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Physical Layer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DPR Construction

Network Lead - Data Center

Monroe, LA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Oversee layer 1 circuit audits, verifying physical connectivity, port mapping accuracy, and cross-connect compliance with design documents and client requirements. Manage port mapping processes ...

TensorWave

Senior Network Optical Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · Remote

$106K - $145K/yr

Troubleshoot physical layer issues including signal loss, link instability, and hardware faults * Work with network engineering teams to ensure proper integration between optical and packet layers

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$5

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$41

How much do physical layer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical layer in the United States is $29.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physical Layer vs Network Technician?

AspectPhysical LayerNetwork Technician
Primary RoleHandles the physical transmission of data, including cables, connectors, and hardwareInstalls, maintains, and troubleshoots network hardware and connectivity issues
Required CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (basic)CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar
Work EnvironmentData centers, telecom sites, hardware installation sitesOffices, data centers, client sites
Industry UsageTelecommunications, IT infrastructureIT services, networking companies

The Physical Layer focuses on the physical aspects of data transmission, such as cables and hardware, while the Network Technician manages network setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications and often work together to ensure network functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physical Layer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Layer Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, signal processing, and communication systems, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, hardware description languages (HDL), and testing equipment such as oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzers is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail help set candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure robust and efficient design, implementation, and troubleshooting of physical layer components critical to modern communication systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Physical Layer engineers when working on large-scale communication systems?

Physical Layer engineers often encounter challenges such as minimizing signal interference, optimizing bandwidth usage, and ensuring reliable data transmission across various environments. Working on large-scale systems requires close collaboration with hardware designers and software engineers to address issues like electromagnetic compatibility and signal integrity. Additionally, adapting designs to meet evolving industry standards and integrating new technologies can be both demanding and rewarding, offering valuable learning opportunities and career growth.

What is a Physical Layer in networking?

The Physical Layer is the first and lowest layer in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model of computer networking. It is responsible for the physical connection between devices, including the transmission and reception of raw bit streams over a physical medium such as cables, fiber optics, or wireless signals. This layer defines the hardware elements involved, such as cables, switches, and network interface cards, and manages aspects like voltage levels, timing, and data rates. Its primary function is to ensure that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently from one device to another.
What states have the most Physical Layer jobs? States with the most job openings for Physical Layer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Physical Layer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Physical Layer jobs are:
Physical Layer jobs near you
Data Center Technician- 1st shift (Wednesday- Saturday)

Data Center Technician- 1st shift (Wednesday- Saturday)

Cologix

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Our Company:
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Cologix is a leading North America network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center company. Our platform gives customers access to 45+ digital edge and Scalelogix hyperscale edge data centers in 13 markets across the United States and Canada along with a carrier-dense ecosystem of 710+ networks, 360+ cloud providers, 35+ onramps and seven Internet exchanges. We provide our nearly 2,000 customers with direct access to our local operations teams, resulting in strong partnerships enabled by exceptional operational support and unparalleled customer service. Backed by one of the largest North American infrastructure funds, Cologix's experienced leadership team, certified staff and commitment to ESG initiatives help form a culture that values our people, our environment and our clients.

About the Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented, execution-focused Data Center Operations Technician to support customer requests and day-to-day operational activity within a 24x7 colocation environment. This role is the primary hands-on operational resource for remote hands services, structured cabling, interconnection support, physical-layer validation, alarm response, and operational monitoring within the data center.

This is a fast-moving, highly visible role that requires precision, professionalism, and strong judgment. You will support customer and carrier environments through cross-connect installs, cable testing, equipment checks, server reboots, visual inspections, documentation updates, and operational response activities. You will also monitor alarms, perform rounds and readings, help maintain clean and orderly technical spaces, and escalate issues appropriately while working within defined procedures and domain boundaries.

Be the hands-on operational resource that keeps customer activity and day-to-day data center work moving.

Shifts: 1st Shift: Wednesday - Saturday 6:00am - 4:00pm 

What You Do Daily
  • Execute remote hands services and customer support requests, including reboots, media swaps, visual inspections, cable tracing, and basic physical-layer tasks
  • Install, test, label, and maintain structured copper and fiber cabling, patch panels, and cross-connect infrastructure in accordance with site standards
  • Provision and troubleshoot customer and carrier interconnection services within defined physical-layer scope
  • Monitor security, environmental, and equipment alarms, perform rounds and readings, validate field conditions, and escalate issues appropriately
  • Maintain accurate documentation for cross-connects, connectivity paths, capacity tracking, and operational activities
  • Support physical network hardware readiness through rack-and-stack assistance, optic swaps, cable management, and visual checks
  • Help maintain data center cleanliness, orderly pathways, and operational discipline in technical spaces
  • Support controlled access and escort procedures within secure technical areas in accordance with site requirements
  • Participate in rotating 24x7 on-call support and flexible scheduling as needed
What Makes You a Good Fit
  • Hands-on experience in data center operations, structured cabling, telecom, IT infrastructure, or a similar technical environment
  • Strong working knowledge of copper and fiber media, patching practices, cable testing, and physical-layer troubleshooting
  • Ability to execute precise work in live customer environments without creating avoidable risk
  • Strong attention to detail in labeling, documentation, change control, and customer-facing task execution
  • Ability to recognize environmental, equipment, or operational abnormalities and escalate clearly and appropriately
  • Comfortable working in a 24x7 environment where responsiveness, professionalism, and consistency matter

Leadership Profile

  • Brings strong execution discipline and follows procedures carefully in live production environments
  • Works with urgency while maintaining accuracy, documentation quality, and customer-impact awareness
  • Understands physical-layer dependencies and knows when to act, when to verify, and when to escalate
  • Maintains professionalism in customer-facing work and cross-functional coordination
  • Supports operational readiness through reliability, flexibility, and attention to detail

What Success Looks Like

  • Customer requests and remote hands tasks are completed accurately, professionally, and on time
  • Cross-connects, cabling, and physical-layer work are clean, well-documented, and reliable
  • Environmental, equipment, and security-related issues are identified quickly and escalated with useful context
  • Documentation remains current and supports provisioning, troubleshooting, capacity planning, and audits
  • Technical spaces remain organized, safe, and ready to support ongoing operations
  • The site has confidence in the technician's execution, responsiveness, and operational judgment

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or related certifications preferred
  • 2+ years of experience in data center operations, structured cabling, telecom, IT support, or a related field preferred
  • Experience working with copper and fiber cabling, patch panels, cross-connects, and cable testing tools
  • Familiarity with remote hands services, ticketing systems, documentation practices, and customer support in a technical environment
  • Basic understanding of data center layouts, physical network topology, and interconnection environments
  • Ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations as needed
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document work clearly and escalate issues effectively
Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in supporting the day-to-day operations of a mission-critical environment. You will help deliver the precise execution, responsiveness, and operational discipline that customers depend on every day.

***Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.***

$28 - $35 an hour
Benefits:
 
We offer a competitive benefit package for full-time employees that includes:
 
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company paid Life Insurance
Voluntary supplemental life insurance
Flexible spending account
Health savings account
Non-accrued PTO
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Company paid holidays
401k Retirement Plan with employer match
Mental Wellness Benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Discount Marketplace
Employee Recognition Platform
 
Individual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Cologix is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.  If you need assistance in applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at [email protected] or call 720-940-2551. 

The California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") creates privacy rights relating to the collection, sale, disclosure, and deletion of consumers' personal information. The CCPA requires businesses to provide consumers, including job applicants and employees, with information about their rights, including a description of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purpose for which the information will be used. For additional information regarding your rights, including a description of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purpose for which the information will be used, please see https://cologix.com/privacy-policy/.

Cologix' data centers are ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 14001:2015 certified. These certifications demonstrate Cologix's commitment to both information security and environmental stewardship. At Cologix, protecting information assets and minimizing environmental impacts are everyone's responsibility.

Cologix employees are responsible for:
Understanding and following Cologix's information security, cybersecurity, privacy,
and environmental management policies, procedures, and standards.
Ensuring conformance with the requirements of both the Information Security
Management System (ISMS) and the Environmental Management System (EMS).
Remaining vigilant and reporting any information security or environmental incidents,
vulnerabilities, risks, or non-conformities to the appropriate teams.
Actively participating in Cologix's efforts to maintain and improve information security
and environmental performance.

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