Data Center Sample

Fiber Optic / Structured Cabling Technician

Install, terminate, test and certify fiber and copper infrastructure in new data halls.

  • Pay rate$38 – $50 / hour
  • LocationOnsite · Council Bluffs, IA
  • EngagementC2C Contract (9 months+)
  • Experience3+ years
  • Openings8

About the role

Every server in a new data hall depends on the fiber backbone underneath it. On this campus in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the program is building out new halls with thousands of high-density fiber links that must be installed, tested and certified before servers arrive.

As a Fiber Optic / Structured Cabling Technician you will pull and route fiber trunks, install high-density MPO/MTP cassettes, fusion-splice where needed and certify every link to specification. Your test results are the proof the network is ready.

You will work with a cabling crew under an EdgeTech IT site lead, alongside network deployment engineers who turn up the switches you connect. Careful, clean work and accurate test records are what this team is known for.

A day in the role

A typical shift. Times vary by site and shift.

  1. Badge in, PPE check and safety briefing with your site lead.
  2. Review the day’s work orders, rack elevations and hardware deliveries.
  3. Install, cable and label equipment with your crew.
  4. Lunch break.
  5. Power-on, testing and quality checks; fix any defects found.
  6. Update tickets and trackers, clean the work area and hand over to the next shift.

What you’ll do

Installation

  • Install fiber trunks and copper cabling in overhead tray, ladder rack and racks.
  • Mount and populate MPO/MTP cassettes, panels and enclosures.
  • Route and dress cabling to bend-radius and fill standards.
  • Label every cable, port and panel to the client’s standard.

Termination & splicing

  • Fusion-splice single-mode and multimode fiber.
  • Terminate connectors and pigtails, and clean and inspect every end face.
  • Manage slack and splice trays neatly and to spec.

Testing & certification

  • Test links with OTDR, light source/power meter and Fluke certifiers.
  • Save, name and submit test results in the required format.
  • Troubleshoot failed links and re-test after repairs.
  • Support network engineers clearing layer 1 faults during turn-up.

Documentation & safety

  • Record redlines and as-built changes.
  • Update trackers and tickets daily.
  • Work safely from lifts and ladders and keep pathways clear.

What success looks like

30days
  • 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.
60days
  • 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.
90days
  • 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

  • 3+ years of fiber and structured cabling experience.
  • Fusion splicing experience with single-mode and multimode fiber.
  • OTDR and certification testing experience (Fluke or similar).
  • Experience with high-density MPO/MTP systems.
  • Ability to read cabling drawings and pathway plans.
  • Able to work at heights and from lifts safely.

Nice to have

  • BICSI Installer 2 or Technician credential.
  • Hyperscale or large enterprise data center experience.
  • OSHA 10 or 30.
  • Experience with outside plant (OSP) or campus backbone fiber.

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 plus a recognized fiber or structured cabling certification.

Experience: 3+ years

Certifications

Required

  • Fiber certification (FOA CFOT, BICSI or manufacturer)
  • OSHA 10

Preferred

  • BICSI Installer 2 or Technician
  • CFOS/S (splicing) or CFOS/T (testing)

Tools, technology & gear

Fiber systems

  • Single-mode and multimode fiber
  • MPO/MTP trunks and cassettes
  • LC/SC connectors
  • High-density panels

Test equipment

  • OTDR
  • Fluke DSX / CertiFiber
  • Light source and power meter
  • Fiber inspection scopes
  • Visual fault locators

Tools

  • Fusion splicers and cleavers
  • Termination kits
  • Cable pulling equipment
  • Label printers

Infrastructure

  • Overhead cable tray and ladder rack
  • Fiber raceway
  • Copper Cat6A

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

Hourly rate$38 – $50 / hour

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 (Council Bluffs, IA)
Engagement
C2C Contract (9 months+)
Duration
9 months, extendable
Schedule
Monday–Friday, 10-hour days; overtime available
Travel
Travel package available for non-local candidates where the program provides it
Reports to
EdgeTech IT site lead, working with the client’s deployment manager
Team
Crews of 10–30 technicians per shift
Openings
8
Work authorization
C2C only. All US work authorizations accepted. Background check and drug screen required.

Where this role can lead

  1. StartTechnician

    Master installs, cabling, testing and site procedures.

  2. 6–12 monthsLead Technician

    Guide a small group, check quality and train new technicians.

  3. 1–3 yearsSite Lead

    Run a shift or crew: daily plans, safety, reporting and client communication.

  4. 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

Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs sits across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska, and is home to large hyperscale data center campuses.

Our hiring process

From application to your first day usually takes 1–3 weeks. Here is what happens at each step:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Apply for this role

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.