Layer 1 Cabling Technician

Layer 1 Cabling Technician – Data Center Cutovers (Contract)

Contract Length: 3–6 months
Pay Rate- $30-$35/Hr
Employment Type: Contract
Travel: Required (regional and national)
Work Schedule: Primarily Sunday–Thursday maintenance windows

Role Overview

We are seeking experienced Layer 1 Cabling Technicians to support critical data center cutovers and network migrations. This role requires a strong mix of hands-on technical expertise, strict procedural execution, and clear communication under time‑sensitive conditions. Technicians will travel to multiple data center locations to support scheduled maintenance windows and live cutover activities.
This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who thrive in structured environments, enjoy travel, and take pride in precision, quality, and teamwork.

Work Location & Travel

• Data centers are located nationwide
• Primary base states include: MO, FL, NC, TX, AZ, MA, VA, AL, LA, GA, MN, OH, MI, WI, IA, SC
• Technicians will travel to assigned data center sites as needed
• Typical travel duration is 3–5 days at a time, depending on scope of work
• Travel generally begins Sunday afternoon for maintenance window work

Key Responsibilities

Core Technical Responsibilities

• Read and interpret network diagrams, cut sheets, patching schedules, and MOPs
• Identify and work with copper and fiber cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, multimode and single‑mode fiber)
• Perform terminations on jacks, patch panels, and fiber enclosures to specification
• Apply accurate labeling and documentation aligned with design and as‑built standards
• Use test and validation tools (certifiers, OTDRs, light meters, toners) to verify connectivity
• Troubleshoot Layer 1 issues including opens, shorts, reversals, crosstalk, and fiber contamination

Cutover & Migration Support

• Execute cutover activities by strictly following approved Methods of Procedure (MOPs)
• Perform patching and de‑patching tasks in the correct sequence within maintenance windows
• Verify end‑to‑end paths (MDF–IDF–rack–port) prior to changes
• Support rollback procedures when validation fails
• Coordinate live testing with network engineers (connectivity, throughput, failover)

Standards & Quality

• Follow TIA/EIA and BICSI structured cabling best practices
• Maintain proper bend radius, cable support, separation from power, and pathway usage
• Dress racks neatly using Velcro, manage slack appropriately, and preserve airflow
• Adhere to site‑specific standards for labeling, color codes, and cable management

Operational & Safety Expectations

• Follow all job site safety requirements, including PPE, ladder/lift use, and confined space rules
• Manage time effectively to meet milestones during tight maintenance windows
• Maintain accurate redlines and as‑built documentation during and after cutovers

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate clearly with network engineers, NOC teams, project managers, and on‑site staff
• Escalate issues promptly with concise, accurate status updates
• Remain calm and professional during outages or unexpected challenges

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in Layer 1 structured cabling within data center or enterprise environments
• Hands‑on experience supporting network cutovers or migrations
• Strong understanding of cabling standards and documentation practices
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and extended maintenance windows as required
• U.S. citizenship required
• Ability to pass background checks for carrier and data center access
• Willingness to obtain NERC compliance upon onboarding

Preferred Skills

• Data center cutover or large‑scale migration experience
• Familiarity with multi‑vendor environments
• Strong attention to detail and procedural discipline
• Comfortable working in high‑pressure, live‑network environments

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.