Senior Controls Engineer – Data Center Thermal System in , United States
Description
Senior Controls EngineerWe are seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of control systems for data center cooling infrastructure. This role is critical to delivering intelligent, efficient thermal management solutions that support high-density computing environments, including advanced GPU clusters and liquid cooling systems. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in building automation and industrial controls with a strong understanding of HVAC systems, chiller plants, and the unique operational demands of mission-critical facilities.Key ResponsibilitiesControls System Design & DevelopmentArchitect and develop control sequences for chiller plants, cooling distribution units (CDUs), computer room air handlers (CRAHs), and liquid cooling loopsDesign control strategies that optimize energy efficiency, maintain precise temperature and humidity setpoints, and ensure redundancy for Tier III/IV data center environmentsDevelop logic for variable-speed pump and fan control, valve sequencing, and thermal load balancing across cooling infrastructureSystem Integration & CommissioningLead integration of controls with Building Management Systems (BMS), Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms, and facility monitoring systemsOversee commissioning activities including I/O checkout, loop tuning, functional performance testing, and sequence verificationDevelop and execute test protocols for factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)Technical LeadershipServe as subject matter expert for controls engineering on complex data center projectsMentor junior engineers and technicians on controls best practices, programming standards, and troubleshooting methodologiesCollaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, and customers to translate thermal requirements into robust control solutionsContinuous Improvement & InnovationEvaluate emerging technologies including AI/ML-based optimization, predictive maintenance algorithms, and advanced sensor integrationContribute to the development of standardized control sequences and reusable code librariesSupport R&D initiatives for next- cooling solutions including direct liquid cooling and immersion systemsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field7+ years of experience in controls engineering with at least 4 years focused on data center or mission critical facility applicationsExpert-level proficiency in PLC and DDC programming (Tridium Niagara, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent platforms)Strong understanding of chiller plant optimization, psychrometrics, and hydronic system designExperience with industrial communication protocols: BACnet, Modbus, SNMP, OPC-UAFamiliarity with ASHRAE guidelines for data centers (TC 9.9 Thermal Guidelines, Standard 90.4)Demonstrated ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control diagrams, and electrical schematicsPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Engineering or related disciplineExperience with liquid cooling systems including rear-door heat exchangers, direct-to-chip cold plates, and immersion coolingKnowledge of power monitoring, PUE optimization, and energy management strategiesProfessional Engineer (PE) licenseCertifications: Niagara 4 Technical Certification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or equivalentExperience with high-performance computing (HPC) or AI/ML training cluster thermal requirementsFamiliarity with cybersecurity best practices for operational technology (OT) networksTechnical EnvironmentBuilding automation platforms: Metasys, Tridium Niagara, Desigo CCProgramming: Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Ladder Logic, Python for scripting/analyticsVisualization: Ignition, Grafana, or similar SCADA/HMI platformsNetworking: TCP/IP, VLANs, firewall configuration for controls networksWhat We OfferOpportunity to work on cutting-edge thermal solutions for hyperscale and enterprise data centersCollaborative environment with industry-leading engineers and researchersProfessional development support including conference attendance and continuing educationCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package