Network Installation Technician

Essintial Enterprise Solutions; Montgomery (AL); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Essintial Enterprise Solutions is hiring a Field Technician to perform hands-on installation and validation of enterprise network infrastructure primarily at retail and QSR locations across the United States. The role requires technical skills and the ability to operate independently, with up to 75% travel and early morning or evening work hours.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented with 3-5 years of experience in low-voltage cabling and network installation. Strong troubleshooting skills and a valid driver's license are also required.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of field experience in low-voltage cabling, network installation, or telecommunications.
• Hands-on experience in structured cabling installation and testing.
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals and basic firewall and switch concepts.
• Ability to read detailed port-mapping tables and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Stage, rack, mount, and cable enterprise network equipment per project specifications.
• Execute structured network cutovers and manage site downtime effectively.
• Perform pre- and post-installation validation checking WAN failover and connectivity.
• Coordinate with location manager and document all cabling.

Skills

Networking

Wireless

Cellular/WAN

Cabling

Power Management

Site Systems

Software

Tools

Tools

Cable tester

Cordless drill

RJ-45 crimp tool

Job description

Position Overview

The Field Technician performs hands‑on installation, cutover, and validation of enterprise network infrastructure at commercial locations nationwide – primarily active QSR and retail environments. Work includes deploying and configuring managed firewalls, switches, wireless access points, cellular backup routers, and IP power management devices, as well as decommissioning legacy equipment and verifying full end‑to‑end connectivity across all site systems. The ideal candidate is technically sharp, detail‑oriented, and comfortable operating independently at a job site from early morning through completion.

Field Technician

Enterprise Network Installation

Travel: Up to 75%

Key Responsibilities

• Stage, rack, mount, and cable enterprise network equipment – firewalls (HA pairs), managed switches, wireless access points, cellular backup routers, and IP power controllers – per project wiring specifications.
• Execute structured network cutovers: follow power‑on sequencing, migrate patch cables from legacy switches to new infrastructure, and manage site downtime within defined windows.
• Perform pre‑ and post‑installation validation: run speed tests, verify WAN failover, confirm VPN connectivity, and test all site‑connected devices (POS, kiosks, printers, displays, payment terminals).
• Work through guided deployment tooling (web‑based or software validation platforms) to complete configuration sections in sequence and resolve flagged errors before proceeding.
• Coordinate on‑site with the location manager: verify site readiness before beginning, communicate during service interruptions, and confirm full operations at each milestone.
• Label and document all cabling; capture pre‑ and post‑installation photos; complete digital work orders and project tracking entries in real time.
• Decommission legacy equipment, box for return shipment, and complete exit procedures per project closeout requirements.

Skills At a Glance

Networking: Managed firewalls, HA pairs, managed switches, VLANs, PoE, VPN, WAN failover.

Wireless: Enterprise APs, PoE injectors, ceiling mounting, connectivity validation.

Cellular / WAN: Cellular backup routers, SIM installation, LTE/5G verification, dual‑WAN failover.

Cabling: Cat5e/Cat6, RJ‑45/RJ‑11/coaxial, color‑coded patch cables, labeling, documentation.

Power Mgmt: IP‑controlled power strips/PDUs, outlet mapping, remote reboot.

Site Systems: POS terminals, KDS displays, kiosks, payment devices, digital menu boards.

Software: Web‑based deployment/validation tools, project tracking platforms, remote access utilities.

Tools: Cable tester (8‑pin), toner/probe, cordless drill, fish tape/glow rods, 12 ft ladder.

Required Personal Tools

Technicians must arrive equipped with: 12 ft ladder

• RJ‑45 crimp tool
• Ethernet cable tester (simultaneous 8‑pin display)
• Cable toner & probe
• Cordless drill
• Fish tape / glow rods
• Flashlight (not phone)
• Smartphone

Work Environment

Commercial and retail sites – including active restaurants and storefronts – with variable conditions: kitchen heat, noise, and customer foot traffic. Early‑morning starts and late evening starts required. Regional travel up to 75%. Installations typically run 5–8 hours and may extend based on site conditions.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of field experience in low‑voltage cabling, network installation, or telecommunications.
• Hands‑on experience with structured cabling: Cat5e/Cat6 installation, termination, and testing (RJ‑45, RJ‑11, coaxial).
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals – TCP/IP, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, PoE, and basic firewall and switch concepts.
• Experience racking, mounting, and cabling commercial‑grade network equipment (managed switches, firewalls, routers).
• Ability to read and follow detailed port‑mapping tables, color‑coded wiring diagrams, and multi‑step technical procedures without deviation.
• Proficient with cable testing tools (toner/probe, 8‑pin cable tester) and basic network diagnostics (ping, traceroute).
• Disciplined documentation habits: cable labeling, photo deliverables, and digital work‑order completion.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Available for early‑morning starts and flexible scheduling including weekends; willing to travel regionally up to 75%.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. regularly, work on ladders up to 12 ft, and sustain physical activity throughout an 8‑hour day.

Preferred Qualifications

• CompTIA Network+, BICSI Installer, or equivalent networking/cabling certification.
• Experience with cloud‑managed networking platforms (Cisco Meraki, Fortinet, or similar).
• Familiarity with cellular backup routers, SIM installation, and LTE/5G failover verification.
• Prior experience in QSR, retail, or hospitality environments with POS systems, kitchen display systems, or kiosk hardware.
• Experience using project tracking and documentation platforms (Smartsheet, ServiceNow, or similar).

EEO Statement

Essintial is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended at any time.