Data Center System Controls Engineer

WAVSYS • Contract • Herndon, Virginia, United States • $50 - $65 / hour • 3h ago

Summary

The Data Center Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of the Building Management System (BMS) and associated controls that govern critical mechanical infrastructure, primarily focusing on HVAC, cooling, and environmental systems. This role is essential to ensuring the data center operates at peak reliability, efficiency, and uptime (24/7/365).

Key Responsibilities

1. System Design and Implementation

Design Review: Review, analyze, and provide expert feedback on mechanical and control system designs for new data center construction and expansion projects.
Programming & Logic: Develop, program, and modify Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) logic and sequences of operation (SOO) for all critical mechanical equipment (e.g., chillers, CRAHs/CRACs, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers).
Networking: Design and configure control network architectures and interfaces utilizing industrial protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, OPC).
Visualization: Develop and maintain Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) screens for operator monitoring and control.

2. Operations and Optimization

Monitoring & Diagnostics: Continuously monitor the BMS for alarms, faults, and performance deviations. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions for control system issues.
Efficiency: Analyze control system data (PUE metrics, temperature/humidity trends) to identify and implement optimization strategies that improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs without compromising critical uptime.
Standards: Establish and enforce global control system standards, specifications, and documentation for consistent deployment across the entire data center portfolio.

3. Commissioning, Maintenance, and Support

Commissioning: Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Integrated System Testing (IST) of new mechanical control systems to ensure they meet design specifications and resilience requirements.
Maintenance: Coordinate with site facilities teams and vendors to schedule and supervise maintenance and calibration of control sensors, actuators, and panels.
Troubleshooting: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for high-severity control system failures, providing rapid technical support to minimize downtime.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
Experience: X+ years of experience in control system design, programming, and commissioning, with a significant focus on mission-critical or industrial environments (Data Centers, Hospitals, Pharmaceuticals, etc.).
Technical Expertise:
Deep proficiency with Building Management Systems (BMS) platforms (e.g., Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Automated Logic).
Hands-on experience with industrial control hardware and software (PLCs, SCADA systems).
Strong understanding of data center mechanical infrastructure, including chilled water systems, direct expansion (DX) cooling, and various air-handling units.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) integration.
Professional Engineer (PE) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL) for automation and data analysis.

Pay: $50.00 - $65.00 per hour

Work Location: In person