About the role
New capacity is coming online every week on this hyperscale campus in Ashburn, Virginia, and the deployment crews make it happen. The program brings thousands of servers, storage systems and network devices from the loading dock to fully tested, production-ready racks.
As a Deployment Technician you are the hands that build that capacity. You will receive and track hardware, install it exactly to rack elevation drawings, cable and label it to the client’s standard, and run power-on and burn-in checks so every rack passes quality inspection the first time.
You will work in a crew of 10–30 technicians led by an experienced EdgeTech IT site lead, with clear daily targets, safety briefings every shift and quality checks built into the process. Strong technicians are regularly extended to the next phase and promoted to lead technician.
A day in the role
A typical shift. Times vary by site and shift.
- Badge in, PPE check and safety briefing with your site lead.
- Review the day’s work orders, rack elevations and hardware deliveries.
- Install, cable and label equipment with your crew.
- Lunch break.
- Power-on, testing and quality checks; fix any defects found.
- Update tickets and trackers, clean the work area and hand over to the next shift.
What you’ll do
Receiving & logistics
- Receive deliveries, verify packing lists and report damaged or missing items.
- Scan serial numbers and asset tags into the inventory system.
- Stage hardware by rack and row so installs run without waiting.
- Break down packaging and keep staging areas clean and recycled.
Installation
- Install rails, servers, storage, switches and PDUs to rack elevation drawings.
- Run and dress power and data cabling with proper bend radius and cable management.
- Apply labels to the client’s labeling standard on both ends of every cable.
- Install blanking panels, airflow components and rack hardware.
Testing & quality
- Power on equipment and run burn-in and diagnostic tests.
- Identify failed components and swap them following RMA procedures.
- Self-check your work against the quality checklist before handover.
- Fix audit findings quickly and record the corrections.
Documentation & teamwork
- Update tickets and deployment trackers accurately by end of shift.
- Hand over open work clearly to the next shift.
- Follow MOPs, ESD rules and safety procedures at all times.
- Help teammates hit the crew’s daily target.
What success looks like
- Complete site orientation, safety training and badge activation.
- Learn the site’s MOPs, labeling standard and ticketing workflow.
- Work independently on standard installs with a lead checking your work.
- Zero safety incidents and zero badge or access violations.
- Consistently hit your share of the crew’s daily install target.
- Pass quality audits the first time (correct elevation, cabling, labeling).
- Troubleshoot common install and power-on failures without escalation.
- Keep tickets and trackers updated accurately by end of shift.
- Be one of the crew’s go-to technicians for speed and quality.
- Help train and buddy new technicians.
- Take ownership of small tasks such as a row or a delivery batch.
- Be recommended by your site lead for extension or lead technician roles.
How performance is measured
- Units or links completed per shift against target
- First-time quality (audit pass rate, rework count)
- Safety record and PPE compliance
- Ticket and tracker accuracy
- Attendance and punctuality
What you’ll bring
Required qualifications
- 2+ years of data center, IT hardware, low-voltage or structured cabling experience.
- Hands-on rack and stack and cable management experience.
- Ability to read rack elevations, cabling diagrams and work orders.
- Basic understanding of servers, power distribution and networking components.
- Comfortable using hand tools, label printers and barcode scanners.
- Able to lift 50 lbs and work on your feet for a full shift.
- Reliable attendance and strong attention to detail.
Nice to have
- CompTIA A+ or Server+.
- Experience on a hyperscale, cloud or colocation campus.
- OSHA 10 certification and lift (MEWP) training.
- Experience with GPU/AI server deployments.
- Experience with ticketing or DCIM tools.
Core skills & competencies
- Attention to detail: every cable, label and screw matters at scale
- Following written procedures exactly, every time
- Teamwork and clear communication on a busy floor
- Reliability: on time, every shift
- Stamina for physical, repetitive work
- Willingness to learn new hardware and tools quickly
Education
High school diploma or GED. Technical school, military technical training or IT certifications are a plus.
Experience: 2+ years
Tools, technology & gear
Hardware
- Rack servers and GPU/AI servers
- Storage arrays and JBODs
- Top-of-rack network switches
- PDUs and rack power
Cabling
- Cat6/Cat6A copper
- Fiber patch cords and DACs/AOCs
- Power cords
- Cable managers and Velcro
Tools
- Label printers
- Barcode scanners
- Torque drivers
- Cable testers
- Server lifts and carts
Systems
- Ticketing system
- Deployment trackers
- Inventory / asset systems
Provided on site
- Site test equipment (cable testers, light sources, power meters)
- Specialty tools and torque drivers required by the client
- Labels, label printers, cable ties and consumables
- Lifts, carts and lifting aids
- Hi-vis vest, hard hat and ESD wrist straps where required
- Site radios or communication devices
Please bring
- Composite or steel-toe safety boots (required)
- Basic hand tools if the site asks: screwdrivers, flush cutters, pliers
- Comfortable work clothes suitable for warm and cold aisles
- A refillable water bottle (where allowed on site)
- Reliable transportation to site
Work environment & physical requirements
Physical demands
- Lift and carry up to 50 lbs; team lifts and lift equipment for heavier hardware.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel and reach overhead for most of the shift.
- Climb ladders and work from mobile elevated work platforms after training.
- Repetitive hand work such as cabling, screwing and labeling.
Environment
- Large, secure data halls with constant fan noise; hearing protection available.
- Cold aisles around 65–75°F and hot aisles that can exceed 95°F.
- Bright lighting, raised floors or slab floors, and overhead cable trays.
- Active construction areas on new builds, with other trades working nearby.
Schedule & hours
- Typical 8–10 hour shifts, days, swings or weekends depending on the program.
- Overtime is common during deployment pushes.
- Punctual start times: crews begin with a safety briefing.
PPE
- Safety shoes, safety glasses, hi-vis vest and ESD protection.
- Hard hat and gloves in construction areas.
- Hearing protection where noise levels require it.
Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities. Talk to your recruiter about any needs.
Site & compliance requirements
Before you start
- Pass a background check covering 7–10 years of criminal history, identity and employment verification.
- Pass a 10-panel drug screen at an approved collection site.
- Provide proof of US work authorization through your corporation or C2C employer.
- Sign the client’s confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.
- Have your C2C agreement and certificate of insurance (if required by the program) in place.
Site access
- Obtain a site access badge and carry it visibly at all times.
- Follow badge, escort and visitor rules; never tailgate through secure doors.
- Use only approved entrances, parking and break areas.
- Leave cameras, personal laptops and unapproved devices outside secure areas.
Safety
- Complete the client’s safety and site orientation on day one.
- Attend daily safety briefings (toolbox talks) and report hazards and near misses immediately.
- Wear required PPE at all times on the data hall floor.
- Follow ladder, lift and lifting rules; only operate lifts after site training.
Quality, security & change control
- Follow the method of procedure (MOP) and change-control process for every task.
- Use ESD protection when handling hardware.
- Handle customer hardware, drives and data media under chain-of-custody rules.
- Never take photos, share site details or discuss the client on social media.
Rate & what we offer
Final rate depends on experience, certifications and the client program.
- Rate type
- Hourly, corp-to-corp (C2C)
- Overtime
- Approved hours above 40 per week are billed at the contract rate; any overtime premium depends on the client program.
- Travel / per diem
- Available for non-local candidates when the client program includes travel or per diem.
- Timesheets & payment
- Weekly timesheets approved by the client; invoices paid on the terms in your C2C agreement.
- Steady pipeline of data center projects
- Long-term assignments with extension potential
- Reliable, on-time invoice payments
- Travel and per diem support where the program provides it
- Dedicated account manager on every assignment
- Referral bonuses for C2C partners
Work details
- Work model
- Onsite (Ashburn, VA)
- Engagement
- C2C Contract (12 months+)
- Duration
- 12 months, with strong possibility of extension
- Schedule
- 4×10 or 5×8 shifts; day, swing and weekend rotations available
- Travel
- None (local to site)
- Reports to
- EdgeTech IT site lead, working with the client’s deployment manager
- Team
- Crews of 10–30 technicians per shift
- Openings
- 12
- Work authorization
- C2C only. All US work authorizations accepted. Must pass background check and drug screen; site badge required.
Where this role can lead
- StartTechnician
Master installs, cabling, testing and site procedures.
- 6–12 monthsLead Technician
Guide a small group, check quality and train new technicians.
- 1–3 yearsSite Lead
Run a shift or crew: daily plans, safety, reporting and client communication.
- 3+ yearsDeployment Coordinator / PM
Plan deployments across halls or sites and manage schedules and vendors.
How we help you grow
- We recommend strong performers to clients for lead and extension opportunities.
- Our recruiters share new roles across campuses so you can keep working project to project.
- We help you choose certifications (BICSI, CompTIA, fiber, OSHA) that open better-paying roles.
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed; progression depends on performance and program needs.
About the location
Ashburn in Loudoun County, Virginia, often called "Data Center Alley," has one of the largest concentrations of data centers in the world, about 30 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
Our hiring process
From application to your first day usually takes 1–3 weeks. Here is what happens at each step:
- Apply3 minutesSubmit your resume through the form. Include data center sites, project dates and certifications so we can match you quickly. Tip: List each site or campus and the work you did there.
- Recruiter call15–20 minutes · within 1–2 business daysWe confirm your experience, certifications, rate expectations, availability, location or travel preference, and your C2C setup (own corporation or C2C employer). Tip: Have your desired hourly rate and earliest start date ready.
- Technical screen20–30 minutesA conversation with an experienced data center practitioner about real scenarios: rack elevations, cabling standards, testing, troubleshooting and safety. Tip: Be specific about tools you have used and volumes you have handled.
- Client or prime vendor interview15–45 minutes · when requiredSome programs interview candidates directly. We brief you beforehand on the site, the team and what they look for. Tip: Ask about shift, crew size and how quality is measured.
- Offer & C2C agreement1–2 daysYou receive the rate, start date and assignment details. We sign a C2C agreement and work order with your corporation or C2C employer. Tip: Make sure your corporation details, W-9 and insurance (if required) are ready.
- Onboarding & badging3–10 daysBackground check, drug screen, client paperwork and site badge request. We track every step and tell you exactly when and where to report on day one. Tip: Complete the background and drug screen links the same day you receive them.
Before you apply
Having these ready helps us submit you to the client faster:
Documents
- Updated resume listing each data center site or campus, dates and the work you did
- Copies of certifications (OSHA 10/30, CompTIA, BICSI, fiber)
- Government-issued photo ID for badging (needed later, not at application)
C2C details
- Your corporation name and contact, or your C2C employer’s contact
- W-9 and certificate of insurance if your corporation carries one
Availability
- Earliest start date
- Shift preference (days, swings, nights, weekends)
- Whether you are local, or willing to travel or relocate
References
- Two professional references, ideally site leads or supervisors from recent projects
Tips to stand out
- Quantify your work: "racked and cabled 40+ servers per shift" says more than "rack and stack".
- Name the equipment and tools you have used (OTDR, Fluke DSX, label printers, specific server brands).
- Mention every safety certification and any lift or forklift training.
- Apply even if you meet most, not all, requirements. We place technicians at many experience levels.
Questions about this role
Is this role W2 or C2C?
This role is offered on a corp-to-corp (C2C) contract. You contract through your own corporation (LLC or Inc.) or through a C2C employer.
I don’t have a corporation yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. Apply anyway and our recruiters will explain the options, including working through an established C2C employer.
Can the contract be extended?
Most data center programs run for many months, and strong performers are often extended or moved to the next phase or campus. Extensions depend on the client’s schedule.
What does the background check include?
Typically a 7–10 year criminal history check, identity and employment verification, and a 10-panel drug screen. Exact requirements depend on the site.
How soon could I start?
For most data center roles, start dates are 1–3 weeks after an offer, depending on how quickly background checks, drug screens and site badging are completed.
Ready to apply?
It takes about 3 minutes. Have your resume ready.
EdgeTech IT LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. EdgeTech IT will never ask candidates for payment during the hiring process.