Data Center Network Engineer / Field Technician — North NJ

Location: North New Jersey / Kearny, NJCompany DescriptionLekra is committed to shaping a more affordable, robust, and self-reliant energy future. As a pioneering force in the energy sector, Lektra emphasizes innovation and reliability in its offerings. The company is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that redefine energy management and sustainability. Engagement: Short-term onsite consulting with possible ongoing supportRole SummaryWe are looking for an experienced data center network engineer / infrastructure support consultant to help with the setup, validation, and ongoing support of a small but high-performance compute deployment in a North NJ data center.The environment includes GPU servers, high-speed networking equipment, a temporary uplink, and a planned dedicated fiber connection. We need someone who can inspect the current setup, determine the correct network topology, help configure the environment, and provide follow-up support as the deployment grows.ResponsibilitiesVisit the data center onsite in North NJ.Inspect rack, power, cabling, uplink, and network equipment.Review the current temporary network connection.Determine whether the current uplink can support multiple servers.Validate DHCP, static IP, VLAN, gateway, DNS, and routing requirements.Help connect servers to the network switch.Confirm link status, port speeds, and internet connectivity.Review high-speed network adapters, DAC cables, fiber optics, and transceivers.Determine whether a firewall/router is required.Recommend the correct equipment for a future dedicated fiber handoff.Help document the network topology and cabling map.Provide troubleshooting and support after the initial setup.Assist with future expansion, including additional servers, switches, and uplinks.Required ExperienceHands-on data center networking experience.Experience working in racks/server rooms.Understanding of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking.Familiarity with:Ethernet switchingVLANsDHCP and static IP configurationRouting and gateway configurationFirewalls and routersFiber handoffsDAC and optical cablingSFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP-style transceivers10GbE / 25GbE / 100GbE+ networkingAbility to troubleshoot onsite with minimal supervision.Ability to clearly document findings and recommendations.Helpful ExperienceGPU server or AI compute infrastructureLinux server networkingData center cross-connectsISP / carrier handoffsHigh-speed Ethernet or InfiniBand environmentsRemote-access and VPN solutionsOngoing infrastructure monitoring and supportImmediate GoalsGet the existing servers reliably connected.Confirm whether the current uplink is sufficient for temporary use.Determine whether a firewall/router is needed now.Prepare the network design for a future dedicated fiber uplink.Identify any missing cables, optics, transceivers, or network equipment.Create a clear supportable network topology.Ongoing Support NeedsAfter the initial setup, we may need help with:Troubleshooting connectivity issuesAdding new serversConfiguring VLANs or routing changesSetting up firewall rulesCoordinating with the data center or fiber