Optical Engineer / Data Center / Level 3 / Plano, Texas

Kelly Digital Infrastructure; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Digital Infrastructure is seeking an experienced Data Center Optical Engineer to lead fiber optic installation, testing, and migration activities across mission-critical data centers. You will supervise technicians, coordinate directly with customers, and ensure quality and safety standards are met throughout complex deployments.

The role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, requiring travel up to 50% and strong documentation skills to maintain MoPs, network diagrams,

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in data center operations, fiber optics, optical transport, or a related technical environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with single-mode and multimode fiber, LC connectors, fan-outs, and structured cabling.
• Demonstrated experience with optical testing, fiber troubleshooting, and connectivity validation.
• Experience using OTDRs, optical power meters, stabilized light sources, VFLs, and related testing equipment.
• Previous team leadership, technician oversight, or technical coordination experience.
• Ability to interpret engineering documentation, network diagrams, cable schedules, and Methods of Procedure (MoPs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including short-notice travel and assignments lasting several weeks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience supporting optical transport infrastructure within data centers or colocation facilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and audit fiber optic installation and maintenance activities to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Provide technical direction, guidance, and feedback to installation technicians.
• Coordinate directly with customers regarding work activities, progress, and technical issues.
• Perform and oversee fiber installation, testing, troubleshooting, remediation, migrations, and decommissioning.
• Troubleshoot optical connectivity and transport issues using specialized fiber testing equipment.
• Execute work according to engineering specifications, technical procedures, and network documentation.
• Review cable schedules, port assignments, and network designs to validate connections and installation accuracy.
• Identify installation deficiencies, coordinate corrective actions, and verify completed work.
• Maintain accurate service records, test results, and project documentation.
• Promote compliance with established safety, quality, and operational standards.

Skills

Fiber Optics

Single-mode Fiber

Multimode Fiber

LC Connectors

Fan-outs

Structured Cabling

Team Leadership

Technical Documentation

Travel up to 50%

Communication Skills

Tools

OTDRs

Optical Power Meters

Stabilized Light Sources

VFLs

Test Equipment

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Optical Engineer to support fiber optic infrastructure, optical transport systems, and data center connectivity across mission-critical environments. This position combines hands-on technical work with quality oversight, technician coordination, and direct customer interaction.

This is an opportunity to combine hands-on optical engineering with technical leadership in mission-critical data center environments. The ideal candidate will take ownership of fiber installation, testing, troubleshooting, and quality oversight while coordinating technicians and working directly with customers. The role also offers exposure to multiple data center environments, varied technical projects, and travel opportunities, with the ability to work independently and influence installation quality and execution.

Required

• 3+ years of experience in data center operations, fiber optics, optical transport, or a related technical environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with single-mode and multimode fiber, LC connectors, fan-outs, and structured cabling.
• Demonstrated experience with optical testing, fiber troubleshooting, and connectivity validation.
• Experience using OTDRs, optical power meters, stabilized light sources, VFLs, and related testing equipment.
• Previous team leadership, technician oversight, or technical coordination experience.
• Ability to interpret engineering documentation, network diagrams, cable schedules, and Methods of Procedure (MoPs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including short-notice travel and assignments lasting several weeks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Experience supporting optical transport infrastructure within data centers or colocation facilities.
• Experience with fiber migrations, installation, decommissioning, remediation, and break/fix activities.
• Background overseeing subcontractors, field technicians, or installation teams.
• Experience with remote hands services and customer ticketing platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technical documentation.

What You Will Be Doing

• Oversee and audit fiber optic installation and maintenance activities to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Provide technical direction, guidance, and feedback to installation technicians.
• Coordinate directly with customers regarding work activities, progress, and technical issues.
• Perform and oversee fiber installation, testing, troubleshooting, remediation, migrations, and decommissioning.
• Troubleshoot optical connectivity and transport issues using specialized fiber testing equipment.
• Execute work according to engineering specifications, technical procedures, and network documentation.
• Review cable schedules, port assignments, and network designs to validate connections and installation accuracy.
• Identify installation deficiencies, coordinate corrective actions, and verify completed work.
• Maintain accurate service records, test results, and project documentation.
• Promote compliance with established safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Fiber Optics: Single-mode, multimode, LC connectors, fan-outs, structured cabling.
• Testing Equipment: OTDR, optical power meters, stabilized light sources, VFLs.
• Infrastructure: Optical transport, fiber distribution, data center connectivity.
• Field Services: Installation, migration, decommissioning, remediation, break/fix, and remote hands.
• Documentation: Methods of Procedure (MoPs), engineering drawings, network diagrams, and cable schedules.