Director of Data Center Controls

3M HEALTHCARE; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls International plc. seeks a visionary Data Center Controls Director to shape the strategy, design, and optimization of advanced control systems across the thermal cooling chain.

You will lead a team of controls and software engineers to develop cutting‑edge hardware and software solutions that improve reliability and deliver measurable energy outcomes for next‑generation data centers. You will define global control architectures (BMS, DCIM, PLC integration), drive AI/ML‑based

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Strong track record leading teams and delivering energy savings through controls optimization.
• Expertise with BMS, DCIM, PLC programming, and systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the global architecture for data center control systems (BMS, DDCs, PLCs).
• Develop and implement advanced control strategies for thermal cooling to deliver power savings.
• Collaborate with IT to integrate controls with data analytics platforms for real‑time insights.
• Optimize BMS/DCIM platforms for energy efficiency and reliability.
• Develop software to drive the controls strategy for system optimization.
• Lead AI/ML‑based control algorithms for dynamic IT load and cooling optimization.
• Mentor and grow a team of controls engineers and technicians.
• Present performance reports, energy savings metrics, and ROI to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Data center controls

Energy modeling

Data analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

BMS

DCIM

PLC programming

Control system integration

Job description

Johnson Controls is seeking a visionary and results‑driven leader to shape the future of data center efficiency. As the Data Center Controls Director, you will define and drive the strategy, design, and optimization of advanced control systems across the entire thermal cooling chain—from chip to ambient. Your work will directly improve operational performance and unlock meaningful power savings for data center operators worldwide. In this highly visible leadership role, you will inspire and lead a talented team of controls and software engineers and technical specialists. Together, you will develop cutting‑edge hardware and software solutions that optimize operating conditions, enhance reliability, and deliver measurable energy and sustainability outcomes for next‑generation data centers.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the global architecture for data center control systems that include BMS, DDCs, PLCs, etc.
• Develop and implement advanced control strategies for the thermal cooling chain in data centers to deliver operational power savings.
• Collaborate with data center operations and IT teams to integrate controls with data analytics platforms for real‑time insights to enable optimization.
• Optimize Building Management Systems (BMS) and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms for energy efficiency.
• Develop software that drives the controls strategy for system optimization.
• Drive adoption of AI/ML‑based control algorithms for dynamic IT load and cooling optimization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and continuously enhance solutions.
• Manage and mentor a team of controls engineers and technicians.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present performance reports, energy savings metrics, and ROI analyses to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in data center controls, building controls, or energy management.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering measurable energy savings through controls optimization.
• Expertise and knowledge in BMS, DCIM, PLC programming, and control system integration.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in energy modeling and data analytics.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Preferred: Data center industry experience.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non‑discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.