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Apprentice Critical Operations Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STACK is looking for a Critical Operations Technician (COT) to support a local data center campus. As a member of STACK's Critical Operations team, the Critical Operations Technician must possess ...

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Apprentice Critical Operations Technician information

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$19

$28

How much do apprentice critical operations technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice critical operations technician in the United States is $19.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Apprentice Critical Operations Technician during their initial months on the job?

In the early stages, Apprentice Critical Operations Technicians often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of data centers or mission-critical facilities. They must quickly learn to follow strict protocols, respond effectively to alarms or system failures, and understand complex mechanical and electrical systems. Building familiarity with safety procedures, documentation standards, and collaborative communication with engineers and senior technicians is essential. Support and on-the-job training are typically provided to help apprentices overcome these challenges and build confidence in their technical and problem-solving abilities.

What does a critical operations technician do?

A critical operations technician is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting essential systems and equipment in critical infrastructure environments such as power plants, data centers, or manufacturing facilities. They ensure operational safety, perform routine inspections, and respond to system alarms, often working with specialized tools and following safety protocols. This role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and sometimes certifications related to safety and equipment operation.

What are Apprentice Critical Operations Technicians?

Apprentice Critical Operations Technicians are entry-level professionals who assist in monitoring, maintaining, and supporting the operational systems of facilities such as data centers, power plants, or other mission-critical environments. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians to ensure that equipment operates efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities often include conducting routine inspections, responding to alarms, and performing basic maintenance tasks as they learn specialized procedures. This role is designed to provide hands-on training and experience, preparing apprentices for more advanced positions in critical operations.

What is the difference between Apprentice Critical Operations Technician vs Critical Operations Technician?

AspectApprentice Critical Operations TechnicianCritical Operations Technician
CertificationsOn-the-job training, possibly some technical certificationsAdvanced technical certifications or licenses often required
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised tasksOperational environment, independent troubleshooting
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with tasks, learning proceduresPerforming maintenance, troubleshooting, and system operations

The Apprentice Critical Operations Technician is in training, focusing on learning and assisting under supervision, while the Critical Operations Technician is fully qualified, handling complex operations independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for full technician roles in critical infrastructure industries.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship job?

Apprentice Critical Operations Technicians can earn higher wages when working in specialized industries such as energy, oil and gas, or aerospace, where technical skills and certifications are valued. Typically, these apprenticeships offer higher pay compared to general trades due to the complexity and safety requirements of the work.

What is the highest paying technician job?

The highest paying technician jobs are often specialized roles such as aerospace, petroleum, or nuclear technicians, with salaries exceeding $80,000 annually. Critical Operations Technicians in industries like energy or manufacturing can also earn high wages, especially with advanced certifications and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Critical Operations Technician, and why are they important?

Apprentice Critical Operations Technicians need a foundational understanding of mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with building management systems (BMS), safety protocols, and basic computer skills are typically required, and certifications such as OSHA or EPA Universal can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals excel in monitoring and responding to facility operations. These skills are essential for maintaining the reliability, efficiency, and safety of critical infrastructure in high-stakes environments like data centers.

Is ICT technician a good career?

An ICT technician, including roles like Apprentice Critical Operations Technician, is a stable career with opportunities in IT support, network management, and system maintenance. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and problem-solving abilities, and can lead to advancement in technology-focused industries.
Infographic showing various Apprentice Critical Operations Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,268 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Critical Operations Technician

Stackinfra

Santa Teresa, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

THE COMPANY:

STACK INFRASTRUCTURE (STACK) provides digital infrastructure to scale the world's most innovative companies. We are an award-winning industry leader in building, owning, and operating highly efficient, cost-effective wholesale, colocation, and cloud data centers. Each of our national facilities meets or exceeds the highest industry standards in all operational categories of availability, security, connectivity, and physical resilience.

STACK offers the scale and geographic reach that rapidly growing hyperscale and enterprise companies need. The world runs on data. Data runs on STACK.

STACK is looking for a Critical Operations Technician (COT) to support a local data center campus. As a member of STACK's Critical Operations team, the Critical Operations Technician must possess strong knowledge in maintaining the mechanical, electrical, fire life safety, base building, and other various internal data center systems. The COT will also be focused on the execution of programs related to Safety, Team, Availability, Communication, and Knowledge. The COT will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the data center.
Mechanical responsibilities will include working on chilled water systems and components, HVAC systems such as roof top units, CRAC/CRAH units, humidification systems, fan wall systems, air-cooled chillers, and central plant operations. Electrical responsibilities will include working on electrical/critical power distribution from the Utility/Generator main switchgear through the UPS systems out to the customer load, UPS, PDU, and RPP cabinets. Fire Life Safety responsibilities will include monitoring wet sprinkler systems and pre-action sprinkler systems as well as their associated detection devices. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Implement and follow the standardized culture of always working safely across all STACK data centers.

  • Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions in facilities systems. Areas include Electrical, Mechanical, Building Monitoring, and Control.

  • Tracking and trending operational characteristics.

  • Provide feedback to management on the effectiveness of existing standards and processes

  • Work with the Critical Operations Manager to complete an aggressive preventive and predictive maintenance schedule

  • Assist with the database management of maintenance discrepancies and work with site management to resolve site issues based on agreed-upon priorities.

  • Ensure data center operates at maximum operational efficiency, including analyzing existing operating conditions, recommending new technologies, and improving overall efficiency.

  • Manage systems to avoid unplanned, customer-impacting outages

  • Follow direction from data center management regarding the data floor and back of house mechanical loading capacity thereby ensuring that the cooling system is operating at its highest efficiency

  • Coordinate and oversee power installations and upgrades

  • Navigate and utilize a CMMS system.

  • Use developed procedures to solve problems

  • Assist in asset and consumable inventory management.

  • Responsible for the tracking and proper labeling of all equipment per established procedures.

  • Provide day-to-day exceptional customer service and support.

  • Incident escalation, response, and follow-up report writing

  • Maintain and complete regular facility and security tours documenting and responding to found issues.

  • Provide applied mechanical and integrated control expertise for the entire data center

  • Serve in a technical writing capacity in regard to the derivation of procedures for preventative or corrective maintenance activities.

  • The job may require taking on on-call duties outside of normal working hours.

  • Taking on other duties as required by STACK.

THE DETAILS:

  • Travel: None or less than 5%

  • Benefits: Healthcare, Dental Care, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Leave Programs

  • Must be eligible to work in the United States

  • Must pass a comprehensive background screening

  • Work hours may vary based upon business needs.

  • Job duties, roles, and responsibilities are subject to change over time.

This job posting covers three potential positions:

Critical Operations Technician I

Critical Operations Technician II

Critical Operations Technician III

The hourly rate a candidate will be offered will be commensurate to how their skills and experience align to those roles. In other words, to be considered for the highest posted rate, you need to have be considered for a Critical Operations Technician III position.

MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in a data center or other related mission-critical operations role.

  • Experience working with various Microsoft Office applications and other database housing software

  • Ability to handle a multitude of tasks and work well in stressful situations.

  • Strong understanding of the electrical and mechanical systems used in a data center environment. These include, but are not limited to UPS, Transformers, PDU's, RPP's, Chillers, CRAH, CRAC, STS, ATS, and Pre-action systems

  • Strong knowledge of NFPA70e, NFPA72, NFPA25, and compliance issues as well as building codes in regard to fire life safety.

  • Familiarity and experience in data center trending and analysis, with the ability to rapidly learn and use PC-based site monitoring systems.

  • United States Navy Nuclear Engineering - preferred

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience - preferred

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle, reach or feel objects, climb stairs, balance, stoop or kneel, talk, see at close range, and hear for extended periods of time

  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

  • Must be willing to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, holidays, and on-call support.

  • Must be comfortable working in a high stress, fast paced environment with shifting priorities

Compensation Range:

$40.00 - $53.00

THIS MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF:

  • You are a strong communicator, you are persuasive and clear, blending analytics with experience in decision-making.

  • You do not get flustered easily. You can juggle multiple priorities while balancing urgent requests with shifting timelines and deliverables.

  • You are a team builder. You take the time to understand and develop the strengths of your resources while formulating long-term plans for the growth and success of the team.

  • You are naturally curious and driven toward continual improvement. While you celebrate your successes, you take time to review and analyze campaigns for future learning.

WHY STACK?

  • We offer a competitive compensation package with strong benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, flexible spending accounts - even a cell phone subsidy.

  • We foster a culture of appreciation, including peer-to-peer recognition and rewards programs.

  • Fun is part of our DNA, with events, game nights, happy hours, and barbecues.

  • We're growing - this is a great time to join and make an impact!

STACK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law

Note to external agencies: We are not accepting any blind submissions or resumes/cvs from recruitment agencies. Any candidates sent to STACK Infrastructure, Inc. will not be accepted or considered as a submission without a signed agreement in place. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of STACK Infrastructure, Inc.