Data Center Operation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Why CCI? At CCI Systems, Inc., our mission is simple: Making Life Better through devotion to our world-class employees and delivering innovative solutions for our customers. As a 100% employee-owned company for over 70 years, our experts bring integrity, accountability, and innovation to everything we do. Our culture fosters collaboration, growth, and shared success—creating meaningful work while building the networks that connect communities and power the future.

We provide end-to-end network and infrastructure solutions, helping upgrade and expand broadband across industries including wireline, wireless, energy, data centers, enterprise, tribal communities, and government and education sectors.

We are seeking Data Center Technicians who are responsible for installing, splicing, testing, and documenting fiber optic infrastructure within data center and related environments. This role supports high-performance network deployments by ensuring all systems meet established quality standards, performance requirements, and customer specifications. Technicians play a critical role in delivering reliable fiber infrastructure for hyperscale data centers, enterprise networks, and next-generation connectivity. This position requires extensive travel across the United States, with the ability to mobilize quickly and perform work in active, mission-critical environments while adhering to strict safety and operational protocols.

Responsibilities

• Install cable systems within data halls, meet-me rooms, patch panels, and distribution frames. 
• Support structured cabling builds including routing, labeling, and cable management standards.
• Execute work in live data center environments, adhering to change control and maintenance windows. 
• Perform fusion splicing for single-mode and multi-mode fiber, including ribbon and loose tube configurations.
• Terminate fiber using standard connectors, pigtails, and panel systems.
• Conduct fiber testing using OTDR (bi-directional and characterization), OLTS / power meter testing, and VFL and inspection scopes.
• Ensure all work meets TIA/ANSI, BICSI, and customer standards. 
• Analyze test results to ensure compliance with loss of budgets and customer specifications.
• Identify and troubleshoot fiber issues such as splice loss, macro/micro bends, and connector defects.
• Keep up-to-date records of project progress, including production sheets, time sheets, and necessary customer documentation.
• Participate in QA/AC processes and final acceptance walkthroughs.
• Maintain tools, test equipment, and company vehicles in working condition.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and other field crews.
• Produce accurate and complete documentation, including OTDR traces and test reports, as-built drawings and splice records, and port mapping and labeling validation. 
• Maintain knowledge of all organizational policies and governmental regulations.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following CCI’s and customer policies and procedures.
• Adhere to ESD, laser safety, and data center handling protocols.
• Ensure confidentiality of company information. 
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Experience working in live or mission-critical data center environments (hyperscale, enterprise) is required.
• Knowledge of fiber optic theory, including fiber loss, connector types, and various fiber classifications is required.
• Experience with both ribbon fiber and loose tube with combination in deribbonizing and ribbonizing preferred.
• Ability to test and troubleshoot fiber using OTDR, OLTS, Power Meters, and VFL preferred. 
• Ability to use single and mass fusion splicing machines preferred. 
• Ability to differentiate between different fiber sizes and colors preferred. 
• Ability to read splicing matrix, splice, and test fiber in various environments preferred. 
• Experience in structured cabling in high volume settings preferred.
• Experience reading and understanding schematics to execute structured cabling work.
• Proficiency with EXFO, JDSU, or similar test platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of fiber characterization (CD, PMD, advanced testing) is preferred.
• Certifications (BICSI, FOA, OEM-specific training) preferred.
• Ability to complete assigned work efficiently while maintaining high quality standards. 
• Proficient in prioritizing tasks and adapting schedules to accommodate evolving requirements.
• Ability to detect safety issues and work independently.
• Record and document testing per customer specifications.
• Complete daily production reports to document work performed.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Proficient with MS Office and various web-based software.

Shift is typically Monday-Saturday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST but hours vary based on specific project and flexibility to work outside of standard business hours is required.

Additional information

• Must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. 
• Must be willing to travel full-time (up to 100%) nationwide, with work locations changing weekly. Travel assignments may last up to three weeks at a time, followed by one week off.
• Work flexible hours, including nights/weekends and overtime as required by project schedules.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and work in confined spaces, at heights, and extended on-site hours.
• Mechanically inclined and able to safely use hand tools and equipment. 
• Maintain a professional attitude with coworkers, customers, and clients. 

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