Job Description
Job Title: Data Center Cable Technician
Reports To: Data Center Cable Manager
FSLA Status: Non-exempt
Hourly Rate: $25-30/hr (firm, dependent on experience)
Location: Abilene, TX (must be willing to work 2 weeks on-site at a time, then return home for a week)
Smartlink is dedicated to empowering those who are competitive and aim for the win. The company's core values— Creating Customer Fanatics, Innovate and Create, One Team, We Are All In, and Safety Leads to Success—serves as a guide to our teams and sets the expectations for every member.
These values are the cornerstone that brings us together, consistently reminding us of our mission and guiding all our efforts. We are unabashedly competitive and driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Every project, every challenge, and every opportunity is met with discipline, focus, and an uncompromising commitment to succeed.
Our path to excellence begins with it, commitment, and our team's goal of achieving customer fanatics. At Smartlink, you are empowered to make the right decisions, do your job well and bring something to the table no matter your position. This involves autonomy, responsibility, contribution, support, and growth.
This approach ensures that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
We look forward to having you join our TEAM if this opportunity is a great fit for you!
Job Summary:
The Data Center Cable Technician is responsible for installing, routing, and supporting high-fiber-count (HFC) backbone cabling—including 3456F, 6912F, and 288F distribution fiber—within hyperscale data center environments. This role performs trunk installation, overhead pathway construction, cabinet and rack installation, and conduit transitions while ensuring structural integrity, proper grounding, labeling accuracy, and full bend-radius compliance. The technician plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, safety, and reliability of the data center’s physical network infrastructure.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Fiber Installation & Routing
• Install and route high-fiber-count (HFC) trunk cabling, including 3456F and 6912F fiber.
• Manage fiber reel handling, staging, and safe transport.
• Monitor and maintain correct fiber-optic pulling tensions during installation.
• Maintain proper bend radius and apply cable protection methods to prevent damage or signal loss.
• Support mass-fusion splicing preparation, including rollable ribbon breakout and organization.
• Ensure fiber routing aligns with engineering drawings and customer specifications.
Pathway & Conduit Systems
• Build and align overhead ladder-rack and basket-tray systems, maintaining ≤50% fill ratio for future growth.
• Manage conduit transitions using innerduct/MaxCell for high-density backbone routing.
• Install firestopping and water-sealing at penetrations and building entries as required.
Cabinet, Rack & ODF Installation
• Install, anchor, plumb, and level OSE cabinets and patch-panel racks.
• Bond and ground racks, cabinets, and metallic pathways in accordance with TIA-607 requirements.
• Route and secure fiber into ODFs, patch panels, and distribution frames using proper cable management techniques.
Data Hall Work Practices
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas within active data halls.
• Follow strict safety, EHS, and clean-as-you-go requirements.
• Protect live critical environments from dust, debris, and installation impact.
Quality Assurance & Documentation
• Ensure all labeling, identification, and documentation meet project and customer standards.
• Perform installation quality checks and report issues or material needs to leadership.
• Update as-built information and labeling as installations progress.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements:
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required:
• Proven experience installing high-fiber-count (HFC) fiber optic cable (3456F–6912F).
• Strong knowledge of pathway systems including ladder rack, basket tray, conduit, and innerduct.
• Experience installing and anchoring OSE racks, patch-panel racks, and cabinets.
• Ability to maintain correct bend-radius and fiber-handling requirements during installation.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to pass all required data-center background checks for site access.
Preferred:
• Experience supporting hyperscale or mission-critical data center projects.
• Background in inter-building backbone conduit routing.
• Experience working in high-density fiber environments and large-scale backbone systems.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
• Significant travel (>70%) is required based on project needs.
• Must be physically able to lift up to 50 lbs, work on ladders, and operate in high-airflow environments.
• Ability to work safely in active data halls with strict environmental controls.
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