Data Center Engineer III

Astreya•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Data Center Engineer III verifies data center fiber builds before, during, and after installation; owns project documentation and field accuracy; leads field reviews and testing across multiple sites; improves service processes; and delivers readiness, verification, and performance reporting. The position requires substantial hands-on fiber testing and deployment experience, independent program ownership, vendor accountability, and the ability to travel up to 100% and work during off-hours windows.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in data center fiber deployment, verification, or operations, including high-density MPO and ribbon experience.
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 alone.
Ability to own programs, manage competing priorities across sites, meet reporting SLAs, and proactively communicate risks and status.
Ability to work independently and hold vendors accountable.
Ability to travel up to 100%, work off-hours windows, walk large sites and OSP areas, and lift 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with hyperscale or large colocation builds.
Migration experience, including 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, tray, racks, frames, labeling, power, and access.
Inspect workmanship during installation and audit completed work using frame- and port-level checks, end-face inspection, OTDR, loss, and polarity validation.
Create punch lists, verify corrections, 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 confirm 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 to 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 coverage through UHC (PPO, HSA, and Surest options) or Kaiser (HMO option for California employees only).
Dental insurance through UHC Nationwide.
Vision insurance through 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 through Goomi Group.
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.
Accrued and prorated paid time off, up to 120 hours annually.
Paid holidays.
Statutory leaves, paid time, and other ancillary benefits required under state and federal law.