Data Center Controls Engineer — BMS/EPMS, Hands-on Role

OpenAI, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a Data Center Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission control systems for high-density AI data centers. You will work hands-on with PLCs, field devices, and sequences of operation, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, IT, and operations teams to turn design requirements into reliable, tested systems.

The role focuses on implementing and commissioning control systems, including PLCs and field devices, rather than OT/IT network architecture.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience programming, configuring, integrating, or commissioning control systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and control logic.
• Experience in either BMS/mechanical controls or EPMS/electrical controls.
• Ability to read control diagrams, I/O lists, and documentation; maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Program and configure PLCs and control systems for mechanical/BMS or electrical/EPMS applications.
• Implement and test sequences of operation, control logic, alarms, and interlocks.
• Review and maintain controls documentation, diagrams, I/O lists, and commissioning records.
• Integrate field devices, sensors, instrumentation, equipment controllers, and supervisory systems; validate communications and data quality.
• Maintain control programs, backups, version history, and change records for safe commissioning and operations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, IT/networking, cybersecurity, and operations teams to resolve integration issues and implement OT connectivity.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communications (BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus, OPC UA, IEC 61850).
• Work with integrators, vendors, and commissioning teams to resolve issues and perform testing.
• Execute factory and site acceptance testing, point checks, sequence verification, and integrated systems testing.

Skills

PLC programming

Control logic

Sequences of operation

I/O mapping

Field devices integration

Troubleshooting

OT networking basics

Reading diagrams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls or Automation Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

BACnet/IP

BACnet MS/TP

Modbus TCP/RTU

OPC UA

IEC 61850

Job description

OpenAI is seeking a Data Center Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission control systems for high-density AI data centers. You will work hands-on with PLCs, field devices, and sequences of operation, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, IT, and operations teams to turn design requirements into reliable, tested systems.

The role focuses on implementing and commissioning control systems, including PLCs and field devices, rather than OT/IT network architecture.