What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Center Optical Engineer - Austin, TX position at NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company?
We are hiring a Data Center Optical Engineer to support a large-scale hyperscale data center environment located in Long Beach, CA. This company is a leader in enterprise and cloud infrastructure, operating mission-critical facilities that rely on high-speed optical transport, IP networking, and data center technologies. This is a full-time, on-site position, requiring hands-on support within the data center and flexibility to work shifts, including nights and weekends as needed.
This is an opportunity to work at the physical backbone of the internet, supporting cutting-edge optical and IP transport networks in a hyperscale data center. The team is looking for hands-on engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, working with their hands, and owning issues from start to finish. You’ll gain deep exposure to 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and large-scale infrastructure while collaborating with experienced engineers and customers. If you’re looking for a role where your work directly impacts uptime and performance—and where you can continuously grow your technical skill set—this position delivers real-world experience in one of the most advanced data center environments in the industry.
Required Skills & Experience
This is an opportunity to work at the physical backbone of the internet, supporting cutting-edge optical and IP transport networks in a hyperscale data center. The team is looking for hands-on engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, working with their hands, and owning issues from start to finish. You’ll gain deep exposure to 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and large-scale infrastructure while collaborating with experienced engineers and customers. If you’re looking for a role where your work directly impacts uptime and performance—and where you can continuously grow your technical skill set—this position delivers real-world experience in one of the most advanced data center environments in the industry.
Required Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in data center operations or similar environments
- 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)
- Experience executing Methods of Procedure (MOPs) and engineering documentation
- Hands-on experience with optical testing tools (OTDR, power meter, light source, VFL)
- Team lead or senior technician experience
- Experience working in hyperscale or large enterprise data centers
- Experience testing 10G / 100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, Y.1564, iPerf
- Familiarity with transport routers, switches, and servers
- Experience overseeing third-party vendors on-site
- Strong customer-facing communication skills
- Familiarity with hyperscale tools, systems, and ticketing platforms
- Providing break-fix support for optical and transport network equipment
- Performing remote hands services per MOPs and engineering documentation
- Installing, routing, labeling, terminating, and testing fiber and Ethernet cabling
- Conducting optical testing and circuit turn-ups
- Racking, stacking, and organizing data center equipment
- Supporting decommissioning and secure hardware removal
- Performing hardware replacements for network and IT equipment
- Supporting power management, including ATS and redundant feeds
- Conducting site audits and documenting results
- Providing oversight of third-party vendors on-site
- Maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to safety standards
- 40% Optical Transport & Testing
- 25% Fiber & Ethernet Cabling
- 20% Racking, Stacking & Hardware Installation
- 10% Break-Fix / Remote Hands
- 5% Documentation & 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