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Data Center Lead

Location: Columbus, OH

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Lead to oversee large-scale fiber optic infrastructure projects within mission-critical data center environments. This role will provide hands-on leadership for high-density fiber splicing, optical testing, quality control, crew coordination, and day-to-day field operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong fiber optic expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to manage field teams while maintaining strict quality, safety, and data center standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Site Leadership

Lead and supervise on-site fiber splicing and testing crews.

Coordinate daily field activities from project kickoff through closeout.

Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and according to project specifications.

Provide technical and operational guidance to field technicians and splicers.

Fiber Testing & Quality Control:

Oversee optical testing using OTDR, OLTS, VFL, and fiber characterization equipment.

Review and interpret test results, including SOR files.

Ensure fiber links meet required insertion loss and return loss specifications.

Identify and troubleshoot issues such as optical link failures, macrobends, dirty connectors, and other fiber-related problems.

Maintain accurate splicing records, testing documentation, and quality reports.

Risk & Safety Management:

Conduct site-specific risk assessments and identify potential safety or operational concerns.

Ensure teams follow data center security, safety, PPE, and facility protocols.

Recommend and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Maintain compliance with clean-room and critical-facility requirements.

Client, Vendor & Site Coordination:

Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for project stakeholders, facility representatives, vendors, and other trades.

Coordinate with engineering, operations, installation, procurement, and project management teams.

Resolve field issues, questions, and concerns efficiently.

Support operational improvements and changes throughout the project lifecycle.

Scheduling & Administration:

Develop and manage daily crew schedules and work plans.

Track project progress against the baseline schedule.

Maintain splicing matrices and daily progress reports.

Utilize project management and reporting tools to monitor project status and deliverables.

Ensure documentation is accurate and completed throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Leadership & Communication:

Strong supervisory and team leadership skills.

Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and customer service abilities.

Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and meet strict project deadlines.

Technical Expertise:

Strong hands-on knowledge of fiber optic splicing and testing.

Experience with OTDR, OLTS, VFL, and fiber characterization.

Ability to interpret optical test results and troubleshoot fiber performance issues.

Experience with high-fiber-count ribbon splicing.

Knowledge of single-mode and multimode fiber deployments.

Understanding of data center fiber infrastructure and network architectures, including spine-and-leaf environments.

Familiarity with data center hot-aisle/cold-aisle protocols.

Software & Tools:

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Windows, and Google Workspace.

Experience with fiber testing and reporting software such as EXFO FastReporter and VIAVI.

Comfortable working with project management, documentation, and reporting systems.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work will be performed primarily within active data center environments and remote office settings.

Travel to various field locations may be required, including potential overnight stays.

Must be comfortable working around active equipment, server racks, overhead cable pathways, and raised floors.

Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods.

Must have the physical dexterity to safely navigate confined or restricted areas within data center environments.

Must follow all applicable site security, PPE, safety, and facility requirements.

What We Offer

Join a team where you can build your career while working on challenging, large-scale infrastructure projects. You'll have opportunities to develop your technical and leadership skills while working in a safety-focused environment with hands-on training and strong operational support.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

About the Opportunity
Were partnering with a growing fiber optic infrastructure contractor to find an experienced Data Center Lead to oversee a large-scale fiber build-out inside a mission-critical hyperscale data center campus. This is a high-visibility opportunity to run a field crew in one of the most active data center build markets in the country, with real ownership over how the site runs day to day.

What Youll Do
● Own daily on-site execution for a fiber splicing and testing crew, from project kickoff through closeout
● Set the operational standard for the site - build guidelines, monitor adherence to protocol, and keep the project tracking to schedule and budget
● Lead the on-site technical crew: assign work, check quality, and keep the team moving efficiently
● Oversee optical testing (OTDR, OLTS, VFL) and confirm results meet the clients strict loss-budget standards
● Flag site risks early - safety hazards, facility restrictions, clean-room protocols - and bring solutions, not just problems, to leadership
● Serve as the go-between for the crew, the data center client, facility staff, and other trades on-site
● Keep daily reporting current: progress logs, splicing matrices, and crew scheduling against the baseline project plan
● Work cross-functionally with ops, engineering, installation, and procurement to keep the project unblocked

What You Bring
● Strong communication and customer-facing skills - comfortable being the face of the project on-site
● Proven ability to organize, prioritize, and hit deadlines under pressure experience leading a field crew
● A sharp eye for troubleshooting recurring field issues (link failures, macrobends, bad connectors)
● Comfortable with Excel, Word, and standard office tools, plus fiber test software (EXFO FastReporter, Viavi, or similar)
● Familiarity with hyperscale network design (spine-and-leaf), high-count ribbon splicing, and data center hot/cold aisle protocols - or the ability to pick it up fast

Good to Know
● Some overnight travel required
● Must be comfortable in an active, secured data center environment (PPE, noise protocols, etc.)
● Physically demanding: extended standing/walking, navigating server racks and raised floors

Compensation & Benefits
$40-$50/hour depending on experience, plus weekly pay, PTO/parental leave/holidays, full medical/dental/vision/life/disability coverage, 401(k) with company match, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, legal insurance, and more.

Equal Opportunity
Were an equal-opportunity employer committed to a workplace where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.