Tokyo, Japan Role overview
About this role
Every Teams meeting, Outlook email, Azure workload and Copilot response runs on servers and network equipment inside a datacenter. Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I) is the global organization that designs, builds and operates the infrastructure behind the Microsoft Cloud. As part of CO+I, Tokyo Datacenter Operations is the team that forms the backbone of our datacenters in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
In this internship, you will spend up to two months on site, experiencing the work of two core datacenter operations roles:
- Datacenter Technician (DCT): hardware specialists who install, troubleshoot and repair the servers and network equipment that power the Microsoft Cloud.
- Datacenter Inventory & Asset Technician (DIAT): logistics and asset specialists who manage all equipment and parts delivered to, moved within and shipped out of the datacenter.
This is a paid internship-experience program in which you will learn step by step, from the safety and security fundamentals of working in a datacenter to real datacenter operations, under the guidance of experienced technicians. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to summarize what you have learned and receive feedback. No prior IT or logistics knowledge or experience is required. Join us to see datacenter operations up close and explore your future career.
Responsibilities
DIAT – Logistics and asset management:
Work onsite at our datacenters in Japan.
Perform assigned tasks and escalate issues during high-volume work activity.
Maintain up-to-date and accurate information within various inventory management systems.
Ensure detailed physical inventory tracking and staging.
Help reconcile and report inventory discrepancies.
Comply with security and data management policies.
DCT – Hardware maintenance, networking and deployment
Work onsite at our datacenters in Japan.
Follow guidelines and work closely with experienced technicians to understand and comply with data center policies, procedures, and deadlines.
Assist with preparing, installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, replacing, and decommissioning network, storage, and server equipment with minimal business disruption.
Complete assigned support tickets efficiently while developing familiarity with relevant
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Participate actively in daily safety briefings and comply with all safety and security protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Help maintain a positive team environment by sharing information, collaborating across shifts, and contributing to handovers.
Learn cross-functional data center processes to support partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
Complete all required training timely, including those related to security, data management, and environmental health and safety (EHS).
Handle routine physical demands, such as lifting moderate weights, climbing ladders/stairs, and working under data center environmental conditions like noise and heat.
Qualifications
All applicants : Students: Expected to graduate between March and October 2028 (equivalent to third-year university students).
Graduates: Less than two years of work experience, and not committed to joining another company from April 2027 onward.
High School Diploma, or equivalent.
Must have an interest in supporting IT equipment or related technology.
Candidates must either hold Japanese citizenship or possess valid residency status with legal eligibility to work in Japan.
Able to work full days, Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:30, throughout the internship period (starting around February–March 2027, for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of two months).
Able to commute by public transportation to an assigned site in central Tokyo, Chiba or Kanagawa (commuting by Shinkansen is not permitted).
You need to be 18 years of age or older as of February 2027.
English reading and writing skills required for the job (e.g., manuals and emails).
Able to perform work using a PC and Microsoft 365 applications (e.g., Excel and Outlook).
DIAT – Logistics and asset management:
Preferred Qualifications:
Basic knowledge of Asset/Inventory/Logistics/Supply Chain.
Currently studying towards a qualification in Warehousing, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.
Applicable certifications (Logistics or Supply Chain or Asset Management).
Ability to support frequent standing, walking, lifting, and working at heights with or without equipment assistance.
Able to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Proficient in written and oral English and Japanese communication to support regional and global teams.
Desire to learn, grow, and develop new technical skills.
DCT – Hardware maintenance, networking and deployment:
Preferred Qualifications:
Basic knowledge of computer hardware and components.
Studying towards a relevant technical qualification.
Applicable certifications: CompTIA (A+, Server+, Network+), Basic Structure Cabling (BSC).
Ability to support frequent standing, walking, lifting, and working at heights with or without equipment assistance.
Able to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Proficient in written and oral English and Japanese communication to support regional and global teams.
Desire to learn, grow, and develop new technical skills.
Terms and Conditions:
Employment type | Fixed-term employment contract (intern) with Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. |
Internship period | Starting around February–March 2027, for up to two months (start and end dates agreed individually, taking academic schedules and other commitments into account). Contract renewal: none. |
Work location | One of Microsoft's datacenter sites in central Tokyo, Chiba or Kanagawa (the assigned site will be advised individually during the selection process). |
Working hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:30 (60-minute break; 7.5 working hours). No overtime in principle. |
Holidays | Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. |
Commuting allowance | Commuting expenses will not be reimbursed separately. |
Other | No bonus or relocation support is provided. |
Background Check Requirements:
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
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