What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Center Optical Engineer-Denver, CO position at NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company?
This is a contract, onsite opportunity for a Data Center Optical Engineer supporting large-scale, hyperscale data center environments across multiple U.S. locations including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, San Jose, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Reston, VA.
This role focuses on optical networking, racking and stacking, cabling, break-fix, and remote hands support within mission-critical data center facilities. The position requires hands-on technical expertise and the ability to support 24/7 operations when needed.
The #1 highlight of this opportunity is the hands-on exposure to enterprise and hyperscale data center infrastructure, working directly with optical, IP, and transport technologies. This role is ideal for a motivated engineer who enjoys being in the field, solving complex problems, and delivering exceptional customer service. You’ll gain experience across multiple data center disciplines—from optical testing and troubleshooting to hardware replacement and power management—while working in a fast-paced environment that values safety, precision, and technical excellence.
Contract Duration: 6 – 12 Months (Potential for Extension)
Required Skills & Experience
You will support daily data center operations by installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and decommissioning network and IT equipment. This includes optical testing, break-fix support, hardware replacement, power management, and providing oversight of third-party activities while ensuring all work meets safety and quality standards.
Tech Breakdown
This role focuses on optical networking, racking and stacking, cabling, break-fix, and remote hands support within mission-critical data center facilities. The position requires hands-on technical expertise and the ability to support 24/7 operations when needed.
The #1 highlight of this opportunity is the hands-on exposure to enterprise and hyperscale data center infrastructure, working directly with optical, IP, and transport technologies. This role is ideal for a motivated engineer who enjoys being in the field, solving complex problems, and delivering exceptional customer service. You’ll gain experience across multiple data center disciplines—from optical testing and troubleshooting to hardware replacement and power management—while working in a fast-paced environment that values safety, precision, and technical excellence.
Contract Duration: 6 – 12 Months (Potential for Extension)
Required Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in data center operations or similar environments
- Hands-on experience with racking, stacking, cabling, decommissioning, and break-fix
- Experience with remote hands services and customer-facing support
- Strong knowledge of optical, IP, and transport networks
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and shift schedules as required
- Experience working with AC and DC power systems
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work at heights or in confined spaces
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Team lead or oversight experience
- Experience supporting hyperscale data center environments
- Familiarity with structured cabling standards and best practices
- Experience working with third-party vendors onsite
You will support daily data center operations by installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and decommissioning network and IT equipment. This includes optical testing, break-fix support, hardware replacement, power management, and providing oversight of third-party activities while ensuring all work meets safety and quality standards.
Tech Breakdown
- 30% Optical Testing & Troubleshooting (OTDR, Power Meter, BERT, RFC2544, Y.1564)
- 25% Cabling (Fiber & Ethernet)
- 20% Racking, Stacking & Hardware Installation
- 15% Break-Fix & Remote Hands Support
- 10% Documentation, Audits & Reporting
- 70% Hands-On Technical Work
- 15% Customer & Cross-Team Collaboration
- 10% Documentation & Site Audits
- 5% Oversight of Third-Party Onsite Activities
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working in overhead racks, confined spaces, and at heights
- Ability to work in varying environmental conditions
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
- CPR / First Aid
- PPE and ergonomics training
- Ongoing refresher training as required
- Must be in-market and able to meet on-site SLAs (4-hour response, 30 minutes early arrival)
- Supplier responsible for required tools, laptop, smartphone, and timekeeping
- Onsite support includes travel between worksites during the workday as required