Principal Engineer Data Center Controls

Working at Knobelsdorff (KE) Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions. Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with KE means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work. If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you. Job Purpose This role supports KE Automation's Data Center team by providing senior technical expertise for complex data center controls projects. You'll be responsible for developing detailed controls designs, resolving complex integration challenges, reviewing engineering deliverables, and supporting commissioning and project handover. Success in this role means delivering high-quality, coordinated controls solutions across BMS, EPMS, PLC, SCADA, and network interfaces while mentoring fellow engineers and upholding KE's commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in technical excellence, enjoys solving complex problems, and thrives in a fast-moving environment, this position is built for you.

What You'll Do
You'll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:
• Develop coordinated controls designs based on customer requirements and established project architectures, including control narratives, operating sequences, point schedules, and interface specifications.
• Perform detailed PLC and supervisory-system design, programming, and integration for complex controls packages.
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration challenges across building management systems, power monitoring systems, controllers, and associated networks.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, software designs, equipment submissions, and other technical deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain consistent engineering standards for naming, alarming, graphics, interfaces, documentation, and system configuration.
• Evaluate system failure and recovery scenarios, including communication interruptions, device faults, and restart behavior.
• Prepare and review factory and site acceptance testing documentation and support commissioning and integrated systems testing.
• Lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, identifying solutions and coordinating approved corrective changes.
• Support technical estimates, supplier evaluations, proposals, and project planning by identifying design assumptions, dependencies, and potential risks.
• Mentor and support fellow engineers through technical reviews, workshops, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, software versions, configuration records, and as-built information to support project turnover and ongoing service needs. Qualifications What You Bring You're Someone Who Shows Up Ready To Work Hard, Learn Fast, And Contribute To a Team That Takes Pride In Doing Things Right. Successful Candidates Typically Bring
• 10+ years of experience in controls or automation engineering, including at least 3 years of direct data center controls experience.
• Previous experience working as a Principal Engineer, Lead Engineer, or in a senior technical leadership capacity on data center controls projects.
• A degree in electrical, controls, automation, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent technical education and practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing, integrating, testing, and handing over complex controls systems and engineering packages.
• Strong PLC programming and BMS or SCADA engineering capabilities, with practical understanding of EPMS integration and industrial communications.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical controls documentation, network layouts, and sequences of operation.
• Experience reviewing engineering deliverables, developing technical documentation, and maintaining configuration control.
• Practical experience with resilient controls systems, commissioning, troubleshooting, and safe change management in critical environments.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and coordinate across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to mentor and provide constructive technical feedback to fellow engineers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel up to 50%. Pay Range We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in. Pay Range: $161,754.00
- $180,691.00 Total Rewards Statement As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.
• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Typical Requirements May Include
• Perform computer-based work for extended periods, including reviewing project plans, schedules, reports, and technical documentation.
• Participate in meetings and site reviews that may involve periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Navigate manufacturing facilities and customer project sites, including stairs and uneven surfaces, as required.
• Occasionally carry a laptop, project documents, and other materials needed for meetings or site visits.
• Use required personal protective equipment when visiting manufacturing or project-site locations.
• Travel to customer and project locations as needed, potentially up to 50%. Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at HR@KEway.com. Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) KE is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: EEO is the Law (English/Spanish). KE E-Verify KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters. If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we'll work with you.