Controls Project Manager - Data Center Construction

Gilder Search Group; Chesterton (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Controls Project Manager in Chesterton, IN to lead critical automation projects for data centers. The ideal candidate will oversee all construction phases, from design to commissioning, managing multiple teams and ensuring compliance with project procedures.

This role requires at least 5 years of experience in large-scale projects, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in Building Automation Systems. Excellent compensation and benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience delivering large-scale mission-critical automation project management.
• Proven track record managing $2MM–$200MM+ data center construction projects.
• Strong understanding of Building Automation Systems (BMS/BAS) and industrial controls platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site data center automation programs and oversee all phases of construction execution.
• Manage field teams and subcontractors on automation scopes.
• Drive program financials including P&L ownership and value tracking.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

P&L ownership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

MS Project

BIM360

Bluebeam

Job description

Controls PM - Data Center - Chesterton, IN

This position is also available in: Des Moines IA, Cedar Rapids IA, Ft Collins CO, Richmond VA, Ashburn VA, Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, or Austin TX.

Our client is an established general contractor specializing in converting existing buildings and structures into complex data center projects. They provide a complete life cycle of solutions custom-fit to their client's mission‑critical facility requirements. This role offers career‑growth with exciting projects in leading‑edge technology and innovation, competitive salaries and benefits.

We are seeking a Controls Project Manager to lead and act as the point of contact on controls/automation‑focused construction projects for hyperscale, colo, and enterprise data centers. The ideal candidate will have experience integrating BMS/BAS/EPMS with HVAC/Mechanical/Electrical retrofits, overseeing automation and controls project teams, and interfacing with electrical and mechanical trades from design/build through commissioning and integration. This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, P&L ownership, and execution of complex construction projects in live mission‑critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi‑site, hyperscale data center automation programs ranging from 20 MW to 200+ MW
• Oversee all phases of construction execution, from design‑assist through integrated systems testing (IST) and owner turnover
• Manage field teams and subcontractors on BMS, EPMS, PLC/SCADA, and automation scopes
• Manage BAS/Controls with electrical power monitoring (EPMS), distributed control systems (DCS), fire‑life‑safety, and DCIM platforms
• Coordinate site logistics, factory witness testing, procurement, installation, systems/equipment integration, commissioning/IST, and startup activities
• Develop detailed build sequences, integrate prefabrication and modular deployment strategies to meet speed‑to‑market goals
• Drive program financials including P&L ownership, value tracking, forecasts, change orders, contingency planning, etc.
• Chair weekly meetings with owners, general contractors, trades, and commissioning agents to align milestones and resolve issues
• Respond to RFPs/RFIs/RFQs and manage any change orders and negotiate adjustments
• Maintain safety, quality, and reliability across all scopes; ensure compliance with project procedures and regulatory requirements
• Develop and submit MOPs, SOPs, EOPs, and project documentation
• Utilize Procore, Primavera P6, MS Project, BIM360, and cost management platforms for reporting and tracking
• Contribute to innovation by integrating AI tools, BIM, and data analytics for continuous process improvement
• Mentor assistant PMs and project engineers; lead standardization efforts across the organization

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience delivering large‑scale mission‑critical controls or automation project management
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field OR equivalent military/industry experience
• Experience with projects with 25‑75 MW data center builds is a plus
• Proven track record managing $2MM–$200MM+ data center construction projects from design through commissioning (level 4 / level 5)
• Deep knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BMS/BAS), EPMS, and industrial controls platforms like Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, Ignition, Niagara, etc.
• Familiarity with integrated systems testing (IST), NFPA 70E, Uptime Institute Tier III/IV standards, and owner design guides
• Experience managing projects in live mission‑critical environments, including retrofits and system integrations
• MOP and SOP development, and turnover documentation (GxP or mission‑critical equivalent)
• Strong understanding of MEP, SCADA, DCIM, and control system sequencing and functionality
• Experience with protocols including BACnet, Modbus, OPC‑UA, Fieldbus, Profibus
• PMP certification or other relevant credentials is a plus
• Solid client‑facing and communication skills; ability to interface with internal and external stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong administrative and documentation capabilities
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Primavera P6, Procore, BIM 360, Bluebeam, and project scheduling tools
• Willingness to travel up to 20‑50% to project sites as needed
• Previous experience in the military or military veterans in all branches with electrical/mechanical experience is a huge plus

Benefits

Competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan.

EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V