Principal Product Controls Engineering Manager

Position Overview:
The Principal Product Controls Engineering Manager leads the controls strategy for advanced mechanical and electrical infrastructure in large-scale data centers including cooling and power systems. This role drives control architecture and optimization to improve energy efficiency capacity and reliability while developing AI-driven capabilities for real-time optimization anomaly detection and predictive maintenance. You will lead a controls engineering team and partner across product design operations and external stakeholders to scale solutions from concept to global deployment.

Key Responsibilities:
Controls Strategy & Architecture

• Define controls roadmap standards and system architectures across products and sites
• Develop scalable sequence-of-operations frameworks and reusable control libraries
• Ensure integration with BMS DCIM and SCADA systems using secure open protocols (BACnet Modbus OPC UA)

Product Controls Development

• Lead design of control systems including PID loops safety interlocks redundancy and operating sequences
• Translate mechanical and electrical requirements into control logic and embedded software
• Oversee controller configurations I/O definitions and functional specifications

Optimization of Infrastructure

• Improve PUE thermal performance and electrical efficiency
• Optimize capacity utilization and system reliability under varying conditions
• Implement model-based and data-driven controls using real-time and forecasted inputs

AI & Predictive Solutions

• Develop predictive maintenance and anomaly detection capabilities
• Define data requirements and partner with data teams to build models
• Deploy AI-driven solutions into real-time or near-real-time environments with appropriate safeguards

Testing Validation & Quality

• Establish testing frameworks (HIL/SIL) FAT/SAT procedures and regression testing
• Define controls-related quality standards and validation processes
• Lead root cause analysis and issue resolution during commissioning and early operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering design commissioning and operations teams
• Work with vendors OEMs and integrators to align on controls requirements and cybersecurity standards
• Support compliance with applicable codes and safety requirements

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a high-performing controls engineering team
• Set technical standards and drive continuous improvement
• Provide leadership across multiple concurrent projects

Key Competencies:

• Strong background in control systems industrial automation and data center infrastructure (HVAC cooling power)
• Experience with optimization data analysis and performance improvement
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence technical decisions
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Mechanical Controls or related field
• 10 years of controls engineering experience with at least 5 years in data centers HVAC or power systems
• Experience designing and implementing controls for complex mechanical and electrical systems
• Track record of improving system performance efficiency or reliability
• Experience leading projects or teams from concept through operations
• Hands-on experience with PLCs embedded controls or BMS/DDC platforms
• Knowledge of protocols such as BACnet Modbus OPC UA and industrial networking
• Familiarity with data tools such as Python SQL or MATLAB

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in engineering controls AI or data science
• Experience in hyperscale or colocation data centers
• Background in air- or liquid-cooled systems and their control strategies
• Experience implementing AI/ML in operational environments
• Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity practices
• Experience managing vendors or third-party partners

Additional Information:

• 2540% travel to sites labs and partner facilities
• Work across office lab manufacturing and construction environments
• Competitive compensation and full benefits package

Expected Salary Range: $300000 - $350000 Discretionary Bonus

Tract Capital Employment

Tract Capital employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including 100% employer-covered medical dental and vision insurance a 401K program standard paid holidays and unlimited PTO.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organizations ongoing needs.

Tract Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age race color religion sex national origin sexual orientation gender identity disability or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions please contact us at.

Required Experience:

Manager