent service by communicating effectively with customers and maintaining a positive support experience.
• Follow safety practices and cabling standards during installations and maintenance.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

UTP cabling

STP cabling

fiber optic cabling

customer service

Windows OS

ServiceNow

communication

teamwork

driving

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Fluke test equipment

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy resolving network connectivity issues and delivering exceptional customer service?

Are you meticulous, hands-on, and passionate about solving technical problems?

If so, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking a Network Field Operations Technician to provide world-class support to our internal and external customers. In this role, you will maintain, test, and resolve physical layer network issues that impact service availability, ensuring timely restoration of connectivity with minimal disruption.

Working in a dynamic field environment, you will diagnose copper and fiber optic network infrastructure, perform cable testing and repairs, support network installations and upgrades, and collaborate with engineering teams to maintain a reliable, high-performance communications infrastructure. Success in this position requires technical capability, attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and a talent for efficiently solving connectivity challenges!

As a Network Field Operations Technician, you will...

• Respond to and complete assigned ServiceNow work requests related to network and telephone port activations, moves, adds, changes (MACs), and incident resolution, ensuring timely completion in accordance with established service level objectives.
• Fix, test, repair, and restore copper and fiber-optic cabling infrastructure using industry-standard test equipment and diagnostic tools to quickly resolve physical layer network issues.
• Install, configure, label, and document network infrastructure hardware, including Ethernet switches, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs), Power Distribution Units (PDUs), servers, telecommunications equipment, and environmental monitoring devices.
• Partner with the Network Engineering team to complete infrastructure projects, including switch replacements, network hardware refreshes, power supply replacements, cabling upgrades, and new technology deployments.
• Coordinate and support small and large-scale office relocation efforts by provisioning, documenting, testing, and recovering network and telephone connections while maintaining accurate infrastructure records.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network infrastructure, cable labeling, port assignments, and work performed in accordance with organizational standards.
• Deliver excellent service by communicating effectively with customers, resolving issues professionally while maintaining a positive experience throughout the support process.
• Adhere to safety practices, cabling standards, and policies while performing installations and maintenance work.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the position if you...

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have at least five (5) years of experience installing, testing, and maintaining unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP), and fiber optic cabling systems and supporting IT infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to effectively interact with at all organizational levels using professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.
• Have a working knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Are able to evaluate priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet established schedules.
• Are a motivated self-starter with solid organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Hold a valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Are available to work an on-campus schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the flexibility to provide occasional early morning, evening, or weekend support as required.
• Are willing and able to work outdoors, on flat rooftops, and in maintenance vaults or other confined infrastructure spaces when necessary.
• Are capable of lifting and carrying equipment weighing 50–75 pounds.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately maintain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum qualifications if you...

• Have experience operating Fluke Networks test equipment for copper, fiber optic, and Ethernet/network certification and trouble isolation.
• Hold a BICSI Installer or BICSI Technician certification, or possess other recognized low-voltage cabling or telecommunications industry certifications.
• Have experience using ServiceNow or similar work order, ticketing, and dispatch management systems.
• Possess a solid grasp of the fundamental principles of data communications, network transmission, and physical layer networking technologies.
• Have experience installing, terminating, testing, and repairing structured cabling systems in commercial or campus environments.
• Are familiar with telecommunications standards and applicable industry installation guidelines.
• Can read and interpret telecommunications drawings, floor plans, riser diagrams, and cable records.
• Possess solid understanding of fiber optic connector types, splicing methods, optical loss testing, OTDR testing, and records associated with optical fiber systems.
• Have experience working on campus network environments where minimizing downtime and providing exceptional customer service are crucial

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$30.00 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$57.05 Hourly