Data Center Engineer III

Astreya•Ashburn, VA

11d

About The Position

The Data Center Engineer III verifies data center builds from pre-install site walks through final handover. The role checks pathways, trays, racks, frames, labeling, power, and access; inspects work in progress; and audits completed work using frame- and port-level checks, end-face inspection, OTDR, loss, and polarity validation. The engineer creates punch lists, confirms corrective work, and signs off on readiness. The position owns and maintains documentation—including splice plans, fiber and port maps, rack elevations, and one-line diagrams—in client systems of record. It also standardizes naming and labeling across sites and ensures as-builts and inventory match field conditions at handover. The engineer leads field activity across multiple sites by conducting prework reviews, witnessing tests, escalating issues the same day, coaching installation technicians, and managing dispatch queues and reporting. The role also improves service checklists, templates, and acceptance criteria; identifies recurring failure patterns; contributes to training and process improvements; and mentors junior engineers. Reporting responsibilities include readiness reports, daily notes, verification reports within two business days, and yield and defect trend reporting. The position requires travel up to 100%, including off-hours work windows, and the ability to walk large sites and OSP areas and lift up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in data center fiber deployment, verification, or operations, including high-density MPO and ribbon work.
Expertise in 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 only.
Ability to own programs across competing priorities and sites, meet reporting SLAs, and communicate risks and status proactively.
Ability to work independently, hold vendors accountable, travel up to 100% with 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, such as loopbacks, revalidation, cutover, and handover.
CAD or Visio experience.
Light Brigade or equivalent experience.
BICSI certification and OSHA 10 or 30 are a plus.
Prior verification, commissioning, or field QA experience.
Prior service or program-building experience.
Ability to thrive in new programs with evolving processes.

Responsibilities

Walk sites before installation to verify pathways, trays, racks, frames, labeling, power, and access.
Inspect workmanship during installation and audit completed work with 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 queues and reporting across multiple sites.
Refine checklists, templates, and acceptance criteria; identify recurring failure patterns and contribute them to training and process improvements.
Mentor junior engineers.
Provide readiness reports and daily notes, submit verification reports within two business days, and report yield and defect trends.

Benefits

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