Principal Electrical Controls Engineer – Data Center Infrastructure

Quick Facts

• Role: Principal Electrical Controls Engineer (Principal Controls Engineer)
• Team: Data Center Infrastructure (DCI) Team
• Location: Remote OR Austin, TX
• Travel: Up to 25% domestic and/or international (rare)

Description

We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Controls Engineer to lead the development, optimization and implementation of advanced control systems across critical infrastructure products and automation platforms. This role ensures the performance, reliability, and scalability of critical systems, with a strong emphasis on data center infrastructure, power/energy management, and industrial automation.

What you will do?

• Define and own the control system architecture across multiple platforms, including PLCs, BMS, EPMS, and ATS systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability
• Develop detailed control system specifications, functional design documents, and interface definitions for all subsystems
• Program PLC/SCADA, develop HMI, and integrate systems with IT networks and facility equipment
• Read and create BOMs; create visual aids, electrical schematics, control diagrams, and sequence of operations
• Define control logic, sensor integration, and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, BACnet, SNMP) for intelligent power and cooling management
• Validate control systems through simulation, testing, and commissioning to ensure reliability, safety, and responsiveness
• Work with critical infrastructure systems: UPS, generators, switchgear, chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, fire suppression systems
• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for new projects and revisions
• Develop system-level simulations and digital twins to validate control strategies before deployment
• Architect integration strategies with enterprise platforms such as SCADA, CMMS, and cloud-based monitoring tools
• Establish design patterns and best practices for modular and reusable control logic across projects
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex control system issues during commissioning and operations
• Evaluate emerging technologies and automation trends to continuously improve system performance and efficiency
• Develop and maintain documentation for system architecture, control logic, and operational procedures
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and facilities engineering teams for seamless integration with physical infrastructure
• Align control system designs with business requirements, timelines, and operational constraints
• Facilitate design reviews, technical workshops, and cross-functional planning sessions
• Support commissioning and field teams during deployment, troubleshooting, and optimization

How will you get here?

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in control system design and implementation
• Deep expertise in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric)
• BMS integration and optimization
• EPMS/EDPM for real-time energy analytics
• ATS control and failover logic
• Control theory, system modeling, and simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink)
• Industrial protocols (Modbus, BACnet, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP)
• Familiarity with NFPA, IEC, and ISO standards for control systems and safety

Requirements

• Proficient in reading and creating BOMs, electrical schematics, control diagrams, and sequence of operations
• Strong technical communication skills; able to write reports and procedural guides
• Capable of influencing others and mentoring less experienced engineers
• Experience managing risks and defining project milestones (stage-gate/PLCM)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Travel readiness: up to 25% domestic and/or international (rare)

Benefits

• Short-term incentive based on performance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off accruing at 3.07 hours during the first year
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• 11 company-paid holidays in 2027 (9 fixed and 2 optional floating), subject to change yearly
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee stock purchase plan