Controls SME - Design

Applied Digital; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Digital, based in Dallas, is expanding its datacenter development team and seeks a Controls Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead building automation design. You will craft BMS/EPMS architectures, control sequences, and verification plans for high-uptime HPC facilities.

Collaborating with designers, engineers, and contractors, you will ensure compliance with NFPA/IEEE, cybersecurity, and industry best practices while guiding commissioning and integration of complex control systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years designing controls/automation for data centers or mission-critical facilities.
• Proficiency in BMS/EPMS, PLC programming, and SCADA configuration tools.
• PE license preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Design detailed controls systems for data centers including BMS/EPMS networks and equipment sequences.
• Create technical specifications, points lists, and control narratives for contractors.
• Ensure designs comply with NFPA, IEEE, and cybersecurity/OT network requirements.
• Integrate, commission, and QA controls systems to maximize reliability and uptime.
• Coordinate with architects and engineers for seamless integration of controls with the overall design.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC programming

SCADA architectures

BMS configuration

EPMS configuration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering

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 Overview:

As we continue to expand and enhance our datacenter infrastructure, we are seeking aControls Subject Matter Expert (SME) to play a vital role in providing robust, reliable, and efficient building automation and controls solutions in service of our clients. As aControls SME on the Datacenter Development team, you will be responsible for overseeing the controls infrastructure designs in cooperation with our internal Design Managers and external consultants based on the established basis of design and constructability of our HPC data centers. This role supports the design team first with secondary support for construction and operations when necessary. Your role will encompass various aspects of controls systems, including Building Management Systems (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), DDC/PLC/SCADA architecture, and control sequences for mechanical and electrical plant equipment, to ensure the highest levels of reliability and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Design: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of APLD team members and consultants to develop detailed designs for the data center's controls systems, including BMS, EPMS, DDC/PLC/SCADA networks, and equipment control sequences, considering industry best practices and system resiliency.
• Technical Specifications: Participate in the creation of comprehensive technical specifications, points lists, and control narratives/sequences of operation that clearly outline system requirements for contractors and construction teams.
• Compliance: Ensure all controls designs comply with local building codes, industry standards, and regulations, including relevant NFPA, IEEE, and cybersecurity/OT network requirements.
• System Integration & Reliability: Incorporate robust integration architectures and redundancy practices into the design to minimize downtime risk and support target uptime for the data center.
• Vendor Selection: Participate in the evaluation and selection of vendors and suppliers for controls hardware, software platforms, and network components, considering quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks associated with controls system designs (including failure modes, cybersecurity exposure, and single points of failure) and develop mitigation plans to ensure data center reliability.
• Project Coordination: Coordinate with architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of controls systems with the overall data center design.
• Documentation Control: Maintain accurate records of design changes, points lists, sequences of operation, and engineering documents throughout the project lifecycle.
• Quality Assurance: Provide technical support during the construction, commissioning, and integration of controls systems to ensure they meet design specifications and quality standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of proven experience designing controls/automation systems for data center or mission-critical facilities.
• Proficiency in controls engineering software, PLC programming platforms, and BMS/EPMS configuration tools.
• In-depth knowledge of BMS, EPMS, SCADA architecture, and mission-critical facility control sequences.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license is preferred, but not required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and project management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Travel: Up to 15%

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.