Controls Project Manager - Data Center Construction

Gilder Search Group; Chesterton (IN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Competitive salaries

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Controls Project Manager to lead and act as the primary contact on controls and automation-focused construction projects for hyperscale data centers. This role involves integrating BMS/BAS/EPMS with HVAC, overseeing automation teams, and coordinating with electrical and mechanical trades from design through commissioning.

You will manage 20 MW to 200+ MW programs across multiple sites, drive P&L, and ensure safety and quality while delivering on-time,

Qualifications

• 5+ years delivering large-scale mission-critical controls or automation projects.
• Experience with 25-75 MW data center builds is a plus.
• Proven track record managing multi-million-dollar projects through commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of BMS/BAS, EPMS, and industrial controls platforms.
• Experience in live mission-critical environments and IST is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site hyperscale data center automation programs.
• Oversee construction phases from design through IST and turnover.
• Manage field teams and subcontractors on BMS/EPMS/SCADA scopes.
• Coordinate with electrical/mechanical trades and safety standards.
• Drive program financials, change orders, and forecasting.
• Mentor junior PMs and standardize organizational practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

P&L ownership

Project coordination

Field team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Equivalent military/industry experience

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

MS Project

BIM360

Bluebeam

Job description

Controls Automation PM - Data Center - Chesterton, IN

This opportunity is with an established General Contractor that specializes in converting existing Buildings and Structures into complex buildings / industrial complexes and is looking to expand its foothold even further into the Critical Facilities Market. Our client is taking their expertise and focus and applying it towards brownfield data center projects - which is the process for converting an existing building to a data center for the Hyperscale, Colo or Enterprise Marketplace. This company will provide a complete life cycle of solutions that will be custom-fit to the requirements of their client's mission-critical facility. This opportunity provides a career-growth minded role with exciting projects with leading-edge technology and innovation as well as 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, 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 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, Siemens, 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 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 / Military veterans in all branches that have experience with Electrical / Mechanical is a huge plus (Navy Nukes - EMN, ETN, MMNs, Seabees; Army - Power Generation; Air Force – Power Production; Generator Techs; Maritime; Coast Guard; etc.)

Company offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance, a 401(k) plan

EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V