Senior Critical Engineering Manager (Australia)

Company Overview

STACK Infrastructure builds, owns, and operates hyperscale and colocation data centers that power the world’s most ambitious technology companies. With a rapidly expanding footprint across APAC, STACK combines deep development expertise, flexible capital, and operational discipline to deliver critical digital infrastructure at scale.

Our clients include the largest hyperscale cloud platforms. We are building a regional platform defined by speed of delivery, power reliability, and long-term partnership — and we are assembling the team to lead that effort.

Summary/Objective

The Senior Critical Engineering Manager is a senior operational leadership role within STACK’s Critical Operations team, responsible for leading critical engineering operations across STACK Data Centre environments.

The role works closely with Critical Operations leadership to supervise, support, and develop engineering teams responsible for the operation, maintenance, performance, and resilience of mechanical, electrical, fire life safety, base building, and other critical Data Centre systems. Direct reports include Engineering Managers and Coordinators.

The Senior Critical Engineering Manager is also the primary Critical Engineering point of contact for STACK Construction and Delivery teams. This includes oversight of construction-related activities that affect existing infrastructure, operational acceptance of newly delivered Data Centres or new phases, review and acceptance of commissioning documentation, O&M manuals, handover packages, and post-construction records.

This role is accountable for driving safe, reliable, compliant and high-performing Data Centre operations, with a focus on safety, availability, communication, team performance, technical standards, continuous improvement and operational readiness.

This role directly supports STACK’s commitment to 100% uptime and a concierge-level customer service experience, ensuring risk is proactively managed, planned works are executed safely, and customer communications are clear, timely and professional.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Operations

• Lead and embed a standardised safety-first culture across STACK Data Centre Engineering operations.

• Execute, supervise, and continuously improve all aspects of Data Centre Critical Operations, including the operation, maintenance, and repair of mission-critical equipment and systems supporting a 24x7 Data Centre environment, to achieve 100% uptime, 100% compliance with all customer SLAs, site certifications, and applicable legislative requirements, while delivering concierge-level customer service.

• Own, develop, and continuously improve programmed preventative maintenance job plans.

• Supervise, manage, mentor, and support Engineering Managers, Coordinators, Critical Engineering team members, and Facilities Engineering team members to achieve high levels of performance.

• Set team performance expectations and support development, coaching, and counselling of Critical Engineering and Critical Facilities team members.

• Ensure electrical and mechanical infrastructure is maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, STACK maintenance job plans, and approved operational standards.

• Oversee maintenance contractors, service providers, and professional consultants to ensure services are appropriate for Data Centre operations, maintenance, design, construction, and customer requirements.

• Support building repair, lifecycle replacement, major maintenance, and capital improvement activities, including review of work method statements and risk controls to minimise operational risk.

• Conduct inspections and surveys, and develop recommendations to improve, repair, or modify electrical, mechanical, and building systems to support operational integrity and energy efficiency.

• Develop, implement, review, and audit Methods of Procedure, Standard Operating Procedures, Emergency Operating Procedures, Sequences of Operation, and maintenance standards in line with STACK requirements and industry best practice.

• Own and oversee the Building Management System, Electrical Power Monitoring System, SCADA, and other operational tools and applications to support accurate monitoring, operational efficiency, and energy improvement.

• Negotiate, manage, and maintain vendor maintenance agreements and service level agreements.

• Maintain appropriate vendor relationships and lead vendor performance review meetings.

• Provide effective oversight, leadership, and administration of assigned operational projects, including direction of facilities management contractors, project teams, and third-party contractors.

• Work with Critical Facilities management contractor teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational issues, including root cause identification where required.

• Develop and audit facilities rounds throughout the Data Centre to support site integrity and operational readiness.

• Act as the Critical Engineering point of contact during critical incident and emergency event management.

• Prepare, review, and support accurate reporting across Data Centre operations, including power quality, power utilisation effectiveness, power usage, vendor scorecards, engineering team rosters, and operational performance reporting.

• Maintain compliance with applicable environmental, building, fire, health, safety, and operational regulatory requirements.

• Actively promote a safe working environment and a culture that supports employee wellbeing.

• Ensure compliance with work health and safety procedures and requirements, including permit to work, risk assessments, safe work method statements, and personal protective equipment.

• Conduct site safety and hazard identification inspections.

• Report safety concerns, hazards, near misses, and incidents within required timeframes.

• Analyse and interpret complex operational documents, technical reports, procedures, and manuals.

• Develop and review incident reports, emergency event summaries, root cause analysis reports, CAPEX and OPEX forecasts, and operational manuals.

• Deliver effective presentations on Data Centre operations to customers, management, and internal stakeholders.

• Respond effectively to sensitive issues, complex enquiries, and complaints from FM Services Providers, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and management.

• Positively influence and motivate employees and FM Services Provider teams to achieve agreed operational outcomes.

• Build customer confidence in STACK operational capability when participating in customer-facing activities.

FM Services Provider Management

• Foster and maintain positive working relationships with FM Services Provider teams, FM subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and related stakeholders.

• Support the Critical Operations Manager in managing FM Services Provider contracts and service delivery in accordance with agreed KPIs and SLAs.

• Review, prepare, and validate reports and operational information as required.

• Support the Critical Operations Manager with FM Services Provider meetings, performance reviews, and operational governance.

• Regularly evaluate objectives, plans, and service delivery performance to support continual improvement and alignment with STACK priorities.

• Hold FM Services Provider teams accountable to performance standards and work with the provider to understand and address underperformance appropriately.

Projects, Commissioning and Handover

• Provide project management and operational oversight for construction-related activities that modify existing infrastructure or replace end-of-life equipment.

• Own and coordinate the commissioning and operational handover process from construction to Critical Operations.

• Provide project management for initiatives that improve Data Centre resilience and for small to medium Critical Operations projects.

• Review electrical and mechanical designs associated with optimisation of existing Data Centres, new Data Centres, and newly completed phases within existing Data Centres.

• Develop project scopes and requests for proposal, and support the Director, Critical Operations with capital requests for Critical Operations projects.

• Review commissioning plans and support acceptance of newly commissioned systems.

• Record and report key project and operational metrics to team members and management.

• Review and accept post-construction handover packages, including O&M manuals, procedures, drawings, schematics, spare parts, defects liability period documentation, and maintenance agreements.

• Work with STACK Delivery teams and vendors to support efficient, high-quality project turnover and operational readiness.

People

• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports, including Engineering Managers and Coordinators.

• Operate in accordance with STACK values and contribute to a cohesive, positive, and high-performing working environment.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders across STACK, including Critical Operations, Delivery, Construction, customers, FM Services Providers, contractors, suppliers, consultants, joint venture partners, and consortium members.

• Actively develop team members to maximise performance and realise potential through coaching and mentoring.

• Promote teamwork, accountability, open communication, and constructive working relationships.

• Keep relevant stakeholders informed of changes and decisions that affect them, ensuring useful and relevant information is communicated promptly and accurately.

• Participate in work-related team meetings, operational forums, and business activities as required.

Competencies

• Proven capability in a critical services, Data Centre, or mission-critical operational environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and direct technical teams and contractors.

• Strong customer service mindset, with the ability to deliver concierge-level service to customers, internal stakeholders, and operational partners.

• Expert understanding of electrical and mechanical systems used in Data Centre environments, including UPS, transformers, LV and HV switchgear, remote power panels, chillers, CRAH units, CRAC units, static transfer switches, automatic transfer switches, and fire detection and suppression systems.

• Strong operational knowledge of HV and LV electrical distribution, generators, battery management systems, power distribution units, BMS, EPMS, SCADA, and associated monitoring systems.

• Strong operational knowledge of chilled water, direct expansion systems, pumps, leak detection, variable frequency drives, cooling towers, digital controls, and fire life safety systems.

• HV Authorised Person capability, or willingness and ability to complete authorisation after commencement.

• Strong project management capability, including technical scope development, contractor coordination, commissioning review, handover, and operational acceptance.

• Proficiency in Data Centre commissioning standards and operational readiness processes.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, internal teams, contractors, and senior stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in high-pressure operational environments.

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and organisational skills.

• Strong capability in data centre trend analysis, reporting, and use of PC-based site monitoring systems.

• Competence in Computerised Maintenance Management Systems, Building Management Systems, Data Centre Infrastructure Management systems, and related operational tools.

• Strong Microsoft Office capability, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Project, Visio, AutoCAD, customer portals, and related technical documentation tools.

• Strong team orientation and ability to prioritise team and operational outcomes.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum 6-8 years’ experience in a Data Centre or related mission-critical operations role.

• Experience managing Engineering Managers, Coordinators, technical teams, or equivalent operational teams.

• 3-5 years’ experience administering and managing facility preventative maintenance programmes.

• Extensive operational knowledge of HV and LV electrical distribution, including switchgear, transformers, automatic transfer switches, UPS, static transfer switches, battery management systems, generators, and power distribution units to branch level.

• Extensive operational knowledge of chillers, direct exchange systems, CRAH units, CRAC units, dehumidifiers, water pumps, leak detection, variable frequency drives, cooling towers, digital controls, BMS, and fire detection and suppression systems.

• Experience working with local and national regulatory codes, guidelines, and permit processes.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact successfully with internal and external customers.

• Strong project management, troubleshooting, reporting, and organisational skills.

• Competent use of CMMS, BMS, and Data Centre Infrastructure Management systems.

• Advanced Excel capability, including trend analysis, pivot charts, and formula automation.

• Ability to prepare and present PowerPoint presentations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and relevant technical systems.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• Trade licence or certification acquired through technical education or training in electrical or mechanical trades.

• Dual trade qualification preferred.

• HV Authorised Person status or equivalent authorisation.

Work Environment / Conditions

This role is based on site at STACK Data Centres in Victoria, Australia.

The role operates in a live, mission-critical Data Centre environment and requires the ability to work safely around electrical, mechanical, cooling, fire life safety, and base building infrastructure. The role may involve working in operational plant areas, customer environments, and construction or project interface areas.

Travel Required

Travel between STACK Data Centre sites and the STACK Melbourne head office will be required from time to time.

Travel to other STACK Data Centre facilities within Australia and internationally may be required from time to time.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

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

• Must be comfortable working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

• Must be able to support critical incident response and operational escalation requirements as required by the business.

Work Authorisation/Security Clearance Requirements

The successful candidate must have appropriate work authorisation for Australia.

Additional background screening, site access, or security clearance requirements may apply in accordance with STACK policy, customer requirements, or site-specific access requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

STACK provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, redundancy, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this role. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.