Network Data Technician Engineer – Fiber Optics

Job Title: Network Data Technician Engineer – Fiber Optics
Work Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Network Data Technician Engineer with experience in fiber-optic networks, data communications, network troubleshooting, and telecommunications infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fiber-optic technology, network connectivity, testing methodologies, and fault isolation.

The candidate will support network installation, configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities remotely to ensure reliable network connectivity and optimal performance.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor, troubleshoot, and support fiber-optic network connectivity and data transmission issues remotely.

Diagnose network faults, signal loss, connectivity problems, and fiber-optic link failures.

Analyze network performance metrics, alarms, logs, and incident reports.

Support fiber-optic infrastructure, including single-mode and multimode fiber systems.

Review fiber-optic test results, including Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) traces and optical power measurements.

Troubleshoot Layer 1, Layer 2, and basic Layer 3 network connectivity issues.

Assist with Ethernet, LAN/WAN, switching, routing, and telecommunications network support.

Coordinate with field technicians, network operations teams, and service providers for physical fiber repairs and onsite troubleshooting when required.

Perform root-cause analysis and document incident resolutions, recurring faults, and corrective actions.

Support network provisioning, circuit testing, service activation, and connectivity validation.

Maintain accurate technical documentation, network diagrams, troubleshooting records, and service tickets.

Follow established network security policies, operational procedures, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Participate in scheduled maintenance activities, incident escalations, and remote technical support sessions.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience in network operations, telecommunications, data networking, or fiber-optic technology.

Strong understanding of fiber-optic cables, connectors, patch panels, optical transceivers, and fiber termination concepts.

Knowledge of single-mode (SMF) and multimode (MMF) fiber.

Experience with fiber-optic testing tools and interpreting OTDR traces, optical power levels, and insertion-loss measurements.

Understanding of Ethernet, TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, VLANs, switching, and routing fundamentals.

Experience troubleshooting network connectivity, packet loss, latency, signal degradation, and transmission failures.

Familiarity with network monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and incident management processes.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.

Ability to work independently in a remote environment and collaborate with distributed technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting Network Operations Centers (NOC) or telecommunications service providers.

Knowledge of DWDM, CWDM, SONET/SDH, GPON, or other optical transmission technologies.

Familiarity with Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, or other enterprise networking equipment.

Experience with fiber-optic network design, link budgets, and optical loss calculations.

Relevant certifications such as CCNA, FOA CFOT, BICSI, or equivalent networking and fiber-optic credentials.

Remote Work Requirements

Reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable remote workspace.

Ability to access remote network monitoring, troubleshooting, and ticketing platforms.

Availability to participate in virtual meetings and coordinate with field support teams.

Flexibility to support scheduled maintenance windows, escalations, or shift-based operations when required.