What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Center Engineer/Field Services - Richardson, TX position at NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company?
We are seeking a Data Center Optical Engineer to join our team in Richardson, TX. This role is critical to maintaining the performance and reliability of hyperscale data center infrastructure, including optical transport, IP networking, and data center systems.
This is an exciting opportunity for engineers who enjoy hands-on work in a high-tech, mission-critical environment. You will work directly with optical transport systems, fiber cabling, and high-speed network circuits that power enterprise and cloud customers. The team is seeking self-motivated, detail-oriented problem solvers who take pride in ownership and precision. In return, you’ll gain exposure to 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and hyperscale operational processes, while collaborating with customers, internal teams, and third-party vendors. This role offers strong technical growth and an opportunity to expand your career in data center and network operations.
Required Skills & Experience
This is an exciting opportunity for engineers who enjoy hands-on work in a high-tech, mission-critical environment. You will work directly with optical transport systems, fiber cabling, and high-speed network circuits that power enterprise and cloud customers. The team is seeking self-motivated, detail-oriented problem solvers who take pride in ownership and precision. In return, you’ll gain exposure to 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and hyperscale operational processes, while collaborating with customers, internal teams, and third-party vendors. This role offers strong technical growth and an opportunity to expand your career in data center and network operations.
Required Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in data center operations or a similar technical environment
- Hands-on experience with break-fix, remote hands, and hardware replacement
- Strong knowledge of optical and IP transport networks
- Experience with fiber and Ethernet cabling (CAT5/6, single-mode, multi-mode, structured cabling, RJ45, LC)
- Ability to interpret and follow Methods of Procedure (MOPs) and engineering documentation
- Experience with optical testing tools (OTDR, optical power meters, stabilized light sources, VFL)
- Knowledge of AC and DC power systems, including redundancy and ATS
- Ability to work shift schedules including nights and weekends
- Team lead or senior technician experience
- Experience in hyperscale or large enterprise data centers
- Experience testing 10G / 100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM (Y.1564), and iPerf
- Familiarity with network routers, switches, and server hardware
- Experience managing or overseeing on-site third-party vendors
- Strong customer-facing and communication skills
- Familiarity with hyperscale systems, tools, and ticketing platforms
- Providing break-fix support for optical and network equipment
- Performing remote hands services following MOPs and technical documentation
- Installing, routing, labeling, terminating, and testing fiber and Ethernet cabling
- Conducting optical testing and circuit turn-ups
- Racking, stacking, and maintaining data center hardware
- Supporting decommissioning and secure disposal of outdated equipment
- Performing hardware replacements for network and IT equipment
- Managing power systems including redundant feeds and ATS
- Performing site audits and documenting results
- Overseeing third-party vendors and ensuring adherence to standards
- Maintaining accurate documentation and compliance with safety protocols
- 40% Optical Transport & Testing
- 25% Fiber & Ethernet Cabling
- 20% Racking, Stacking & Hardware Installation
- 10% Break-Fix / Remote Hands
- 5% Documentation & Site Audits
- 75% Hands-On Technical Work
- 10% Management / Vendor Oversight
- 15% Team Collaboration & Customer Communication
- Bonus eligible
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Stock Options