What are the responsibilities and job description for the Data Center Optical Engineer 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 Irvine, 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 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