Demo

Data Center Optical Engineer

NextGen Global Resources
Reston, VA Contractor
POSTED ON 9/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/16/2026

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Center Optical Engineer to support customer data centers and co-location environments. This role will serve as a key interface between customers, Ericsson, and third-party vendors, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and technical execution.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with fiber optics, optical testing, transport troubleshooting, data center operations, and customer-facing technical support. This position requires flexibility to travel to non-home-market sites for several weeks at a time, up to 25% of the time.


What You’ll Do

  • Conduct daily audits of work performed at customer data centers and co-location facilities and provide feedback to third-party technicians.
  • Interact directly with customers through ticketing systems and on-site communications, providing clear reports and status updates.
  • Support fiber installation, decommissioning, break/fix, remediation, migration, and remote hands activities.
  • Perform and/or supervise optical testing and troubleshooting using optical power meters, stabilized light sources, VFLs, OTDRs, and other optical test equipment.
  • Interpret and execute Methods of Procedure (MoPs), engineering documents, vendor documentation, and network diagrams.
  • Read and interpret cut sheets and physical network design documents to ensure accurate port connections and proper cable management.
  • Maintain high standards for quality, safety, documentation, and operational best practices.
  • Support customer site activities while meeting defined SLAs and scheduled appointments.

What You Bring

  • Team lead experience in a data center, optical, telecommunications, or similar technical environment.
  • 3–15 years of experience in data center operations or a related technical environment with direct customer interaction.
  • Strong hands-on experience with connectorized fiber optic cabling, including:
    • Single-mode and multi-mode fiber
    • LC connectors
    • Fan-outs
    • Structured cabling
  • Demonstrated experience with optical testing and transport troubleshooting.
  • Experience using optical test equipment such as OTDRs, optical power meters, VFLs, and stabilized light sources.
  • Ability to read and interpret network diagrams, cut sheets, engineering documents, and physical network designs.
  • Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational, documentation, and administrative skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or customer-specific applications.
  • Ability to multitask, remain composed under pressure, and work effectively in fast-paced, high-availability environments.
  • Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational standards.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Comfortable working at heights and in varying environmental conditions.
  • Ability to work on-site at customer data centers and co-location facilities.

Additional Requirements

  • Must be available for on-site activities based on customer requirements and defined SLAs.
  • Must be able to travel to non-home-market locations at short notice and support assignments lasting several weeks, up to 25% travel.
  • Must have an Android smartphone not manufactured in China, with Wi-Fi tethering capability.
  • Must have a laptop suitable for the assignment.
  • Must provide and use appropriate PPE, including ESD shoes, bump cap, hard hat where required, eye and ear protection, cut-resistant gloves, and steel/composite-toe footwear as applicable.
  • Ericsson-provided safety vests must be worn while on site.
  • Personnel must be able to meet required on-site response times and scheduled customer appointments.
Company Description

• What you didn’t know about us:
• Competitive salary
• Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Short/Long Term Disability and Critical Care/Illness Protection
• Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• With this position, you will get the opportunity to work with our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom industry!

• We are Connectors. We thrive on ‘quality over quantity’ and put in the work building strong relationships. We create connections, discover qualities, uncover skills, and place people with accuracy. We are your true partner!

• We are Collaborators. You’ll be working with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kelly and part of the Kelly Telecom division. It allows us to be as nimble and fiercely competitive as a startup while having the backing of a multibillion dollar publicly traded company which has been in business for 75 years. With direct access to hiring managers, services don’t stop at standard recruiting processes. We use our expertise to improve your application skills and provide ongoing career support.

• We give 24/7 Support. We are in this together. We provide around the clock availability, competitive employee benefits, and continuously check-in to make sure things are going smoothly. Check out our Glassdoor page!
• Kelly Telecom is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• For more information click Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.
• You should know: Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.

#JobsAtKellyTelecom

Salary : $30 - $32

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