Mechanical Controls Engineer Data Centers

Gilder Search Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Competitive salaries

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Mechanical Controls Engineer in New York City, NY, to lead automation design for critical data center projects. The position emphasizes mentoring, engineering, and improving HVAC control systems, with responsibilities including programming, design reviews, and stakeholder communication.

This role requires a BA/BS in Engineering and 5–10+ years of related experience with competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience with building management systems.
• Data center engineering experience with automation and controls.
• Experience designing controls for critical HVAC equipment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate complex automation design teams and manage scopes.
• Mentor mechanical engineers on controls design.
• Lead design of HVAC controls systems.

Skills

Automation design

Programming logic

HVAC controls design

BMS/BCM/BAS systems

PLC/ALC programming

Effective communication

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Education

BA/BS in Engineering or a related field

Tools

Johnson Controls/JCI

Siemens

Automated Logic

Honeywell

GE Control Systems

Schneider Electric

Job description

Mechanical Controls Engineer Data Centers – New York City, NY

Our client is an engineering design and commissioning company specializing in MEP critical facilities design. They provide design, commissioning, consulting and project‑management expertise for Enterprise, Colocation and Hyperscale data center clients, emphasizing reliability, energy efficiency and LEED compliance.

This career‑growth opportunity includes exciting projects with leading‑edge technology and competitive salaries and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Execute and lead automation design teams on complex scopes, coordinating with other disciplines as needed.
• Mentor mechanical engineers and provide training on controls design and development.
• Design and implement front‑end platforms for HVAC controls.
• Develop and improve configuration, programming, networking and diagnostic standards.
• Engineer and implement programming logic.
• Lead creation and modification of programming logic to meet sequence of operations (SOO), Methods of Procedures (MOPs) and other operational requirements.
• Design control, monitoring and integration of HVAC and mechanical equipment systems.
• Maintain and deploy updated applications for existing control systems with minimal supervision.
• Work with leading‑edge automation systems from major controls vendors.
• Lead design of controls for centralized chilled water plans, condenser water plants, and similar systems.
• Review engineered shop drawings and submittals—sequence of operations, installation drawings and point lists.
• Participate in building automation focused design reviews.
• Assist in the design, configuration, programming, and diagnostics/troubleshooting of BAS networks.
• Understand IT/OT interface requirements, including routers, switches and network addressing.
• Assess, recommend and implement industry best practices in new and existing critical environment programs.
• Develop process documentation and training materials.
• Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders, subcontractors, project managers, AEs, controls vendors, GCs and commissioning agents on project progress.
• Assist in developing all project communication and reporting, including weekly progress reports.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Engineering or a related field (highly preferred).
• Licensed PE, EIT or relevant certifications (plus).
• Data center engineering experience with automation and controls.
• Experience integrating PLC/ALC with complex data center or mission‑critical facilities.
• 5–10+ years of experience with BMS/BCM/BAS systems.
• Previous experience with controls products from Johnson Controls/JCI, Siemens, Automated Logic, Honeywell, GE Control Systems, Schneider Electric or similar.
• Ability to read and audit one‑line drawings, blueprints, CAD drawings and control diagrams.
• PLC/ALC programming experience.
• Experience designing controls for critical HVAC equipment (chillers, air handlers, CRAC/CRAH units, boilers, etc.).
• Experience with common BAS protocols such as BACnet IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, etc.
• Skilled at reviewing design drawings and equipment submittals.
• Client‑facing experience; occasionally serve as primary client contact.
• Ability to work independently, self‑start and prioritize effectively.
• Effective communicator—both oral and written—across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proactive, resourceful, a delegator and multitasker.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and timely.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Superior analytical, planning and problem‑resolution skills.
• Must be able to provide proactive recommendations to clients.
• Knowledge of general computer hardware and software applications.
• Travel 5–10% if located near the job site.

Benefits

Competitive salaries, medical insurance, 401(k) plan and other benefits package.

Equal Opportunity

EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V