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Ohio State University

IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Columbus, Ohio 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $70K - $82K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ August 24th, 2026
ITIL

Edtech.com's Summary

The Ohio State University is hiring an IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer. This role involves implementing, maintaining, and supporting the IT and data center physical infrastructure that supports campus network services. The Engineer collaborates with various IT teams to ensure network reliability, troubleshoot infrastructure issues, and contribute to network expansion projects.

Highlights
  • Install, test, document, repair, and maintain fiber optic infrastructure and circuits.
  • Perform reactive and preventive maintenance on network physical infrastructure across multiple campuses.
  • Participate in on-call rotation and provide after-hours support including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Collaborate with IT specialists, engineers, project managers, and architects to support network expansion and enhance service delivery.
  • Utilize knowledge of industry standards, protocols, and building/fire codes relevant to communications installations.
  • Required experience includes at least 2 years in IT infrastructure/data center facilities and 1+ year in fiber optic and copper cabling installation and testing.
  • Preferred skills include familiarity with construction drawings and tools such as OTDR, splicing equipment, and fiber optic scopes.
  • Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, fiber optic training, excellent communication skills, and a valid Ohio driver’s license.
  • Compensation range is $70,100 to $81,960 based on qualifications and internal equity.
  • Supports campus networks for students, faculty, staff, and affiliated university units with a strong customer service focus.

IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer Full Description

Job Title:
IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer
Department:
OCIO | Telecommunication and Networking

The IT Infrastructure and Data Center Engineer is responsible for the successful implementation, maintenance, and support of the IT and data center physical infrastructure that enables campus network services. Leveraging professional experience and technical expertise, the Engineer applies knowledge of industry concepts, practices, and protocols across outside plant and data center facilities. Responsibilities include installation, testing, documentation, repair, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure and circuits.
The Engineer, working under general direction from leadership, architects, and senior engineers, contributes to projects of moderate scope and complexity, applying judgment within defined parameters. The role focuses on maintaining and enhancing campus network services through collaboration with IT specialists, engineers, project managers, and architects to support network expansion initiatives and improve service delivery. The Engineer also supports the strategic vision of network leadership by providing recommendations to enhance network performance, reliability, and overall user experience.
The Engineer performs reactive and preventive maintenance of network physical infrastructure, including triage, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and resolution of network issues across the Columbus campus, regional campuses, and Ohio State Extension offices. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation and occasional after-hours support, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
The Engineer represents the Office of Technology and Digital Innovation with professionalism and a strong commitment to customer service. The role requires effective interaction with students, faculty, staff, partners, affiliates, and visitors while delivering efficient, reliable, and cost-effective technology solutions that support the needs of the university and its colleges, departments, and business units.

Required Education and Experience:
Education:
Bachelor's level degree in a technical field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience:
  • Two (2) years of IT infrastructure and/or data center facilities experience or combination thereof in an enterprise environment
  • One or more years of fiber optic and copper cabling installation and testing experience for networking systems
  • Fiber optic training via Light Brigade, BICSI, Corning or other equivalent training
  • Basic knowledge of building and fire codes as applicable to communications installations
  • Great written and verbal customer service and communication skills with ability to convey technical information with clarity and conciseness
  • Ability to learn new technologies and methods and work both independently and within a team
  • A valid Ohio driver's license and ability to respond to emergencies after hours

Desired Education and Experience:
  • Two (2) to four (4) years of IT infrastructure and/or data center facilities experience or combination thereof in an enterprise environment
  • Experience reading construction drawings and familiarity with associated programs such as TrueView, AutoCad, and/or Bluebeam.
  • Experience with tools and materials such as OTDR, power meter, fiber optic scopes, splicing, and using a fusion splicer & mechanical (example: Unicam) terminations
  • Familiarity with ITIL processes and good practices
  • BISCI certification and/or other telecom and fiber optic related certifications

This position is mapped to Information Technology, IT Infrastructure and Data Center, Specialized, S2.

Additional Information:
The Targeted Hiring Range for this position is $70,100 to $81,960. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.
Sub-function: Information Technology, IT Infrastructure and Data Center
Career Band: Individual Contributor – Specialized
Career Level: S2

Location:
Mount Hall (0311)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.