Automation & Controls Technician, NA

Vantage Data Centers; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Vantage Data Centers in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Lead Automation and Controls Technician to support the daily operation and maintenance of automation systems across their data center portfolio. This role requires collaboration with various teams to ensure system reliability and performance.

Candidates should have 3–5 years of experience in industrial automation, especially related to PLC programming and SCADA systems. The position includes a hybrid work schedule with on-site requirements and offers competitive benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in industrial automation, preferably with data center experience.
• Knowledge of automation systems in a mission-critical environment.
• Advanced understanding of PLC programming.

Responsibilities

• Monitor automation systems for power and cooling infrastructure.
• Assist in diagnosing issues related to PLCs and HMIs.
• Perform routine checks and updates on control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Industrial automation

Data center experience

Job description

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well‑known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Automation Systems Department

The Automation Systems Group is responsible for the design, construction and support of cutting‑edge data center automation and control infrastructure. The department collaborates with Operations, Sales, Construction, Engineering, Information Technology and Management to ensure the system continues to fulfill Vantage customer requirements. Automation Systems works closely with partner contractors to develop best‑in‑class designs and manages these partners to success by providing accurate requirements, goals, and timelines. In addition to design and construction, the group is also responsible for the technical requirements of the Operations Department, involving troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing mission‑critical control systems throughout all Vantage locations.

Position Overview

This role is based on‑site in Santa Clara, CA with a hybrid schedule: 3 days on site required, 2 days flexible. The Lead Automation and Controls Technician will support the daily operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial automation systems across Vantage’s data center portfolio.

Essential Job Functions

System Monitoring and Support

• Monitor automation systems for power and cooling infrastructure across assigned data center sites.
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving issues related to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and field devices.
• Escalate complex issues to senior team members and support root‑cause analysis efforts.

Routine Maintenance and Execution

• Perform routine checks, firmware updates, and basic configuration changes on control systems.
• Support the deployment of automation systems during construction and retrofit projects.
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation for control systems, wiring diagrams, and device configurations.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Senior Specialists and Developers to implement automation changes and enhancements.
• Coordinate with Operations teams to ensure systems meet performance and reliability expectations.
• Communicate technical observations and status updates clearly to team members.

Data Collection and System Logging

• Collect operational data from automation systems for reporting and analysis.
• Ensure proper system logging and data integrity across platforms.
• Assist in identifying trends or anomalies in system performance.

Compliance and Safety

• Follow established protocols for system access, change management, and safety procedures.
• Ensure automation systems comply with internal standards and external regulations.
• Participate in audits and inspections as needed.

Additional Duties

• Handle additional responsibilities as assigned by Automation Leadership.
• Support the broader team across the Vantage Portfolio.
• Train Site‑Ops personnel on how to use the BMS platform for critical facility system monitoring.
• Create Controls Architecture Documents, including networking topology and IP scheme, for new data centers.

Job Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in industrial automation (5–7 years preferred).
• Data center experience is strongly preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of automation systems (control loops, field I/O, etc.) in a mission‑critical environment.
• Advanced knowledge of PLC programming, including Rockwell Automation and Carel software platforms, is required.
• Knowledge of industrial PLC and SCADA systems manufactured by leading‑edge vendors.
• Travel required is expected to be 25–50%, may increase over time.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. The employee may occasionally stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $120,000 – $130,000 base + bonus (may vary by location and experience).
• Eligible for company benefits: medical, dental, vision, life & AD&D, short/long‑term disability, paid time off, employee assistance, 401(k) with company match, and other voluntary benefits.
• Compensation may exceed the indicated range based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.