Contract at Google as a NOC HD for Google Fiber 1yr @ 63k/yr

GreaterNinja

Ok guys,

I quit my desktop / system engineer job. I am not hurting for money for at least another year or two. I'm doing more certs and finishing my MS. ISA @ WGU. Now I've been presented with a NOC HD Tech support job at Google HQ - Mountainview, CA. Its definitely a step down for me. But I do love Google and I think I will learn more.
Pay is $30.44/hour. Last Job I had was Tier 3 Desktop Engineer @ 81k-115k/yr depending on overtime.

Also, my gf starts her job at Google in June for ITR. Should I take this job? I LOVE Google but I honestly feel I am worth more.

I know I can make $120-160k elsewhere in the Bay Area. Below is the job description. Please give me your advice.

Installation Support Technician

The Installation Support Team is responsible for remotely supporting installers and field technicians working in and around customer premises. As a member of the team, you will assist field personnel when problems or questions arise during installations and truck rolls, ensure that proper troubleshooting procedures are followed, and facilitate the escalation of issues to other teams as needed. In this role, you and your team are part of the larger Network Operations Center and collaborate with other NOC teams and personnel. You should a have basic understanding of networking technologies and protocols, IPTV, Linux and various home theater and entertainment systems. The most successful candidates for this role will have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, solid communication skills, and a passion for helping customers.

Responsibilities:
* Respond to field personnel in real time for the investigation and resolution of specific subscriber issues, troubleshooting CPE devices and installations which are critical to the Google Fiber service.
* Handle trouble calls; work closely with field technicians, engineering and operations to resolve service issues.
* Validate problem descriptions and perform detailed problem diagnosis; track and update problems in a ticketing system.
* Identify, and escalate to other teams, software and hardware defects discovered during the course of troubleshooting.

Minimum Qualifications:
* Minimum of 4 years relevant work experience with A/V setup, cable TV service installations, or in a helpdesk environment
* Strong English-language written and oral communications skills with the ability to handle tickets, e-mail messages, and phone calls
* Excellent customer service and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into non-technical terms
* Comfortable using Linux command-line tools and programs (Linux experience is REQUIRED)
*Strong networking skills

Preferred Qualifications:
* Knowledge of TCP/IP fundamentals (including IPv6 and IPv4 Multicast); experience with LAN and WAN troubleshooting
* Understanding of home networking (e.g. MoCA, IPTV using IP multicast, WiFi, VLAN, Port Forwarding) and various home entertainment and theater systems (e.g. HDMI, S/PDIF, and component video) technologies
* Experience with remote troubleshooting and help desk functions in a call center environment
* Familiarity with Systems Administration of consumer computer systems running versions of Windows and OS X
* Awareness of basic troubleshooting methods for fiber optic, Ethernet, coax cable connections and common FTTH access technologies
* Comfortable responding to ad-hoc requests with great flexibility, along with tolerance for ambiguity

Optional Qualifications:
* BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
* Industry specific certifications and training (e.g. SCTE-BPE, NCTI-SMT, etc.)

networker050184

Google is cool and all, but half your salary? No thanks for me.

LeBroke

I wouldn't even consider it unless you're getting basically "work whenever you feel like" flexibility. Since you're a support tech, I doubt you are.

NOC-Ninja

Mountain view is very expensive. Unfortunately, the cost of living is high. The competition is very high over there. Lots of people that have years of experience and amazing credentials.

the_Grinch

Since you said you aren't hurting for money, I would probably pass on it. Especially since Google isn't good about bringing their contractors in full time.

kohr-ah

The description in this doesn't even make me think of it as a NOC job. This sounds like it would be a huge step backwards for you.

I would pass (and no way I'd take that big of a salary hit).

joelsfood

Definitely pass. Since you're not hurting for money, at least look for something that gives you additional valuable experience. Unless you really consider experience drilling holes through walls to run fiber and then resealing with caulk an addition to experience you already have.

GreaterNinja

Thank you gentlemen. I have decided I will pass on it. I only considered it as a potential foot in the door and to work at the same place as my girlfriend of 5 years. But yep, I've had the same thoughts as you guys shared. Thank you.

DoubleNNs

You said you don't need money for a year or 2.. I say take it. Probably be easier to move around from within Google afterwards.

Zartanasaurus

networker050184 wrote: »

Google is cool and all, but half your salary? No thanks for me.

Well technically it's infinitely more than his current salary of $0.

Not needing the money aside, I'd rather be employed than not. You never know what's around the corner a year from now and how not having a current job can hurt you. Plus, being in at Google may open the door to something better in the future.

You shouldn't be burning through your emergency savings because you feel like it, you should only do it when you have to.

anhtran35

Why did you quit your current job before finding another job? Unless it's to relocate.

Danielm7

I know the cost of living in the bay area is high, but a desktop engineer makes 120-160k a year?

GreaterNinja

anhtran35 wrote: »

Why did you quit your current job before finding another job? Unless it's to relocate.

Yes Sir, to relocate from AZ to Bay Area. Even with having my name on an apartment lease in San Francisco, recruiters will still want to interview face to face and they question my employment in Arizona. Some will outright get off the phone with you if you mention you are in AZ even for a temporary assignment.

The decision to quit was based on being extremely successful in 2013 & 2014, being debt free, and my gf still holding a 6 figure job. So weighing all facets, money has become secondary in priorities for now.

I'd rather use the downtime to transition & invest in myself further before hitting the grind. I call this phase: enlightenment & changing gears.

anhtran35

Excellent. Take your time and see if there are other oppts. No reason to take a paycut.