Optical Transport Technician (DWDM)

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company is seeking a Transport and Facilities Technician to ensure reliability of network transport hubs and facility infrastructure. The role involves installing, provisioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting transport equipment, dark fiber, and DWDM systems across hubs, data centers, and customer sites.

You will serve as a primary contact for building issues, oversee contractor work, monitor power systems and generators, and respond to alarms in coordination

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience supporting telecom facilities and fiber installations.
• Experience with DWDM and dark fiber troubleshooting is highly desirable.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot transport hubs, DWDM, and fiber connectivity.
• Install, provision, and test transport equipment across data centers and customer sites.
• Monitor power systems, generators, alarms, and coordinate with NOC for incidents.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams for cabinet installations and deployments.
• Maintain inventory records and logs of operations.

Skills

Fiber testing

Equipment installation

Alarm isolation

Dark fiber troubleshooting

DWDM transport systems

Power systems monitoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Telecommunications (preferred)

Job description

The Transport and Facilities Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and operational readiness of network transport hubs and facility infrastructure. This position is responsible for installing, provisioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting transport equipment, dark fiber, DWDM systems, and related network elements across hub offices, data centers, collocation sites, and customer locations.

In addition to technical transport responsibilities, this role serves as a primary point of contact for building-related issues, overseeing contractor work, supporting facility maintenance, monitoring power systems and generators, and responding to alarms and emergencies in coordination with the NOC.

This position works cross-functionally with Network Engineering, Sales Engineering, Service Delivery, and other operational teams to support new installations, resolve outages, and maintain service continuity. Responsibilities span fiber testing, equipment installation, electrical support, inventory management, and general facility upkeep, making this role essential to maintaining secure, efficient, and high-performing network and facility operations.

• Deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality results with a strong focus on reliability.
• Build technical expertise and maintain awareness of industry best practices.
• Understand organizational objectives and contribute to supporting business initiatives.
• Demonstrate proficiency within the role while maintaining awareness of adjacent functions.
• Understand the impact of responsibilities on customer experience and overall operations.
• Communicate effectively and seek clarification when necessary.
• Identify and elevate risks appropriately.
• Collaborate openly and effectively with team members and cross-functional teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and perform troubleshooting and alarm isolation on Network Hub Switches and other network elements.
• Conduct inspections of office batteries, power plants, and emergency generators.
• Install, maintain, and provision transport and MUX equipment within network transport hubs, collocation sites, data centers, and customer locations.
• Troubleshoot dark fiber and DWDM transport systems.
• Interact with customers regarding new installations, disconnects, and service troubleshooting.
• Install cabling, fiber connections, and peripheral equipment at customer premises and data centers.
• Analyze and resolve customer issues, network outages, and service interruptions.
• Test, accept, and document multi-level transport facilities and fiber connectivity.
• Perform preventive maintenance on transport equipment, including cleaning, replacing filters, changing hardware modules, and maintaining organized workspaces.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors and service providers to support network operations.
• Work closely with Sales Engineering, Network Engineering, and Service Delivery teams to support cabinet installations, power requirements, and hardware deployments for data center customers.
• Assist operational teams, including Field Services, Provisioning, NOC, Voice Operations, IP Engineering, Network Engineering, and Central Office Technicians.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for facility-related issues, repairs, and emergencies.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure work is completed according to specifications and safety standards.
• Support building security initiatives and coordinate with the NOC to respond to alarms and emergencies on a 24/7 basis.
• Assist Facilities Management with annual maintenance budgeting activities.
• Perform basic electrical work and determine when specialized contractors are required.
• Transport equipment and materials to designated sites as needed.
• Perform additional maintenance and operational duties as assigned by management.

Additional Responsibilities

• Interact effectively with all levels of management.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate inventory records.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Maintain logs, records, and operational databases.
• Demonstrate reliability through strong attendance and punctuality.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required; an Associate's degree or coursework in Telecommunications is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting telecommunications facilities, network transport systems, switching environments, and fiber installations.
• At least 1 year of experience with computer systems, data entry, and database management.
• Experience with DWDM transport systems, dark fiber troubleshooting, power systems, and data center environments is highly desirable.