Data Center Automation Specialist

Vantage Data Centers is dedicated to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect, and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another's experience.

As a leading provider of data center solutions, we power, cool, protect, and connect the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers, and large enterprises. With operations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Automation Systems Department

The Automation Systems Group is responsible for designing, constructing, and supporting groundbreaking data center automation and control infrastructure. This department collaborates with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Information Technology, and Management to ensure the system continues to fulfill Vantage customer requirements. The team works closely with partner contractors to develop the best design and helps lead these partners to success by providing accurate requirements, goals, and timelines. Our responsibilities extend beyond design and construction to include fixing, calibrating, and repairing control systems for the Operations department at all Vantage locations.

Job Overview

This role is based on-site in Ashburn, VA, aligning with our flexible work policy (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible).

The Automation and Controls Technician is responsible for ensuring the overall functional health of critical monitoring and control systems. Requirements for this position include full familiarity with control systems arrangements and control components for Power and Cooling systems from the field component to the integrated systems level. Our team understands the functions of direct control devices and logic controllers as well as the extended effects of failure of those devices in the larger context of systems automation. You will have a familiarity with sensors and monitoring devices and the ability to ensure data reliability, as well as act as an advisor to our Site Operations team, guiding technicians through effective troubleshooting. You will regularly collaborate with Engineering teams, Software Development teams, and Site Operations teams. You will be on call to resolve existing automation systems in a live, mission-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

Installation and Calibration:

Install, calibrate, and maintain electronic devices, instruments, and equipment such as transmitters, controllers, and sensors.

Perform tests and calibrations on instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Technical Support and Troubleshooting:

Provide full technical and troubleshooting support for Site Operations teams in response to control system failures, including the diagnosis and repair of malfunctions in PLC, network, instrumentation, and any other critical control system issues during an incident.

System Configuration and Maintenance:

Configure and adjust control systems and equipment according to production specifications.

Maintain accurate records of maintenance, calibration, and repair activities.

Work with innovative automation systems from large-scale industrial controls vendors.

Safety and Compliance:

Align with all safety rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.

Ensure data communications from monitored systems remain intact, and data is properly collected and stored.

Collaboration and Feedback:

Work with Engineering and Construction teams to ensure the reliability of new and modified installations.

Provide system reliability feedback to Design Engineering teams for future design considerations.

Collaborate with members of the Reliability Engineering team and Site Operations team for sustaining existing automation architecture.

Data Analysis and Improvement:

Analyze and process system-collected data and recommend improvements to site operations and maintenance strategies.

Perform Root-Cause Failure Analysis and facilitate corrective actions.

System Upgrades and Maintenance Programs:

Perform system component upgrades to ensure reliability and combat obsolescence.

Design maintenance programs to minimize control systems maintenance complexity and reduce maintenance downtime.

Site Response Procedures and Training:

Design appropriate site response procedures based on potential control system failures.

Ensure Site Teams are proficient with Building Management Systems and control system operations.

Additional Duties:

Handle additional duties as assigned by Management.

Participate in a rotating, 24/7/365 on-call team of Automation Technicians, responding to high-priority incidents related to building automation.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

3-5 years of experience in Industrial Automation required.

Data Center experience is strongly preferred but not required.

Skills:

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of automation systems (control loops, field IO, etc.) in a mission-critical environment.

Knowledge of automation systems communication protocols is required, to include Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP, Modbus/RTU, and BACnet.

Advanced Knowledge of programming, to include Rockwell Automation software platform, is required.

Knowledge of industrial PLC systems manufactured by innovative, large-scale vendors.

Travel required is expected to be up to 25% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary of $80,000 per year, along with a comprehensive suite of health and welfare benefits exceeding local expectations. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and holidays.

Culture and Values

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with above-market total compensation packages.

How You Can Grow with Us

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training, and development. Your contribution adds value to the company and our community. Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.