Control Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Related Digital

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the technical authority for building controls, automation systems, and monitoring platforms within our hyperscale data center environments. This role is responsible for the reliability, performance, and integrity of the Building Management System (BMS) and associated controls infrastructure across the site and broader fleet. The SME acts as both a hands-on controls expert and strategic advisor, supporting realtime operations while influencing controls architecture, integration standards, and global automation strategies.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in controls, automation, or building systems engineering
Experience in programming, startup, and commissioning of complex systems (central plants, AHUs, evaporative cooling, etc.)
Bachelor’s degree or trade certification in a related field (or equivalent experience)
Strong expertise in: BMS systems ALC/SCADA systems Controls programming and system integration
Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems in critical environments
Ability to interpret: P&IDs Sequences of operation Controls diagrams and construction documents

Nice To Haves

Experience in hyperscale or colocation data centers
PLC programming expertise and multi-platform controls experience
Experience with programming/scripting languages (Python, SQL, etc.)
Knowledge of networking and cybersecurity principles
Experience with integration platforms and analytics tools
OEM, field service, or system integrator background
IT/networking certifications
Deep expertise in controls systems, programming, and system integration
Strong troubleshooting capability in live, mission-critical environments
Ability to operate across operations, construction, and design phases
Strong cross-functional communication across engineering, IT, and operations
High attention to detail in system sequencing, risk mitigation, and uptime assurance

Responsibilities

Serve as the onsite technical authority for controls systems, including BMS, EPMS, SCADA, ALC, and PLC-based platforms
Maintain accountability for all BMS changes, enhancements, and system integrity across the data center
Diagnose and repair complex control system issues, including hardware and software faults
Troubleshoot and maintain controllers, relays, sensors, actuators, and associated mechanical and electrical interfaces
Monitor system performance and analyze operational data to identify efficiency improvements and abnormal trends
Develop, review, and approve SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs related to controls systems
Ensure all control sequences support safe operations, redundancy, and risk mitigation
Support incident response and root cause analysis (RCA) for controls-related failures
Enforce change management and configuration control processes for all system modifications
Provide oversight from basis of design (BOD) through commissioning and operations
Review and approve controls architectures, network designs, sequences of operation, points lists, and programming logic
Support integration between BMS, EPMS, SCADA, and integration systems
Provide QA/QC oversight of controls scope, including programming, installation, and commissioning
Participate in commissioning, testing, and factory witness activities
Validate system performance for failover, redundancy, and alarm management
Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, IT/network, and operations teams
Interface with controls vendors, system integrators, OEMs, and contractors
Manage vendor performance and oversee system upgrades and retrofits
Communicate system issues, risks, and upcoming work with site leadership
Train and mentor engineers and technicians on controls systems, programming, and procedures
Collaborate with global teams to standardize controls strategies and architectures across the fleet
Drive improvements in automation, system visibility, and operational efficiency
Optimize control sequences to improve energy performance and system stability
Support development of scalable, repeatable hyperscale control system designs