Network Lead - Data Center

Job Description

Job Summary

DPR Construction is seeking a Network Lead with a minimum of 5 years of telecommunications or data center network installation experience to join our data center division. The Network Lead will oversee the team responsible for physical installation of network devices, including switches, routers, optics, modules, and associated hardware, as well as network patch cord install and patching. This role focuses on ensuring high-quality rack-and-stack execution, network patch cord installation and patching, layer 1 circuit audits, port mapping compliance, hardware RMAs, on-time device provisioning, and strict adherence to dressing and labeling standards. The Network Lead will work closely with the Telecom Project Manager, Superintendent, Project Engineer, Field Engineer, and subcontractors to deliver mission-critical network infrastructure on schedule and to client specifications.

Responsibilities

● Lead and manage the network installation team, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of rack-and-stack activities for network switches, gear, modules, optics, and related hardware.

● Oversee network patch cord installation and patching, enforcing client-approved routing, length management, labeling, and dressing standards.

● 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, ensuring accurate tracking, documentation, and updates in client tools.

● Oversee hardware RMA processes, identifying faulty equipment, initiating returns, tracking replacements, and minimizing downtime impact.

● Oversee contractor performance to ensure on-time device provisioning, verifying readiness and aligning installation schedules with operational turnover requirements.

● Enforce dressing, labeling, and containment standards for all network cabling, patch cords, and equipment to meet client aesthetic, performance, and maintainability expectations.

● Conduct regular quality inspections of network device installations and patch cord runs, validating alignment with specifications, proper grounding, power connections, and optic cleanliness.

● Monitor and enforce ROJ (Required On Job) dates for all network devices to guarantee in-time arrival and readiness.

● Participate in pre-installation and coordination meetings to resolve conflicts, review port maps, and confirm installation sequences.

● Oversee troubleshooting means and methods for physical layer issues during installation and turnover.

● Coordinate with the Superintendent and subcontractors for material staging, equipment delivery, and access requirements specific to network hardware.

● Maintain accurate as-built documentation for network installations, including red-lines, test results, and handover packages.

● Promote a “safety first” culture within the network team, assisting the safety team to ensure compliance with site protocols and local regulations.

● Perform additional duties as assigned to support project and company objectives.

Qualifications

We are seeking a proactive, technically proficient leader with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage a specialized installation team in a fast-paced data center environment. The successful candidate will possess:

● Experience: 5+ years in telecommunications or data center network installation, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role overseeing rack-and-stack, device provisioning, or physical layer network activities.

● Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of network device installation (switches, routers, optics, modules) and physical layer standards.
• Experience with layer 1 circuit audits, port mapping, and cross-connect verification.
• Proficiency in client port mapping and tracking tools.
• Strong understanding of dressing, labeling, and containment standards for mission-critical environments.
• Familiarity with fiber optic handling, inspection, and basic testing (OTDR/OLTS reference setting, loss verification).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Smartsheets, and Bluebeam.

● Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate installation teams, enforce quality standards, and coordinate with multiple trades.

● Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interface with client teams, subcontractors, and internal staff on technical and scheduling matters.

● Problem-Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills for physical layer issues and the ability to resolve installation conflicts quickly.

● Organization: Ability to manage multiple priorities, track hardware status, and maintain accurate documentation.

● Work Ethic: Self-motivated with a professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and a “can-do” attitude.

● Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with client-specific network provisioning and turnover processes in hyperscale data centers.
• Familiarity with Division 27 specifications and client-specific network deployment guidelines.
• Experience leading equipment cutovers, migrations, or refreshes.
• Certifications such as BICSI TECH, Corning TS-LAN-500, or equivalent.

● Driving and Certifications:

• Certified Splicer
• Performance Test Equipment Certified
• BICSI Tech or equivalent, Corning TS-LAN-500
• Must meet DPR’s minimum driving standards
• Must be able to secure a company-sponsored American Express card.

Additional Information

● This position is salaried.

● The Network Lead will report to the Telecom Project Manager and work closely with the Superintendent, Project Engineer, Field Engineer, and subcontractors to deliver high-quality network device installations for data center projects.

This role is 100% On-Site
Candidate can be based in any location that DPR Construction has an office. Weekly travel to project location in Monroe, LA. is required. Competitive per diem and travel incentives offered.

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.