Description
OpenAI is building the infrastructure foundation for the next generation of AI.
As a Data Center Controls Engineer, you will program, configure, integrate, and commission the controls systems that support high-density AI data centers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program and configure PLCs and control systems for mechanical/BMS or electrical/EPMS applications in AI data center campuses.
- Implement and test sequences of operation, control logic, alarms, and interlocks against approved functional requirements.
- Review and maintain controls documentation, including control diagrams, I/O and point lists, instrumentation details, sequences of operation, and commissioning records.
- Integrate field devices, sensors, instrumentation, equipment controllers, and supervisory systems; validate point mapping, communications, and data quality.
- Maintain control programs, configuration backups, version history, change records, and rollback procedures to support safe commissioning and operations.
- Partner with mechanical, electrical, IT/networking, cybersecurity, and operations teams to resolve integration issues and implement approved OT connectivity and security requirements.
- Configure and troubleshoot relevant industrial communications, such as BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, or IEC 61850, according to the system and controls discipline.
- Work directly with controls integrators, equipment vendors, contractors, and commissioning teams to resolve programming, installation, and functional performance issues.
- Execute and document factory and site acceptance testing, point-to-point checks, sequence verification, and integrated systems testing; troubleshoot control logic, instrumentation, alarms, and device communication failures.
Qualifications:
- Practical hands-on experience programming, configuring, integrating, or commissioning control systems in data centers, industrial automation, buildings, or other critical infrastructure environments.
- Working knowledge of PLC programming and control logic, with the ability to implement and troubleshoot sequences of operation.
- Experience in either BMS/mechanical controls or EPMS/electrical controls, with an understanding of the equipment and operating sequences in that discipline.
- Experience configuring field devices and instrumentation, validating I/O and point mapping, and diagnosing control system behavior.
- Working knowledge of relevant industrial communication protocols and basic OT networking needed to connect and troubleshoot control systems.
- Ability to read control diagrams, equipment documentation, I/O lists, and functional specifications, and keep implementation records accurate.
- Hands-on experience with functional testing, commissioning, and systematic troubleshooting using trends, alarms, logs, and field observations.
- Ability to work closely with integrators, vendors, construction teams, and operations, communicate issues clearly, and follow safe work and change-control practices.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls or Automation Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience at a controls systems integrator, with regular responsibility for programming, configuration, field integration, and commissioning.
- Experience delivering BMS/mechanical or EPMS/electrical controls for data centers or other mission-critical facilities.
- Familiarity with supervisory controls, HMI/SCADA configuration, telemetry, and historian integrations.
- Familiarity with OT cybersecurity practices and working with networking or security specialists to implement approved access and connectivity requirements.
- Experience with scripting, APIs, or automation tools that improve controls testing, integration, documentation, or troubleshooting.
Work Environment and Travel:
- This role requires periodic travel to data center campuses, vendors, labs, construction sites, commissioning activities, and controls/network cutovers.
- The engineer should be comfortable working across office, lab, construction, and live data center environments, including PPE, lockout/tagout, cyber hygiene, and change-control requirements.
- Work may include time-sensitive support during commissioning, startup, vendor testing, cutovers, network changes, telemetry issues, automation failures, and operational events.
Travel: 50%