What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Center Optical Engineer /Field Services- Reston, VA position at NextGen | GTA: A Kelly Telecom Company?
We are seeking a Data Center Optical Engineer to join a high-performing team in Reston, VA. This role supports hyperscale data center operations, providing hands-on support for critical network and optical infrastructure. The company is a leader in enterprise and cloud infrastructure, utilizing advanced optical transport, IP networking, and data center technologies.
This position gives you the chance to work directly with state-of-the-art optical transport systems and data center infrastructure in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in physically and technically challenging settings. You’ll work with 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to hyperscale data center standards and operational excellence. This role is perfect for engineers who want to develop deep technical expertise, grow their career in network and data center operations, and work in a collaborative, high-impact environment.
What You Will Be Doing
This position gives you the chance to work directly with state-of-the-art optical transport systems and data center infrastructure in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in physically and technically challenging settings. You’ll work with 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to hyperscale data center standards and operational excellence. This role is perfect for engineers who want to develop deep technical expertise, grow their career in network and data center operations, and work in a collaborative, high-impact environment.
What You Will Be Doing
- Performing break-fix support for optical and transport network equipment
- Providing 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
- Managing power systems including redundancy and ATS
- Conducting site audits and documenting results
- Overseeing third-party vendor activities on-site
- Maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to safety standards
- 3–5 years of experience in data center operations or similar technical 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, structured cable, RJ45, LC)
- Experience executing Methods of Procedure (MOPs) and interpreting engineering documentation
- Hands-on experience with optical testing tools (OTDR, optical power meter, stabilized light source, 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 working in hyperscale or large enterprise data centers
- Experience testing 10G / 100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM (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 systems, tools, and ticketing platforms
- Bonus eligible
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Stock Options