Data Center Engineer III

Astreya•Ashburn, VA

14h•$72,960 - $115,200

About The Position

The Data Center Engineer III verifies data center fiber builds from pre-install site walks through final acceptance and handover. The role inspects pathways, tray, racks, frames, labeling, power, access, and in-progress workmanship; conducts frame- and port-level checks, end-face inspections, OTDR testing, and loss and polarity validation; and prepares punch lists, confirms corrections, and signs off on readiness. The engineer owns field documentation, including splice plans, fiber and port maps, rack elevations, and one-line diagrams in client systems of record. The role standardizes naming and labeling across sites and confirms that as-builts and inventory match field conditions at handover. The position leads field activities across multiple sites by running prework reviews, witnessing tests, escalating issues the same day, coaching installation technicians, and managing dispatch, reporting, and competing priorities. It also improves service processes and acceptance criteria, identifies recurring defects, supports training, mentors junior engineers, and produces readiness, daily, and verification reports along with yield and defect trends. Travel may be up to 100%, including off-hours work windows.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in data center fiber deployment, verification, or operations, including high-density MPO and ribbon experience.
Expertise reading, creating, and correcting design packages, splice plans, port maps, elevations, and test specifications.
Hands-on experience with fusion splicing, end-face inspection, OTDR, insertion and return loss, and polarity testing.
Working knowledge of TIA 568, TIA 942, IEC 61300 3 35, and procedure-driven work.
Proficiency with fiber management and DCIM-style systems of record, beyond using redlines alone.
Ability to own programs, manage competing priorities across sites, meet reporting SLAs, and communicate risks and status proactively.
Ability to work independently, hold vendors accountable, travel up to 100% including off-hours windows, walk large sites and OSP areas, and lift 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with hyperscale or large colocation builds.
Migration experience, including loopbacks, revalidation, cutover, and handover.
Experience with CAD or Visio.
Experience with Light Brigade or an equivalent tool or program.
BICSI certification and OSHA 10 or OSHA 30.
Prior verification, commissioning, or field QA experience.
Prior service or program-building experience.
Ability to thrive in new programs with evolving processes.

Responsibilities

Verify site conditions before installation, including pathways, tray, racks, frames, labeling, power, and access.
Inspect installation workmanship and audit completed work using frame- and port-level checks, end-face inspection, OTDR, loss, and polarity validation.
Create punch lists, verify fixes, and sign off on readiness.
Create and update splice plans, fiber and port maps, rack elevations, and one-line diagrams in client systems of record.
Standardize naming and labeling across sites and ensure as-builts and inventory match field conditions at handover.
Run prework reviews, witness testing, escalate issues the same day, coach installation technicians, and manage dispatch and reporting across multiple sites.
Refine checklists, templates, and acceptance criteria; identify repeat failure patterns and feed them into training and process improvements.
Mentor junior engineers.
Deliver readiness reports, daily notes, verification reports within two business days, and yield and defect trends.

Benefits

Medical insurance through UHC (PPO, HSA, and Surest options) or Kaiser HMO for California employees.
Dental insurance through UHC.
Vision insurance through Nationwide Vision by UHC.
Flexible Spending Account for health and dependent care.
Pre-tax commuter benefit for parking and transit, depending on location.
Continuing education and professional development through platforms such as Udemy and Coursera.
Corporate wellness program.
Employee Assistance Program.
Wellness Days.
401(k) plan.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Critical illness, critical hospital, and voluntary accident insurance.
Tuition reimbursement, available after six months and subject to a cap.
Paid time off, accrued and prorated, up to 120 hours annually.
Paid holidays.
Statutory leaves, paid time, and other ancillary benefits required under state and federal law.