Data Center Optical Engineer
Location: New Albany, OH
About the Role
Seeking experienced lead-level Field Technicians to perform structured fiber circuit audits across active data center environments. This is a hands-on, high-volume role requiring precision, technical discipline, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve contaminated fiber circuits on the first attempt.
This is not an entry-level or helper position. Candidates must arrive with demonstrated fiber optics experience and the technical aptitude to be quickly trained on customer-specific tooling and logging platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform end-to-end fiber circuit audits across multiple DMARC locations within a single shift.
- Clean, scope, and inspect fiber end-faces using industry-standard tools and techniques.
- Conduct light level testing using optical power meters and light sources at 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths.
- Identify and resolve fiber contamination issues, distinguishing between contamination and physical damage.
- Escalate unresolvable faults following defined escalation procedures.
- Log all test results, pass/fail outcomes, and actions taken into a customer-provided mobile/web application.
- Scan and validate cable barcodes using Bluetooth scanners (Code 128 standard).
- Confirm polarity using IR cards where required.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure complete, first-time records with no missing data fields.
- Adhere to all ESD, PPE, and site safety requirements.
Required Qualifications
Fiber Optics Experience
- Minimum 3+ years of hands-on fiber optic cabling experience in data centers, network rooms, or similar restricted facilities.
- Demonstrated experience with LC, MPO/MTP, and SC connector types.
- Previous experience performing fiber circuit audits or circuit validations — must be able to describe scope, volume, and outcomes.
- Working knowledge of DMARC environments and the technician's role within them.
- Ability to distinguish between a contaminated end-face and physical fiber damage without guidance.
Cleaning & Inspection
- Proficiency with one-click cleaners, cassette cleaners, and reel-style cleaners.
- Understanding of when to apply wet clean versus dry clean methodology.
- Familiarity with proper cleaning sequences for both LC single connectors and MPO multi-fiber connectors.
- Knowledge of common cleaning errors and how to avoid them.
Scoping & Testing
- Hands-on experience with fiber inspection scopes or video probes.
- Ability to inspect MPO end-faces across all fiber positions and interpret results accurately.
- Solid understanding of pass vs. fail criteria for fiber end-face inspections of ultra-low latency fiber connections.
- Experience operating an optical power meter and light source — must be able to walk through a full light level test procedure.
- Familiarity with expected power levels for multimode and single-mode circuits and ability to flag anomalies.
- Working knowledge of IEC 61300-3-35 cleanliness standards is a strong plus.
Troubleshooting
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve failing circuits on the first attempt.
- Ability to isolate fault location — DMARC, patch panel, or further down the run.
- Experience handling circuits that fail after cleaning attempts and executing next-step escalation decisions.
- Comfortable working across multiple failing circuits simultaneously with clear prioritization.
Documentation & App-Based Logging
- Experience using mobile or web applications to log field test results in real time.
- Understands what constitutes a complete and accurate test record.
- Ability to operate independently when connectivity is limited or an app is temporarily unavailable.
- Experience correcting logging errors in ticketing or customer portals.
- Must be comfortable learning a new customer-specific application within the first week of onboarding.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience working on hyperscale or large-scale data center build or audit programs.
- Familiarity with Jira or similar ticketing platforms.
- Experience with OTDR testing at 1310nm and 1550nm.
- Experience working alongside general contractors or construction teams on active build sites.
- Train-the-trainer experience or willingness to transition into a lead trainer role as the program scales.
Tools & Equipment
- Fiber inspection scope and video probe.
- Optical power meter and light source (1310nm / 1550nm).
- Wet and dry fiber cleaning solution and cleaners.
- Bluetooth barcode scanner (Code 128 compatible).
- IR card for polarity confirmation.
- Customer-provided laptop and application access.
- Vest, hard hat, ESD-compliant footwear, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
- Work cart with wheels for equipment transport.
Safety Requirements
- ESD compliance is mandatory — candidates must be familiar with ESD requirements in data center and network room environments.
- Full PPE compliance always required on site.
- Must be able to complete and pass site orientation prior to starting work.
- Prior experience working in restricted or secured facilities strongly preferred.