Data Center Optical Technician at Ericsson — BranchFactor

BranchFactor Summary

The original posting with the fluff stripped out

Expected experience: 3–5 yrs
Management level: Individual contributor
Contract: Full-time
Visa sponsorship: Not offered

Compensation

Base salary	US$57,500 – US$74,000 / yr

Role speciality

Optical Engineering Data Center Operations

Useful technologies

Ethernet OTDR CAT 5 CAT 6 RJ45 LC BERT RFC2544 EtherSAM iPerf

Original posting

Grow with us!

This role will be performed at customer facilities in the Portland/Hillsboro, Oregon area and relocation is not offered for this position.
Ericsson Inc. does not sponsor US work authorizations for this job position including H-1B, O-1, and TN. Ericsson also does not hire F-1’s working on EAD for this position.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Data Center Optical Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in fiber optic cabling, decommissioning, break-fix, migrations, network transport optical troubleshooting and remote hands services. Hardware replacement may be required, well as racking and stacking equipment. The Optical Engineer will ensure the seamless operation of our customer’s data center facilities, providing top-notch customer service and technical support.

What you will do:

Cabling: Ability to work in overhead rack or grid for extended periods of time pulling long lengths of heavy cables. Handling, installation, and troubleshooting of Ethernet and fiber cables and connectors, including but not limited to CAT 5, CAT 6, structured cable, fan-outs, single mode, multi-mode, RJ45, and LC.
Optical Testing and Troubleshooting: Complete all activities associated with physically placing equipment identified in project specification documents including but not limited to, routing, lacing, labeling, terminating and local / remote testing and turn up of ethernet, switchboard, fiber, and power cables. Utilize optical power meter, stabilized light source, VFL, OTDR, and test equipment to test 10/100G circuits using BERT, RFC2544, EtherSAM (Y.1564), and iPerf (1G-10G). Analyze and resolve network issues associated with equipment installations / removals. Perform and assist card level troubleshooting and replacement procedures with assistance from control centers and/or back-office engineers.
Break-Fix: Must be able to work outside of normal business hours (i.e., shift work), to include nights and weekends, when needed.
Remote Hands: In-depth knowledge of data center equipment installation and basic testing methods and procedures (MOPs). Knowledge of operating principles of data center, wireline and IP transport environments. Ability to interpret and perform tasks outlined in MOPs, vendor documentation, technical specifications, network practices, engineering letters and job aids. Knowledge of telephony networks, optical and IP networks. Ability to identify all colors associated with telecommunications cable and equipment indicator lights. Interpret and follow detailed method of procedures (MOPs) and engineering documents / diagrams.
Site Audits: Review project specifications to validate equipment placement, cable assignments and determine cable lengths then document results in proprietary databases. Provide timely and accurate feedback to audit / survey requests.
Racking and Stacking: Install, organize, and maintain hardware equipment in data center racks following standard operating procedures. The ability to use hand tools and power tools. Ability to learn and retain physical and mechanical installation specifications. Understanding of basic mechanical terms and tools.
Documentation: Read and interpret cut-sheets for physical network installation, ensuring accurate port connections and cable management.
Provide oversite of 3rd parties’ on-site activities.

The skills you bring:

Experience:

3-5 years of experience working as a technician in data center operations or a similar environment, interacting directly with customers.
Team lead experience preferred.

Soft Skills:

Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently without continuous supervision.
Must be a team player and have excellent interpersonal communication skills, especially with customers.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Effective written and oral communication skills in English language.
Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in stressful and demanding work environments.
Ability to think forward and learn and apply new concepts quickly.
Understand and follow all common and industry specific safety standards to protect personnel and assure network integrity / reliability.
Communicate as required with multiple departments to optimize project scheduling, resolve roadblocks, and coordinate material deliveries.
Use Hyperscale systems and applications to communicate with the customer as needed.
Adhere to Hyperscale standards to ensure work meets customer quality requirements.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and move heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs).
Comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights.
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions.

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

Why join Ericsson?

At Ericsson, you´ll have an outstanding opportunity. The chance to use your skills and imagination to push the boundaries of what´s possible. To build solutions never seen before to some of the world’s toughest problems. You´ll be challenged, but you won’t be alone. You´ll be joining a team of diverse innovators, all driven to go beyond the status quo to craft what comes next.

What happens once you apply?
Click Here to find all you need to know about what our typical hiring process looks like.

Ericsson uses a merit-based hiring approach that values people with different experiences, perspectives and skillsets. We truly believe this approach drives innovation, which is essential for our future growth. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and realize their full potential as part of our Ericsson team. Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, learn more.

If you need assistance or to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Ericsson at hr.direct.americas@ericsson.com.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position, and you may be required to perform additional job tasks as assigned.

Primary country and city: United States (US) || Remote: Hillsboro/Portland, Oregon

Job details: Field Services

Compensation and Benefits at Ericsson
At Ericsson, we know that our people are the key to our success. We offer a competitive package to help with your individual needs and goals.

Your Pay
The salary range for this position is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, and the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.

Oregon: $57,500 - $74,000

Your pay also includes the opportunity for an annual bonus. Actual bonus payouts are based on performance of the business against the unit’s objectives, individual performance, and the individual bonus target. Certain eligibility and pro-ration rules apply.

Your Health
Ericsson offers excellent health benefits including the choice of three medical plan options and a dental plan option that allow an employee to select the level of coverage that suits their needs. Employees will receive company credits in an amount equal to the cost that Ericsson pays toward the cost of their medical and dental premiums for themselves and eligible covered dependents.

Your Financial Security

We invest in both your short and long-term financial wellbeing. The Ericsson US 401(k) Plan offers an automatic 3% company contribution and Ericsson match $1 for every $1 you put into the 401(k) Plan on the first 3% of your eligible pay, plus 50 cents on every $1 on the next 2% of eligible pay. When you contribute at least 5% of eligible pay, you are receiving Ericsson’s full matching contributions of 4%. Matching and company automatic contributions stop when your total eligible pay for the year reaches the IRS limits. Employees will also receive company credits in an amount equal to the cost of basic life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment coverage, as well as short-term and long-term disability coverage. Employees also have the option to participate in Ericsson’s Stock Purchase Plan.

Your Time
Your work-life balance is important to us. New employees are provided a minimum of 15 days of accrued vacation, up to 3 personal days per year, 11 annual holidays, 8 hours of volunteer time, and 80 hours of sick time annually. Please note paid time off is pro-rated based on the employee’s start date. Furthermore, Ericsson provides up to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and 6 weeks of parental or adoption leave at 100% of pay.

Additional Benefits
Ericsson offers many other company-paid benefits such as financial wellness programs, educational assistance, matching gifts, and recognition programs.