Principal Network Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

OVERVIEW:
As a Principal Network Technician at SILTT, you are a master of physical infrastructure and the lead technical executor for our "Network Operations" pillar. You are responsible for the physical realization of our global network, specializing in the precision installation, testing, and troubleshooting of high-density data center racks and fiber optic network infrastructure. You serve as a "Lead Trainer" and working Subject Matter Expert, deploying to global facilities to oversee rack-and-stack services, perform advanced fiber characterization, and mentor local site technicians. You are the final gatekeeper of the "Physical Layer" before it is handed over to the NOC.

WHO WE ARE:
At SILTT we’re pushing the limits of infrastructure innovation in the Telecommunications and Information Technology industry. From delivering world-class modular data center facilities to all-hours, 365-day operational response and disaster recovery, our multi-functional team of experts are force multipliers across the infrastructure landscape. We pride ourselves in leading from the front to advise, assist, and accompany our clients through their toughest technological and operational challenges. We always deliver results ( spelled “re-SILTTs”)!

WHY SILTT?
At SILTT, “objective-driven” means first being “people-driven”. As a small business we know that the ability to achieve our mission demands we take care of our own by providing our team members with a variety of benefits that allow them to live fulfilling, healthy, balanced, meaningful lives. That’s why we believe in offering paid healthcare, ultra-competitive 401K matching, accrued paid time off and fixed holiday leave, continuous learning and professional development incentives, and promote a sustainable work-life balance.

A CALL TO ACTION:
SILTT’s services in complex subsea-to-terrestrial interfaces require a level of physical precision that goes beyond standard "rack-and-stack." We are hiring Principal Technicians to act as the elite strike force for our Technical Franchise Model. We need experts who don't just follow a manual, but who can identify a micro-bend in a fiber path through a microscope and resolve it before it impacts a global subsea link. You are being hired to ensure that as we scale, our physical infrastructure is "mission-ready" from day one.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
Your role is defined by technical precision and field leadership. On any given day, you might:

• Perform advanced Fiber Characterization at a Cable Landing Station (CLS), utilizing OTDRs and Light Source Meters to verify subsea-to-backhaul integrity.
• Serve as "Virtual Hands" for the NOC during a complex hardware refresh, performing card-level swaps on Tier 1 routing equipment with zero downtime.
• Act as the Lead Trainer for a local site team, certifying them on SILTT’s specialized integration procedures and emergency recovery playbooks.
• Conduct a "Physical Layer Audit" of a commissioned site, identifying any deviations from the Technical Lead’s doctrine and correcting them on the spot.
• Troubleshoot a catastrophic fiber break or hardware failure, utilizing specialized diagnostic tools to provide a rapid, permanent fix.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Elite Hardware Integration:

• Lead the physical installation, mounting, and cabling of servers, storage, and networking equipment in a variety of environments (Modular, Colocation, and CLS).
• Ensure 100% adherence to SILTT’s standards for thermal management, labeling, and structured cabling.

2. Advanced Testing & Troubleshooting:

• Execute and document comprehensive physical layer testing, including OTDR, CD/PMD (Chromatic/Polarization Mode Dispersion), and link-loss testing for long-haul and subsea fiber.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting for complex physical faults, acting as the final escalation point for "Virtual Hands" activities.

3. Franchise Training & Mentorship:

• Act as a Master Trainer, deploying to global sites to train local "Integrated Operations" staff on installation and repair standards.
• Mentor junior technicians and contracted labor to ensure safety and quality are maintained during surge operations.

4. Site "Landing" & Commissioning:

• Support the Operational Launch phase of new facilities, acting as the primary working SME for physical site readiness and hardware verification.

5. Documentation & Governance:

• Maintain meticulous records of testing results, rack elevations, and cable schedules to ensure the "Institutional Brain" has accurate data for every site.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of experience in data center infrastructure, telecommunications, or high-consequence hardware integration.
• Mastery of Structured Cabling (Fiber/Copper), including fusion splicing, termination, and high-density cable management.
• Expert-level proficiency with Fiber Diagnostic Tools (OTDR, Optical Power Meters, Fiber Scopes).
• Proven experience leading and training small teams in a field or mission-critical environment.
• High school diploma or GED (Advanced military technical training in Communications/Electronic Maintenance highly preferred).

ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS:

• For a Principal Technician working within high-density environments, the following certifications are highly valued to ensure you can handle the niche requirements of subsea-to-terrestrial interfaces:

ABILITY TO WORK REMOTE:
Hybrid. The work associated with this role is preferred to be performed on-site at SILTT HQ in Leesburg, VA during non-travel phases. As projects ramp up, this role will require nearly 75% travel to meet with key stakeholders, customers, attend vendor training, and conduct in-person training and evaluations on-location at various project sites worldwide. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

SILTT is on a quest for professionals with diverse experiences, backgrounds, views, and talents. It’s our belief that innovation and inspiration come from passionate people that challenge each other’s biases and can communicate effectively through conflict as one team. We hire based on performance and merit… and nothing else.

Flexible work from home options available.