Data Center Optical Engineer - Reston, VA
Reston, Virginia
Contract
This position gives you the chance to work directly with state-of-the-art optical transport systems and data center infrastructure in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in physically and technically challenging settings. You’ll work with 10G–100G optical circuits, advanced testing tools, and cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to hyperscale data center standards and operational excellence. This role is perfect for engineers who want to develop deep technical expertise, grow their career in network and data center operations, and work in a collaborative, high-impact environment.
What You Will Be Doing
- Performing break-fix support for optical and transport network equipment
- Providing remote hands services per MOPs and engineering documentation
- Installing, routing, labeling, terminating, and testing fiber and Ethernet cabling
- Conducting optical testing and circuit turn-ups
- Racking, stacking, and organizing data center equipment
- Supporting decommissioning and secure hardware removal
- Performing hardware replacements for network and IT equipment
- Managing power systems including redundancy and ATS
- Conducting site audits and documenting results
- Overseeing third-party vendor activities on-site
- Maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to safety standards
Required Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in data center operations or similar technical environments
- Hands-on experience with break-fix, remote hands, and hardware replacement
- Strong knowledge of optical and IP transport networks
- Experience with fiber and Ethernet cabling (CAT5/6, single-mode, multi-mode, structured cable, RJ45, LC)
- Experience executing Methods of Procedure (MOPs) and interpreting engineering documentation
- Hands-on experience with optical testing tools (OTDR, optical power meter, stabilized light source, VFL)
- Knowledge of AC and DC power systems, including redundancy and ATS
- Ability to work shift schedules, including nights and weekends
Desired Skills & Experience
- Team lead or senior technician experience
- Experience working in hyperscale or large enterprise data centers
- Experience testing 10G / 100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM (Y.1564), iPerf
- Familiarity with transport routers, switches, and servers
- Experience overseeing third-party vendors on-site
- Strong customer-facing communication skills
- Familiarity with hyperscale systems, tools, and ticketing platforms
The Offer
- Bonus eligible
You will receive the following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Stock Options
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability.
As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.
Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
What you didn’t know about us:
- Competitive salary
- Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Short/Long Term Disability and Critical Care/Illness Protection
- Life Insurance and Retirement Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- With this position, you will get the opportunity to work with our game changing clients and further advance your already valuable experience in the telecom industry!
We are Connectors. We thrive on ‘quality over quantity’ and put in the work building strong relationships. We create connections, discover qualities, uncover skills, and place people with accuracy. We are your true partner!
We are Collaborators. You’ll be working with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kelly and part of the Kelly Telecom division. It allows us to be as nimble and fiercely competitive as a startup while having the backing of a multibillion dollar publicly traded company which has been in business for 75 years. With direct access to hiring managers, services don’t stop at standard recruiting processes. We use our expertise to improve your application skills and provide ongoing career support.
We give 24/7 Support. We are in this together. We provide around the clock availability, competitive employee benefits, and continuously check-in to make sure things are going smoothly. Check out our Glassdoor page!
Kelly Telecom is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information click Equal Employment Opportunity is the law.
You should know: Your safety matters! Vaccination against COVID-19 may be a requirement for this job in compliance with current client and governmental policies. A recruiter will confirm and share more details with you during the interview process.