Optical Engineer Data Center

First Point Group; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

First Point Group is seeking a hands-on Data Center Optical Engineer to oversee fiber optic installations, optical transport infrastructure, and field operations across customer data centers and colocation facilities.

The role combines technical expertise with field leadership and customer-facing responsibilities, ensuring work meets engineering specs and customer expectations in high-availability data center environments.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in data center operations, fiber optics, or related field.
• Team lead or field supervision experience directing technicians.
• Hands-on fiber installation and testing across single-mode/multimode systems.
• Familiarity with LC connectors, cable management, patch panels.
• Experience reading MoPs, diagrams, and port assignments.
• Strong customer-facing communication and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with ticketing systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Audit daily field work by third-party technicians and provide technical direction.
• Support fiber installation, decommissioning, migrations, and remote hands activities.
• Perform and supervise optical testing with OTDRs and power meters.
• Interpret engineering designs to ensure correct fiber routing and cabling.
• Identify defects and drive corrective actions to resolution.
• Interface with customers, provide updates and technical reports.
• Maintain safety, change control, and compliance in high-availability facilities.
• Coordinate service delivery with Ericsson, customers, and providers.

Skills

Fiber optics

Field supervision

OTDR testing

Troubleshooting

Cable routing

Customer-facing

Safety compliance

Tools

OTDRs

Power meters

VFLs

MoPs/diagrams reading

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Data Center Optical Engineer to oversee fiber optic installations, optical transport infrastructure, and field operations across customer data centers and colocation facilities.

This role combines technical expertise with field leadership and customer-facing responsibilities. You'll serve as the quality control lead between the customer, Ericsson, and third-party service providers, ensuring all work meets engineering specifications, operational standards, and customer expectations.

The ideal candidate brings strong fiber optic installation and testing experience, can lead and audit field technicians, and knows how to troubleshoot issues in high-availability data center environments without compromising safety or quality.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead Field Execution: Audit daily work performed by third-party technicians, provide technical direction, and ensure installations and repairs meet Ericsson and customer quality standards.
• Manage Fiber Operations: Support fiber installation, decommissioning, remediation, break/fix, migrations, and remote hands activities across data center and optical transport environments.
• Test & Troubleshoot: Perform and supervise optical testing using OTDRs, optical power meters, stabilized light sources, visual fault locators (VFLs), and related test equipment.
• Interpret Engineering Designs: Read network diagrams, cable schedules, cut sheets, port assignments, and Methods of Procedure (MoPs) to ensure accurate fiber routing, connectivity, and cable management.
• Own Quality Assurance: Identify installation defects, incorrect connections, labeling issues, and workmanship deficiencies. Drive corrective actions and verify resolution.
• Interface with Customers: Communicate directly with customer teams through ticketing systems and on-site interactions, providing clear updates, technical reports, and service status.
• Maintain Operational Excellence: Follow safety protocols, change management procedures, documentation requirements, and best practices in mission‑critical facilities.
• Coordinate Service Delivery: Work with Ericsson, customer representatives, and third‑party providers to meet scheduled appointments, response‑time commitments, and service‑level agreements (SLAs).

WHAT YOU BRING

• 3+ years of experience in data center operations, fiber optics, optical transport, structured cabling, or a related technical field.
• Previous team lead or field supervision experience, including directing technicians and auditing completed work.
• Strong hands‑on experience installing and troubleshooting single‑mode and multimode fiber optic cabling.
• Working knowledge of LC connectors, fiber fan‑outs, structured cabling, patch panels, and optical connectivity.
• Experience with optical testing equipment, including OTDRs, optical power meters, light sources, and VFLs.
• Ability to interpret MoPs, engineering drawings, network diagrams, cable schedules, and port assignments.
• Strong customer‑facing communication skills, with the ability to document work, report issues, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Proficiency with ticketing systems, Microsoft Office, and technical documentation.
• Ability to multitask, troubleshoot under pressure, and work independently in high‑availability environments.
• A strong commitment to safety, workmanship, and operational compliance.

FIELD & OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working at heights and in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to respond to on‑site service requirements within the designated market and meet applicable SLA commitments.
• Must provide an Android smartphone manufactured outside China, with Wi‑Fi tethering capability.
• Must have a suitable laptop and the tools required to perform assigned duties.
• Must be available for scheduled customer appointments and on‑site activities, including arrival at least 30 minutes before appointments when required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You're a field-oriented optical specialist who understands that data center quality comes down to precision, accountability, and execution. You can identify a bad fiber installation, validate optical performance, guide technicians through corrective actions, and communicate confidently with customers.