Manager, Automation Development, 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 can be remote in the US.

Vantage is looking for an ambitious, detail-oriented, hands-on Manager of Automation Development to lead the development of building automation solutions for new and existing data center facilities. This role is responsible for managing a team of automation developers to deliver projects while owning the automation codebase, development standards, and quality assurance processes. The Manager, Automation Development enables Construction and Operations teams through standardized, tested automation platforms, frameworks, and control strategies deployed across North America campuses. This role provides hands-on technical leadership across PLC, BMS, and SCADA development, including Ignition development, data models, and integration patterns, ensuring solutions are production-ready and aligned with company standards.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead automation development efforts that align with company strategy, standards, and long‑term operational needs

• Own automation development standards, coding practices, libraries, and reference architectures

• Provide hands‑on technical leadership in PLC, BMS, and SCADA development, including code reviews, technical design reviews, and QA processes

• Ensure automation solutions are tested, validated, and ready for production release

• Drive standardization and reuse of automation solutions to reduce site‑specific variability

• Manage internal and external development resources to deliver high‑quality automation code and solutions

• Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, IT, and vendor partners to ensure automation solutions meet operational and project requirements

• Provide leadership in troubleshooting and root cause analysis related to automation development and code quality

• Lead and manage staff, including performance management, mentoring, career development, and capability building within the automation development team

Duties

• Collaborate with Design Engineering, Construction, Procurement, Reliability Engineering, and Site Operations teams throughout project lifecycles to support automation development needs

• Review project submittals and drawings to ensure automation designs align with development standards and control strategies

• Provide development support during commissioning and startup activities by assisting with code validation, issue resolution, and system readiness

• Develop and execute implementation plans for automation development initiatives supporting new and existing facilities

• Develop and manage task prioritization and scheduling for development resources and project timelines

• Contribute to the creation and improvement of automation development documentation and standards

• Support procurement and construction coordination as needed to ensure successful deployment of developed automation solutions

• Participate in roadmap planning, backlog prioritization, and continuous improvement of automation platforms and development processes

Job Requirements

• 5–7 years of experience in automation and controls, with emphasis on automation development

• Proven success in developing PLC, BMS, and SCADA solutions, including Ignition development

• Experience owning or contributing to automation standards, codebases, and quality processes

• Experience leading and mentoring automation developers and technical teams

• Working knowledge of structured development workflows, testing practices, and version control

• Ability to provide hands‑on technical leadership and architectural guidance

• Proficiency with MS Office and MS SharePoint

• Travel required is expected to be approximately 15%, but may vary as business needs evolve

Additional Details 

• 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!