Critical Operations Technician (Trainee)

Critical Operations Technician (Trainee)

Duration : 18 months | Full-time, paid

Start building your future in data and tech.

About STACK

STACK is the digital infrastructure partner to the most innovative companies in the world. As a leading developer and operator of data centers, STACK deliver trusted, scalable solutions with local expertise and global reach across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

STACK Academy was launched to provide non-traditional pathways to technical careers for individuals with an interest in the rapidly growing data center industry. Our program creates opportunities for diverse talent to develop in-demand skills and join the next wave of critical infrastructure experts. In 2025, the Academy will welcome 55 new learners across Europe into its career-launching programs.

The STACK Academy is an 18-month program, fully paid, and includes English language training and expert mentorship. No experience required, just a willingness to learn.

The digital world depends on data, and data depends on people like you; people ready to learn, grow, and power the future. Whether you’re exploring a new career path or stepping into tech for the first time, STACK Academy was built with you in mind.

What is a data center?

A data center is a physical facility that stores IT systems for businesses, ensuring critical data is housed in a controlled, secure environment. From cloud to AI and beyond, the biggest names in tech trust STACK to safeguard what matters most. That trust drives everything STACK does.

Role overview

As a Critical Operations Technician (COT) , you’ll be part of the on-site team that keeps STACK’s data centers running 24 / 7 / 365, supporting everything from power and cooling to emergency systems and daily safety checks. Your work will help ensure that there’s no downtime of critical services.

COTs will participate in the inspection, operation and maintenance of all equipment associated with the data center. They are expected to have basic technical knowledge and troubleshooting abilities and a desire to learn and work in a demanding yet rewarding team environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

During your 18-month training program, you’ll :

Support daily operations

Help monitor, inspect, and maintain key infrastructure, including electrical and mechanical systems.

Stay ready for anything

Participate in emergency drills, learn how to respond to alarms, and understand the procedures that keep us safe and online.

Carry out checks and maintenance

Join routine rounds of our equipment, conduct visual inspections, and make sure everything is running smoothly.

Support in troubleshooting faults, reading technical diagrams, and working with Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS).

Learn critical systems

Understand how power, cooling, fire safety, and gas suppression systems work, and how they’re kept operational.

Work with people from all walks of life

Escort clients or vendors when needed and always represent STACK’s professional and inclusive culture.

Grow every day

Take part in structured training, team handovers, documentation management, and internal projects, building the confidence to one day lead operations yourself.

Who we’re looking for

You aren’t expected to come in as an expert. We’re looking for applicants who :

Stay calm under pressure and can manage multiple priorities, even when timelines shift.

Enjoy bringing people together and supporting teammates to grow and succeed.

Communicate clearly and confidently, whether with peers, mentors, or leadership.

Are always learning, open to feedback, and eager to keep improving.

The skills you’ll need

Ability to perform a range of complex work activities with some degree of personal responsibility and autonomy

Ability to work alone or collaboratively in a team

Attention to detail while maintaining a broad perspective

Desire and ability to learn new skills and systems

Good interpersonal skills for collaboration with colleagues, vendors and clients

IT and computer skills (MS Office suite, etc.) with ability to work in and learn various operating software tools and systems

Written and verbal skills in Italian

Service-oriented mindset with a focus on client satisfaction

The practicalities

You’ll be based at a STACK data center campus in Milan

Our teams operate 24 / 7, year-round, so you’ll be part of a shift schedule

You may occasionally rotate across other sites to learn best practices and support as needed

This is a long-term career path – learners can graduate into COT Level 1 roles and can go on to become senior technicians or team leads within a few years

What you’ll get in return

STACK believes in investing in our people. Here’s just some of what you can look forward to as part of your training program with STACK :

Future-friendly benefits

A pension plan that meets legal requirements

Accident insurance that covers you both at home and when you travel

Access to an employee benefits platform with exclusive discounts

Learn and grow on the job

Full training for your role, everything you need to succeed, no experience needed

English language training, to help you thrive in an international environment

Be part of the culture

Invitations to internal events where you’ll meet people from across the business

A welcome pack of STACK SWAG

Tickets for lunch to fuel your day

Support for getting to and from work :

A public transport subscription worth €1,110 / year

Or : free on-site parking where available (plus EV charging at select sites

• Availability of parking and charging stations varies by location and will be confirmed by our HR team.

Ready to step into your future?

This is more than a job, it’s your way into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Apply today and start building a career that powers the digital world.