What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Center Optical Engineer - Columbus, OH position at NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company?
We are looking for a Data Center Optical Engineer to join a high-performing team supporting hyperscale data center operations in Burbank, CA. The organization operates mission-critical environments supporting large enterprise and cloud customers, leveraging advanced optical transport, IP networking, and data center infrastructure technologies.
This role is ideal for engineers who love being in the data center and close to the technology. You’ll work hands-on with optical transport systems, fiber infrastructure, and high-speed circuits that power some of the most demanding networks in the world. The team is seeking motivated self-starters who take pride in precision, documentation, and ownership. In return, you’ll gain exposure to 10G–100G networks, hyperscale operating standards, and cross-functional collaboration that accelerates technical growth while building a strong foundation for long-term career advancement in data center and network engineering.
What You Will Be Doing
This role is ideal for engineers who love being in the data center and close to the technology. You’ll work hands-on with optical transport systems, fiber infrastructure, and high-speed circuits that power some of the most demanding networks in the world. The team is seeking motivated self-starters who take pride in precision, documentation, and ownership. In return, you’ll gain exposure to 10G–100G networks, hyperscale operating standards, and cross-functional collaboration that accelerates technical growth while building a strong foundation for long-term career advancement in data center and network engineering.
What You Will Be Doing
- 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
- 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
- Bonus eligible
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Stock Options