Network Technician - Ashburn, VA

Role summary 

Senior hands-on network technician responsible for advanced installation, turn-up, troubleshooting, and validation of data center network infrastructure under engineering direction. 

Key responsibilities 

Perform advanced switch/router installation and turn-up tasks: rack/stack, power-up, console access, image validation, baseline configuration, and feature enablement per runbooks. 

Execute L2/L3 troubleshooting using structured methods (interface counters, logs, spanning-tree, VLANs, Layer 3 adjacency checks) and resolve complex incidents during build windows. 

Validate physical and logical connectivity: optics selection, fiber polarity verification, link aggregation, VLAN trunking, and end-to-end ping/trace tests. 

Lead staging and burn-in activities; coordinate maintenance windows and support change implementation with accurate documentation. 

Mentor L1/L0 technicians; review work for correctness (labeling, patching, port mapping) and enforce ESD/tooling best practices. 

Update as-built network records (port maps, serials, rack elevations, IP allocations) in the designated system of record. 

Required skills and knowledge 

Strong understanding of CCNA-level networking concepts: IP addressing, VLANs, trunking, STP, EtherChannel/LAG, Layer 3 fundamentals (static routes, OSPF basics), and troubleshooting. 

Hands-on familiarity with data center cabling and optics: SFP/SFP+/QSFP form factors, fiber types (SM/MM), polarity, and connector care. 

Ability to follow and improve runbooks/MOPs; disciplined change control and rollback planning. 

Proficiency with common toolsets: console servers, terminal emulators, basic automation/scripting exposure, and ticketing systems. 

Strong documentation habits and attention to detail in asset/port records. 

Certifications / training 

Preferred: CCNA or equivalent demonstrated competence.