Microsoft jobs at a glance: Datacenter Critical Environment Technician
The role of a Critical Environment Technician
One of the most common datacenter roles in our operations team, is a Critical Environment Technician (CET). These experts oversee a datacenter’s critical infrastructure—cooling, power, security, and more—to ensure all equipment stays online all the time. Their responsibilities include equipment setup, security, emergency response, and documentation. Working alongside IT teams, they play a vital role in maintaining the critical infrastructure that keeps our datacenters up and running.
What is a datacenter?
A datacenter is a building that houses thousands of computer servers and data storage devices connected to the internet.
Datacenters are the engine that powers cloud computing. Whenever you open an app on your phone, join a virtual classroom or meeting, snap and save photos, or play a game with your friends online, you are using a datacenter. Microsoft’s online services like Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and Azure rely upon datacenters.
The Microsoft cloud infrastructure is made up of hundreds of datacenters and 1 million servers used by 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide.
Key skills and qualifications
- Completion of High school or Secondary School, an apprenticeship or vocational qualification, or an equivalent.
- Mission critical services work/applied learning experience (e.g., high availability assembly/manufacturing/critical infrastructure environments such as datacenters, oil and gas refineries, hospitals, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, or related fields).
- Problem-solving skills: Quick thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure are crucial for addressing issues and maintaining smooth operations.
- Collaborative mindset: Working well within teams, effective communication, and a commitment to safety and protocols are essential for ensuring reliable and secure datacenter functionality.
- Technical aptitude: Comfortable working with hardware, interested in learning about networking.
- Communication skills: Ability to communicate in English to support regional and global teams.
- Ability to work shifts, including shift assignments during non-standard business hours that may include evening, nighttime, weekends, and/or holidays.
Previous career experiences that make great Critical Environment Technicians
You could have worked in the following roles:
- Electrician
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Technician
- Mechanical Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Marine Engineer
- Facility Engineer
- Shift Engineer
- Maintenance Engineer
- Heating Air Conditioning Technician
- Service Technician
- Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Why this role is special
Becoming a Critical Environment Technician is a great way to start your career in tech. Microsoft offers a competitive salary and benefits like healthcare, discounts on products and services, new parents, and caregiver leave, and much more. It’s also important that we support your career growth with structured, on-the-job training using the latest technologies.
What our employees say
“They are really open to train you, so as an individual they support you in everything you do”
– Leandrie Scholtz
“Everyday you learn something new and Microsoft supports you to improve yourself with a variety of different courses so that’s a real plus”
– Huib Van Dijk
“Microsoft is always very keen to point out when you are doing a good job and there is a lot to accomplish at Microsoft”
– Josephine de Jonge
Join our Microsoft team
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Resources
To apply for a Datacenter Critical Environment Technician role in your community visit our careers site.
Earn certifications and additional training for a career in technology at our 3-month and 9-month Microsoft Datacenter Academy training programs.
