Data Center Optical Engineer

Ericsson - Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Atlanta, GA

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. The role requires the ability to work outside of normal business hours, including nights and weekends, to address break-fix issues. The candidate must possess in-depth knowledge of data center equipment installation and basic testing methods and procedures (MOPs). Familiarity with the operating principles of data center, wireline, and IP transport environments is essential. The Optical Engineer will interpret and perform tasks outlined in MOPs, vendor documentation, technical specifications, network practices, engineering letters, and job aids. Knowledge of telephony networks, optical and IP networks is crucial, along with 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. Additionally, the Optical Engineer will conduct site audits, review project specifications to validate equipment placement, cable assignments, and determine cable lengths, documenting results in proprietary databases. Responsibilities include installing, organizing, and maintaining hardware equipment in data center racks, safely removing and disposing of outdated or failed hardware, replacing faulty hardware components, and managing power feeds effectively. The role requires reading and interpreting cut-sheets for physical network installation, maintaining and troubleshooting AC and DC power equipment, and ensuring reliable power distribution and connectivity.

Responsibilities

• Break-Fix: Must be able to work outside of normal business hours (i.e., shift work), to include nights and weekends.
• Remote Hands: In-depth knowledge of data center equipment installation and basic testing methods and procedures (MOPs).
• Cabling: Ability to work in overhead rack or grid for extended periods of time pulling long lengths of heavy cables.
• Optical Testing and Troubleshooting: Complete all activities associated with physically placing equipment identified in project specification documents.
• Site Audits: Review project specifications to validate equipment placement, cable assignments and determine cable lengths then document results in proprietary databases.
• Racking and Stacking: Install, organize, and maintain hardware equipment in data center racks following standard operating procedures.
• Decommissioning: Safely remove and dispose of outdated or failed hardware following data destruction protocols.
• Hardware Replacement: Replace faulty hardware components, including transport routers, servers, switches, and other network & IT equipment.
• Power Management: Work with power feeds, including redundancy, automatic transfer switches (ATS), and manage hot/cold aisles effectively.
• Documentation: Read and interpret cut-sheets for physical network installation, ensuring accurate port connections and cable management.
• AC and DC Power Equipment: Maintain and troubleshoot AC and DC power equipment, ensuring reliable power distribution and connectivity.

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: identifying port connection locations, positions and overhead trays for running cables, and relevant patch panels to connect to.
• 5 years of experience working with power feeds: including redundancy, ATS, hot/cold aisles, rack builds/installations, networking hardware (including cabling, switches, servers), and associated troubleshooting.
• 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 and have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English language.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in stressful and demanding work environments.
• Understand and follow all common and industry specific safety standards to protect personnel and assure network integrity / reliability.
• Communicate as required with multiple departments to optimize project scheduling, resolve roadblocks, and coordinate material deliveries.
• Use Hyperscale systems and applications to communicate with the customer as needed.
• Adhere to Hyperscale standards to ensure work meets customer quality requirements.