Data Center Optical Engineer

$95,000 - $124,740/Yr

Ericsson - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Telecommunications

About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Center Optical Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in racking, cabling, and stacking equipment, decommissioning, break-fix, remote hands services, hardware replacement, and network transport optical troubleshooting. The Optical Engineer will ensure the seamless operation of our data center facilities, providing top-notch customer service and technical support. This role requires working outside of normal business hours, including nights and weekends, to address break-fix issues and provide remote hands services. The candidate must possess in-depth knowledge of data center equipment installation and basic testing methods and procedures (MOPs). Knowledge of operating principles of data center, wireline, and IP transport environments is essential. The ability to interpret and perform tasks outlined in MOPs, vendor documentation, technical specifications, network practices, engineering letters, and job aids is crucial. Additionally, the candidate should have knowledge of telephony networks, optical and IP networks, and the ability to identify all colors associated with telecommunications cable and equipment indicator lights. The responsibilities also include handling, installation, and troubleshooting of Ethernet and fiber cables and connectors, including but not limited to CAT 5, CAT 6, structured cable, fan-outs, single mode, multi-mode, RJ45, and LC. The Optical Engineer will complete all activities associated with physically placing equipment identified in project specification documents, including routing, lacing, labeling, terminating, and local/remote testing and turn-up of Ethernet, switchboard, fiber, and power cables. Utilizing optical power meters, stabilized light sources, VFL, OTDR, and test equipment to test 10/100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM (Y.1564), and iPerf (1G-10G) is also part of the role. The candidate will analyze and resolve network issues associated with equipment installations/removals and perform card-level troubleshooting and replacement procedures with assistance from control centers and/or back-office engineers. Site audits will be conducted to review project specifications to validate equipment placement, cable assignments, and determine cable lengths, documenting results in proprietary databases. The Optical Engineer will install, organize, and maintain hardware equipment in data center racks following standard operating procedures, using hand tools and power tools. The role also involves safely removing and disposing of outdated or failed hardware following data destruction protocols, replacing faulty hardware components, and managing power feeds, including redundancy and automatic transfer switches (ATS). Documentation is key, as the candidate will read and interpret cut-sheets for physical network installation, ensuring accurate port connections and cable management. Maintaining and troubleshooting AC and DC power equipment to ensure reliable power distribution and connectivity is also required.

Responsibilities

• Break-Fix: Work outside of normal business hours, including nights and weekends.
• Remote Hands: Knowledge of data center equipment installation and basic testing methods and procedures (MOPs).
• Cabling: Handle, install, and troubleshoot Ethernet and fiber cables and connectors.
• Optical Testing and Troubleshooting: Complete activities associated with placing equipment, routing, lacing, labeling, terminating, and testing cables.
• Site Audits: Review project specifications to validate equipment placement and document results.
• Racking and Stacking: Install, organize, and maintain hardware equipment in data center racks.
• Decommissioning: Safely remove and dispose of outdated or failed hardware.
• Hardware Replacement: Replace faulty hardware components, including transport routers, servers, and switches.
• Power Management: Work with power feeds, including redundancy and ATS, and manage hot/cold aisles.
• Documentation: Read and interpret cut-sheets for physical network installation.

Requirements

• 5 years of experience working as a technician in data center operations or a similar environment.
• 5 years of experience in customer service, interacting directly with customers.
• 5 years of experience working with data center equipment, including safe handling of live hardware and rack building/installation.
• 5 years of experience reading cut-sheets for physical network installation.
• 5 years of experience working with power feeds, including redundancy and ATS.
• Prior experience working as a field technician or Field Optical Engineer in the Telecommunications Industry is highly desired.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently without continuous supervision.
• Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in stressful and demanding work environments.
• Understand and follow all common and industry-specific safety standards.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Hyperscale systems and applications.
• Knowledge of optical power meters and testing equipment.

Benefits

• Starting Salary between $95,000 and $124,740 with a 6% annual bonus structure.