About the role
Before a new data hall can serve traffic, its network fabric has to be built, configured and proven. This program in the Dallas–Fort Worth area is bringing new spine-leaf fabrics online on a tight schedule.
As a Network Deployment Engineer you will stage and configure switches from templates, validate every link and routing session, and work hand in hand with cabling crews to clear physical issues fast. You hand over a fabric that is documented, tested and production-ready.
You will join a regional network deployment team and work closely with the client’s network architects. Engineers who combine solid troubleshooting with automation skills quickly become the go-to people on the program.
A day in the role
A typical shift. Times vary by site and shift.
- Review the turn-up plan, change tickets and overnight issues.
- Stage and configure switches using automation templates.
- Validate links, optics and routing; work with cabling crews on layer 1 faults.
- Turn up new fabric segments and run acceptance tests.
- Document as-built configurations and test results.
- Plan the next maintenance window and update stakeholders.
What you’ll do
Staging & configuration
- Stage, upgrade and configure switches and routers using templates and automation.
- Load and verify optics, firmware and baseline configurations.
- Keep device inventory and IP records accurate.
Turn-up & validation
- Turn up spine-leaf fabrics and validate links, optics and light levels.
- Bring up and verify BGP/EVPN sessions and routing policies.
- Run acceptance tests and resolve failures before handover.
Troubleshooting
- Diagnose layer 1–3 issues and give cabling crews clear fix instructions.
- Work with vendors on hardware failures and RMAs.
- Escalate design issues to client architects with clear evidence.
Change & documentation
- Plan and execute changes in maintenance windows following change control.
- Document as-built configurations, test results and cabling maps.
- Improve scripts and templates to speed up future turn-ups.
What success looks like
- Learn the network design, naming standards and automation templates.
- Get access to tools, consoles and change management, and complete site training.
- Complete first turn-ups alongside a senior engineer.
- Build working relationships with cabling crews and the client network team.
- Independently stage, configure and turn up fabric segments.
- Clear layer 1–3 issues quickly, with clear notes for cabling crews.
- Deliver accurate as-built documentation for every turn-up.
- Run changes in maintenance windows without incidents.
- Own turn-up for a full data hall or pod.
- Improve automation scripts or templates to save the team time.
- Mentor newer engineers and technicians on network basics.
- Be the person the client trusts for difficult troubleshooting.
How performance is measured
- Devices and links turned up against schedule
- Turn-up acceptance pass rate
- Time to resolve layer 1–3 issues
- Change success rate (no unplanned impact)
- Documentation accuracy
What you’ll bring
Required qualifications
- 5+ years of data center or enterprise network engineering.
- Hands-on Cisco NX-OS and/or Arista EOS experience.
- Strong understanding of spine-leaf, BGP, EVPN-VXLAN, VLANs and LACP.
- Experience with optics (100G/400G), DACs and AOCs.
- Scripting for automation (Python and/or Ansible).
- Comfortable working on the data hall floor with cabling crews.
Nice to have
- CCNP Data Center or Enterprise, or Arista ACE.
- Hyperscale network deployment experience.
- Experience with network source-of-truth tools (NetBox or similar).
- Juniper experience.
Core skills & competencies
- Structured troubleshooting under time pressure
- Clear communication with technicians, vendors and client engineers
- Automation mindset: script repetitive tasks
- Discipline with change control and documentation
- Comfort working on the data hall floor as well as at a desk
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Networking, Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience: 5+ years
Tools, technology & gear
Platforms
- Cisco Nexus (NX-OS)
- Arista (EOS)
- Juniper (Junos)
Protocols & design
- Spine-leaf
- BGP
- EVPN-VXLAN
- LACP / MLAG
Automation
- Python
- Ansible
- Jinja2 templates
- NetBox
Physical layer
- 100G/400G optics
- DAC / AOC
- Light meters
- Console servers
Provided on site
- Laptop with VPN, console and management access
- Console cables, adapters and optics
- Light sources, power meters and test equipment
- Access to automation, inventory and ticketing tools
Please bring
- Safety boots for floor work
- Your own preferred terminal and scripting setup knowledge (configs are provided)
Work environment & physical requirements
Physical demands
- Lift up to 35 lbs (switches, optics boxes, test gear).
- Walk between staging areas, network rows and offices.
- Some work at racks and from ladders.
Environment
- Mix of data hall floor, staging rooms and office space.
- Noisy, temperature-controlled data halls.
Schedule & hours
- Standard weekday hours.
- Occasional night or weekend maintenance windows, planned in advance.
PPE
- Safety shoes, safety glasses and ESD protection on the floor.
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 (Dallas, TX)
- Engagement
- C2C Contract (12 months)
- Duration
- 12 months, extendable
- Schedule
- Monday–Friday; occasional night maintenance windows
- Travel
- Up to 15% to nearby sites
- Reports to
- Client network deployment lead, with an EdgeTech IT account manager
- Team
- Network team of 4–10 engineers per region
- Openings
- 3
- Work authorization
- C2C only. All US work authorizations accepted.
Where this role can lead
- StartNetwork Deployment Engineer
Configure, turn up and troubleshoot data center fabrics.
- 1–2 yearsSenior Network Engineer
Own complex turn-ups, automation and escalations.
- 2–4 yearsNetwork Lead
Lead a regional team and coordinate with client architects.
- 4+ yearsNetwork Architect / Deployment Manager
Design fabrics or manage multi-site network deployment programs.
How we help you grow
- Exposure to hyperscale fabrics, automation and the latest optics.
- We help you target CCNP, Arista and automation certifications.
- Follow-on roles across regions as programs expand.
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed; progression depends on performance and program needs.
About the location
The Dallas–Fort Worth area is one of the fastest-growing data center markets in the United States, with campuses across the metro.
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
- Resume listing platforms (Cisco, Arista, Juniper), scale of networks and data center projects
- Certifications (CCNA/CCNP, Arista ACE, JNCIA/JNCIS)
- A short note or link describing automation you have built (optional but valuable)
C2C details
- Your corporation or C2C employer contact
- W-9 and insurance details if required
Availability
- Earliest start date
- Willingness to support maintenance windows and travel
References
- Two references from network leads or managers
Tips to stand out
- Mention the size of fabrics you have built (racks, switches, links).
- Name specific protocols and designs: BGP, EVPN-VXLAN, spine-leaf, 400G optics.
- Show automation: Python, Ansible, templates or tools you wrote.
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.