Solutions Engineer, Data Center

AFL Telecommunications, LLC; Abilene (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Flexible time off policy

401K Company match

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

AFL Telecommunications, LLC is seeking a Data Center Solutions Engineer to develop technical solutions for data center infrastructure projects. The role includes analyzing customer requirements and preparing detailed engineering documentation.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in data center environments, with a strong understanding of structured cabling and fiber optic systems. This position offers a hybrid working environment along with excellent benefits, including 401K matching

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in data center infrastructure, telecommunications, or technical solutions development.
• Experience supporting hyperscale, colocation, or mission-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of structured cabling systems and fiber optic infrastructure.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical solutions and project scopes for data center infrastructure projects.
• Analyze customer requirements and prepare engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with Sales and Engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and support customer presentations.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Technical Consulting

Customer Relationship Management

Project Planning

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Presentation Skills

Leadership and Influence

Strategic Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Telecommunications, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Visio

Job description

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $3B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

Job Summary

The Data Center Solutions Engineer is responsible for developing technical solutions, project scopes, cost models, and implementation strategies for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center infrastructure projects. This position serves as the technical bridge between Sales, Engineering, Operations, and the Customer, ensuring proposed solutions are technically sound, financially viable, and operationally executable.

The Solutions Engineer evaluates customer requirements, develops designs and work packages, prepares estimates and proposals, supports customer presentations, and provides technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle. This role requires strong knowledge of data center infrastructure, structured cabling systems, fiber optic networks, and critical facility environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze customer requirements, RFQs, drawings, specifications, and Statements of Work.
• Develop comprehensive technical solutions for data center infrastructure deployments.
• Design structured cabling, fiber optic, containment, and connectivity solutions that align with customer requirements and industry standards.
• Prepare engineering documentation, bill of materials, labor models, and implementation plans.
• Develop detailed work packages to support project execution and operational delivery.
• Review project designs to identify risks, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Develop budgetary and fixed-price estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
• Support proposal development, scope definitions, assumptions, and technical responses.
• Collaborate with Sales and Business Development teams during customer pursuits.
• Participate in proposal reviews and project handoff meetings.
• Maintain estimating tools, cost databases, and engineering templates.

Customer & Technical Consultation

• Serve as a technical advisor during customer meetings, design reviews, and solution presentations.
• Provide recommendations regarding infrastructure architecture, deployment methodologies, and industry best practices.
• Respond to technical questions and requests for clarification from customers and internal teams.
• Support site assessments and discovery activities.

Project Lifecycle Support

• Partner with Project Managers and Operations teams to ensure engineered solutions are executed according to design intent.
• Assist with project kickoff activities and operational handoffs.
• Support change management activities and evaluate scope modifications.
• Conduct periodic site visits to validate project execution and quality standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting complex technical issues during deployment.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Support the development of engineering standards, best practices, and design methodologies.
• Research emerging data center technologies and market trends.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and customer outcomes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within Engineering and Operations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Telecommunications, Information Technology, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in data center infrastructure, telecommunications, structured cabling, engineering, estimating, or technical solutions development.
• Experience supporting hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or mission-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of:
• Structured cabling systems
• Fiber optic infrastructure
• Pathway and containment systems
• Testing and commissioning methodologies
• TIA, BICSI, and industry standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• RCDD certification.
• BICSI, PMP, or related industry certifications.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Visio, or similar design tools.
• Knowledge of low-voltage security, wireless, and OTN/network infrastructure solutions.
• Technical Consulting
• Analytical Thinking
• Customer Relationship Management
• Project Planning
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Presentation Skills
• Leadership and Influence
• Strategic Problem Solving

Working Conditions

• Hybrid office and field environment.
• Ability to travel up to 25-50% as required.
• Occasional visits to active construction sites and operational data centers.
• Ability to work standard business hours with flexibility to support customer and project requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.