Critical Operations Technician (Trainee)

Critical Operations Technician (Trainee)

STACK Academy, 2025 Intake

Location: STACK Data Center Campus, Milan

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.

Master troubleshooting

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
• Health insurance, because your wellbeing matters
• 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.