Datacenter Field Operations Technician - Albany, OH (Onsite)

We are hiring Datacenter Field Operations Technicians to support a global hyperscaler at a major US data-center campus in New Albany, Ohio. This is a hands-on troubleshooting and break-fix role diagnosing and repairing physical-layer network issues, executing preventive and corrective maintenance, and partnering closely with provisioning crews to keep AI-infrastructure builds and operations on track. You will be part of a 24/7 on-site team working shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, facility, and supply-chain partners.

Location & Coverage

On-site at New Albany, Ohio (Eastern Time). Remote work is not available for this role. Coverage is 24/7 across rotating shifts (Days/Nights) with on-call requirements. Extended shift capability may be required during surge/ramp periods.

Responsibilities

• Rack Activity Services
  • Execute rack turn-up activities: rack receiving, unpacking, rack/stack, cabling, energization
  • Perform network cable installation for compute racks including front-end (FE) cabling to fabric switches and back-end (BE) cabling to spine/aggregation switches
  • Execute goalpost cable routing and dressing
  • Perform rack turn-down and decommissioning, support rack redeployment and relocation activities
  • Process pre-integrated rack receiving, inspection, and final connectivity
  • Use ticketing platform for workflow management and ticket closure via Action Mode
  • Support Air Assisted Liquid Cooling (AALC) rack network cabling
• Circuit QA/QC & Testing
  • Perform loopback testing on all network circuits post-installation
  • Execute fiber continuity testing (OTDR, power meter, VFL)
  • Conduct PON (Passive Optical Network) passive testing and validation
  • Perform cable cleaning using fiber optic cleaning procedures (IBC cleaner, cassette cleaners)
  • Identify and document circuit failures for remediation
  • Support mid-box (testing solution) deployment and validation
  • Conduct as-built documentation audits and equipment placement verification
• Break/Fix & Repair
  • Diagnose and repair failed network circuits (copper and fiber)
  • Replace faulty network hardware (switches, linecards, optics, cables) per MOP
  • Execute transceiver/pluggable optics replacement following ESD procedures
  • Troubleshoot physical layer issues: light levels, connector issues, cable damage
  • Coordinate RMA processes for defective hardware
  • Perform hot-swap procedures on production equipment per priority level SLAs:
    • P0: Critical (immediate response)
    • P1–P3: High to Medium (within SLA timer)
    • P4–P7: Standard (business hours)
• Operations & Maintenance
  • Perform Inside Plant Preventative Maintenance (ISPM) per schedule
  • Conduct fiber cleaning campaigns in data halls
  • Support goalpost cable dressing and redressing activities
  • Execute power QA support (tap box operations) during new builds
  • Provide third-party vendor oversight and escorting
  • Maintain tools, equipment, and workspace cleanliness per EHS standards
• Safety & Compliance
  • Comply with client Data Center EHS Management System
  • Follow Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures for all energized work
  • Wear appropriate PPE (ESD wrist straps, safety glasses, hard hat in construction areas)
  • Use personnel lifts safely (daily inspections, harness requirements)
  • Report safety concerns and near-misses immediately
  • Maintain ESD compliance during all optics/hardware handling
• Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Partner with Provisioning Technicians on rack turn-up and fault closure
  • Interface with Facility Operations, Regional/Site PMs, and supply-chain teams
  • Document maintenance activity, fault diagnosis, and resolution in tracking systems

Requirements

• Technical Skills
  • Structured Cabling: Expert-level copper and fiber optic cable installation (Cat6A, OM4, OS2, MPO/MTP)
  • Fiber Optics: Splicing, termination, OTDR testing, cleaning, connector inspection (microscope)
  • Rack & Stack: Data center rack installation, cable management, labeling standards
  • Hardware Handling: Network switch/router installation, line card insertion, optics installation (ESD compliance)
  • Testing Tools: OTDR, optical power meter, VFL, loopback adapters, cable certifiers
  • Physical Layer Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve connectivity issues at Layer 1 (light levels, fiber breaks, bad connectors)
  • Ticketing Systems: Ability to use workflow management tools for ticket tracking and closure
  • Liquid Cooling Systems: Familiarity with AALC rack systems, hose connections, valve operations (preferred)
• Experience
  • 2–5 years of experience in data center cabling, network hardware installation, or telecommunications
  • Hands-on experience with fiber optic installation and testing in enterprise/hyperscale environments
  • Experience with large-scale rack deployment projects (50+ racks)
  • Familiarity with data center environments (hot/cold aisle, raised floor, overhead cable tray)
  • Experience working with liquid-cooled rack systems (AALC) preferred
  • Experience with barcode scanning and asset management workflows preferred
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs repeatedly
  • Comfortable working at height (personnel lifts, ladders) and in confined spaces, hot aisles, and active electrical environments with appropriate PPE
  • Ability to work in warm environments (data halls, 75–85°F)
  • Standing/walking for 10–12 hour shifts
  • Fine motor skills for connector cleaning and optics handling
  • Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods
• Soft Skills
  • Attention to detail (cable routing, labeling, connector cleanliness)
  • Ability to work in a team-based shift environment
  • Self-motivated; able to manage workload from ticket queue independently
  • Safety-first mindset
  • Clear communication for shift handoff/passdown

Qualifications

• BICSI certification (Installer, Technician) or equivalent (preferred)
• OSHA 10/30 certification (preferred)
• Experience in hyperscale data-center environments, multi-tenant, or campus-scale (preferred)
• Familiarity with DCIM and ticketing tools used for asset, fault, and maintenance tracking (preferred)
• Background in either telecom carrier ops or large enterprise network repair (preferred)

Schedule

Shift-based coverage with rotating shifts (Days/Nights) and on-call requirements. Shifts include:

• Day: 07:00–15:00 ET
• Swing: 15:00–23:00 ET
• Graveyard: 23:00–07:00 ET

Pattern: 5 days on / 2 days off; 40 hours per week. Shift differentials apply for Swing and Graveyard shifts per company policy. On-call support may be required for emergency response outside scheduled hours on a rotating basis.