Controls Engineer SME

Applied Digital; Ellendale (ND); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Digital is seeking a highly skilled Data Center Controls Engineer - Operational SME to design, implement, maintain, and optimize control systems within our data centers. This role focuses on BMS, EPMS, automation, and related infrastructure to ensure reliable, efficient, and secure operations.

As SME, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior staff, troubleshoot complex issues, and collaborate with operations, engineering, and vendors to drive improvements, upgrades, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/CS or related field.
• 5+ years in data center operations or controls engineering.
• Strong knowledge of BMS/EPMS and automation systems.
• Experience with hyperscale data centers or mission-critical environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain data center control systems (BMS/EPMS and automation).
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control system issues; perform root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and vendors to optimize automation and ensure safety standards.
• Conduct daily inspections and predictive maintenance of cooling, power, and fire suppression.
• Provide SME guidance, mentor staff, and lead training sessions.
• Manage projects from inception to completion including upgrades and integrations.
• Support disaster recovery planning and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze system performance data and generate actionable improvement reports.

Skills

BMS/EPMS

Automation

Troubleshooting

Python

PLC programming

Networking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/CS or related field

CDCP or PMP certification

Tools

BMS/EPMS

Automation technologies

Networking hardware

Servers & infrastructure

Job description

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We are:

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution.
• Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution.

Position Summary:

Applied Digital is seeking a highly skilled Data Center Controls Engineer - Operational Subject Matter Expert (SME). This role focuses on the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of control systems within data centers, ensuring reliable, efficient, and secure operations. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in building management systems (BMS), electrical power monitoring systems (EPMS), automation, and related infrastructure. As an SME, you will also provide technical leadership, troubleshooting guidance, and strategic input on data center projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, deploy, and maintain control systems for data center facilities, including BMS, EPMS, and automation technologies to monitor and manage mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems.
• Troubleshoot complex issues in electrical, mechanical, and control systems, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, engineering, and vendors, to innovate and optimize automation processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety protocols.
• Conduct daily inspections, performance monitoring, and predictive maintenance on critical infrastructure, such as cooling systems, power distribution, and fire suppression.
• Provide subject matter expertise in areas like electrical and mechanical systems, mentoring junior staff, leading training sessions, and representing the organization in client or stakeholder meetings.
• Manage projects from inception to completion, including system upgrades, integrations, and evaluations of new technologies for enhanced reliability and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, perform risk assessments, and contribute to disaster recovery planning for data center operations.
• Analyze system performance data, generate reports, and recommend improvements to support scalable growth in data center capacity.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; advanced certifications (e.g., CDCP, PMP) are a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in data center operations, controls engineering, or a similar role, with proven expertise in BMS/EPMS and automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of networking, wired/wireless systems, and infrastructure components like servers, cooling, and power distribution.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting tools, programming/scripting for automation (e.g., Python, PLC programming), and familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE, Uptime Institute).
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with teams, vendors, and stakeholders, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with hyperscale data centers or mission-critical environments is preferred.

Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents acknowledge that they possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an \"at will\" relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.