Entry Level Cable Installer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI-powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high-performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.
At Lumen, you'll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what's next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.
This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you're ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI-ready connectivity, join us today.
The Role
We have an immediate opening for Field Technician I. Responsible for asset management: processes deliveries and replenishes consumables as well as coordinates shipping and receiving of materials. Maintains tools, test sets, and electronic equipment including, but not limited to: fiber optic transmission equipment, lightwave multiplexing equipment, AC and DC power equipment. Assists in installs, provisions, tests, and maintains DS0 thru OC192 services. May install and test transmission/switching equipment. Troubleshoots network equipment, removes and replaces defective modules, tracks spares and ensures repair. Monitors/locates route and assists in executing restoration in the event of a service interruption, proactively responds to potential problem areas in order to ensure integrity of the network. Responsible for learning all of the systems and applications required to perform the job function adequately. Updates installation records, enters appropriate detailed log information on trouble tickets for reference, and provides reports to others on status updates and issues related to assignments. Performs preventive/scheduled maintenance and inspections on equipment and on the critical infrastructure including, but not limited to: HVAC systems, high-voltage electrical systems, DC Power Plants
The Main Responsibilities

• Troubleshoots network equipment, removes/replaces defective equipment, and works with appropriate resources to isolate and ultimately restore network. Proactively identify potential problem areas to ensure integrity of the network and company.
• Assists in the installation/change/decommission and testing of Next Generation technologies such as Edge Compute, Wavelength, Fiber Optic transport, Ethernet, SONET and IP network layers for all available bandwidths offered. May install and test network and customer premise equipment (CPE) including installation and delivery of end user services.
• Utilizes industry standard software and hardware tools to accurately locate, mark, and protect underground outside plant facilities.
• AC Power (on limited basis).
• DC power installs including tertiary and BDCBB.
• Responsible for asset management processes and replenishment of on-site/truck materials. Coordinates shipping and receiving of company and customer materials. Maintains tools, test sets, and all network equipment.
• Performs level 1 preventive scheduled maintenance and inspections on network and critical infrastructure equipment including HVAC systems, high-voltage electrical systems, and DC power plants.
• With the aid of training and coaching, responsible for learning Lumen trouble ticket, provisioning, time tracking, and materials systems and applications required to perform the job function effectively. Update/report inventory records changes, complete transactional updates within systems to show appropriate activities by job type, enter appropriate time log, and responsive to requests for information/escalations. Regularly provides status updates and reports problem situations related to assignments to management.
• Objectively evaluate, via provided reports/tools, individual performance in respect to area or national performance objectives. With support of manager, ability to identify areas of improvement as applicable.
• Perform other duties assigned by management team.
• Understands that basics of installation/change/decommissioning/testing of transport, Ethernet, SONET and IP network layers for all available bandwidths offered.

What We Look For in a Candidate
Required:

• High School Diploma or GED or up to 2 years of relevant job experience including 1 years network monitoring, installation, or maintenance/repair.
• Entry-level technician with experience and/or knowledge of at least one of the four major technician disciplines: Transmission (DS1/DS3/SONET), Switching (circuit-switching/SS7), TCP/IP (routers/higher-layer protocols), and Outside Plant (Fiber locating, OTDR, Mass Fusion Splicing, etc.).
• Have knowledge of locating fiber optic cable, right-of-way, and As-Builts.
• Must maintain site security and cleanliness.
• Must have PC skills and be well versed in Microsoft Windows and Office applications.
• Must possess the ability to quickly learn corporate databases.
• On-call 24x7 on a rotational basis, on stand-by, call out, dispatch, and overtime are required as dictated by the business.
• A valid driver's license
• Sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; lift 50 lbs.; works in all weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of relevant job experience
• Attention to detail with good organizational capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize with good time management skills.

Compensation
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.
Location Based Pay Ranges
$45,021 - $60,027 in these states: IL
Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process.
Learn more about Lumen's:

• Benefits
• Bonus Structure

#LI-Onsite
Requisition #: 343066
Life at Lumen
Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI-focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.
To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen
Background Screening
If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Equal Employment Opportunities
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, "protected statuses"). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.
Privacy Notice
Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data.
To review Lumen's Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice
Disclaimer
The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.