Automation Design Engineer, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating 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 Group

The Automation Systems Group is responsible for the design, construction and support of cutting-edge data center automation and control infrastructure. The department collaborates with Operations, Sales, Engineering, Information Technology and Management to ensure the system continues to fulfill Vantage customer requirements. Automation Systems works closely with partner contractors to come up with the best design and helps manage these partners to success by providing accurate requirements, goals, and timelines. In addition to design and construction, we are also responsible for the technical requirements of the Operations department involving troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing mission critical control systems throughout all Vantage locations.  

Position Overview

This role is remote U.S. based.

Vantage is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Automation Design Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of control systems for both new construction and existing mission-critical data center infrastructure. This role emphasizes electrical design, PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley), and automation system integration, while collaborating closely with senior engineers and cross-functional project teams.

In this position, you will review mechanical and electrical drawings, sequences of operation, and P&IDs to develop and refine control system designs, PLC logic, and HMI/visualization applications. You will create and maintain AutoCAD-based electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams to support project execution and standardization efforts.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborate with Design, Engineering, Construction, Reliability Engineering, Site Operations, and Automation Engineering team members to implement and sustain automation solutions

• Support troubleshooting and resolution of automation system issues under guidance of senior engineers

• Develop automation logic and visualization applications based on project documentation including drawings, sequences of operation, bills of material, and instrumentation diagrams

• Review mechanical/electrical drawings, P&IDs, and sequences of operation to translate requirements into automation logic

• Support new system installations as well as upgrades to existing, live mission-critical environments

• Assist with system commissioning, startup, and validation to ensure proper functionality and performance

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, and operations stakeholders

• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design packages, programming standards, and test procedures

• Implement reusable logic and standardized automation components as defined by the team

• Provide technical support and guidance to field technicians and operations teams

• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

• Working knowledge of the Ignition (Inductive Automation) SCADA platform

• Three to five years of experience in industrial automation SCADA development

• Data center experience preferred but not required

• Understanding of automation systems including control loops, field I/O, and industrial control system fundamentals

• Experience with industrial PLC platforms, including Rockwell Automation, Carel, or similar systems

• Familiarity with version control systems and software development best practices preferred

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and follow defined technical standards

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or a similar role

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for electrical design, including control panel layouts and schematics

• Hands-on experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC programming (Studio 5000, RSLogix 500/5000)

• Experience developing HMI/SCADA systems (Ignition preferred)

• Strong understanding of electrical systems, control panels, instrumentation, and industrial automation components

• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and sequences of operation

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, etc.)

• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in live or mission-critical environments

• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NFPA, UL, NEC, etc.)

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams

• Travel required up to approximately 25%, with potential variation based on business needs

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.

Additional Details 

• Salary Range: $115k – $125k + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits. 

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. 

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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 an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that 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.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!