Senior Controls Engineer – Data Center Thermal System
Position Summary
We 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.
Key Responsibilities
Architect and develop control sequences for chiller plants, cooling distribution units (CDUs), computer room air handlers (CRAHs), and liquid cooling loops
Develop control strategies that optimize energy efficiency, maintain precise temperature and humidity setpoints, and ensure redundancy for Tier III/IV data center environments
Develop logic for variable-speed pump and fan control, valve sequencing, and thermal load balancing across cooling infrastructure
Lead integration of controls with Building Management Systems (BMS), Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms, and facility monitoring systems
Oversee commissioning activities including I/O checkout, loop tuning, functional performance testing, and sequence verification
Develop and execute test protocols for factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)
Technical Leadership:
- Serve as subject matter expert for controls engineering on complex data center projects
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians on controls best practices, programming standards, and troubleshooting methodologies
- Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, and customers to translate thermal requirements into robust control solutions
Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
- Evaluate emerging technologies including AI/ML-based optimization, predictive maintenance algorithms, and advanced sensor integration
- Contribute to the development of standardized control sequences and reusable code libraries
- Support R&D initiatives for next-generation cooling solutions including direct liquid cooling and immersion systems
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
7+ years of experience in controls engineering with at least 4 years focused on data center or mission critical facility applications
Expert-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 design
Experience with industrial communication protocols: BACnet, Modbus, SNMP, OPC-UA
Familiarity 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 schematics
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline
Experience with liquid cooling systems including rear-door heat exchangers, direct-to-chip cold plates, and immersion cooling
Knowledge of power monitoring, PUE optimization, and energy management strategies
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Certifications: Niagara 4 Technical Certification, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or equivalent
Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) or AI/ML training cluster thermal requirements
Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices for operational technology (OT) networks
What We Offer
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge thermal solutions for hyperscale and enterprise data centers
Collaborative environment with industry-leading engineers and researchers
Professional development support including conference attendance and continuing education
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package