Senior IT Technician – Infrastructure Specialist

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Senior IT Technician – Infrastructure Specialist to join our Information Technology Services (ITS) team. This role focuses on the physical installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of IT infrastructure, including copper and fiber cabling, power distribution units (PDUs), and computer room racks. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with cabling, power systems, electronics, and working in data center environments, as well as a strong commitment to safety and quality.

• Install, terminate, label, and certify copper CAT6A and fiber optic cabling in cable trays, racks, and other structured environments.
• Route cables through cable trays and pathways, ensuring proper organization and adherence to industry standards.
• Mount and install computer room racks, servers, network switches, and other IT equipment in data centers and other laboratory areas.
• Install and manage power distribution units (PDUs) in computer room racks.
• Connect 50‑amp plugs into Starline overhead bus systems, ensuring proper power distribution and safety compliance.
• Perform basic power troubleshooting and ensure all power connections meet safety and operational standards.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of fiber optic cabling, including identifying and resolving connectivity issues.
• Use tools such as OTDRs and power meters to test and certify fiber optic installations.
• Assist with basic network troubleshooting tasks, such as identifying connectivity issues and verifying cable connections.
• Follow directions from network engineers to support network configuration and maintenance tasks.
• Apply a background in electronics to support the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of IT equipment and power systems.
• Understand basic electronic principles, including voltage, current, and resistance, to ensure proper handling and operation of IT infrastructure.
• Adhere to all safety requirements and protocols, including electrical safety, when installing and maintaining IT infrastructure.
• Operate man lifts and other equipment safely and in compliance with laboratory policies.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory policies and procedures for handling IT equipment, cabling, and power systems.
• Work closely with network engineers, IT staff, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide clear and timely updates on task progress and elevate issues as needed.
• Be willing to work overtime as needed to support critical installations, maintenance, or troubleshooting tasks.

• Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:
  Associates & 5 years (Technical certifications or relevant coursework in IT infrastructure, cabling, electronics, or power systems is a plus).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in IT infrastructure installation, including copper and fiber cabling.
• Experience with routing cables in cable trays, labeling cables, and adhering to structured cabling standards.
• Knowledge of CAT6A and fiber optic cabling standards, termination, and certification processes.
• Basic knowledge of power systems, including installing and managing PDUs and connecting 50‑amp plugs to Starline overhead bus systems.
• Background in electronics, with an understanding of basic electronic principles such as voltage, current, and resistance.
• Familiarity with installing and working in computer room racks.
• Ability to operate man lifts and other equipment safely.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Understanding of and adherence to safety protocols, including electrical safety.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

• Experience working in a data center or similar environment.
• Knowledge of fiber optic testing tools such as OTDRs and power meters.
• Familiarity with rack and enclosure installation best practices.
• Basic understanding of network switches and server hardware.

• This…