Controls Systems SME 2
Location: Spartanburg, SC

Overview

This organization is backed by dedicated leadership and investment, with a clear mission as it operates at the bleeding edge of technology. Its goal is to scale and enhance high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud infrastructure that supports clients' research, production, and delivery, enabling breakthroughs that shape the industries of tomorrow. Its engineers build critical infrastructure to eliminate friction in scientific research, simulations, analysis, and decision-making, accelerating discovery and driving faster innovation.

The Controls, Automation, and Integration Subject Matter Expert (SME) is the on-site technical authority responsible for the hands-on support, operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of control, automation, and integration systems within a High-Performance Compute Center ("HPCC") environment.

Reporting to the HPCC Controls, Automation, and Integration Manager, this role serves as a technical authority at the system and field level, supporting Building Management Systems (BMS), SCADA, DCIM, PLCs, and site automation platforms that enable reliable, efficient, and scalable mission-critical operations. The SME plays a key role in ensuring seamless integration between data center control systems and onsite generating station controls, supporting synchronized operation across IT, OT, and power generation environments.

Key Responsibilities

System Operations & Support
- Operate, monitor, and support BMS, SCADA, DCIM, PLC, and site automation systems across the HPCC environment.
- Serve as the technical escalation point for control system alarms, abnormal behavior, integration faults, and performance degradation.
- Troubleshoot control logic, field devices, communications networks, and IT/OT integrations to restore stable operations.
- Support integration between HPCC infrastructure controls and onsite generating station systems, including generator controls, protective relays, and load transfer automation.

Validation & Testing
- Validate automated sequences, interlocks, failover logic, signal mapping, and system communications.
- Participate in commissioning, functional testing, and acceptance activities for new systems and modifications; execute standardized test scripts and verify results.
- Support software, firmware, and configuration changes under formal change management processes and validate system performance following updates.

Risk, Incidents & Documentation
- Identify risks associated with integrations or system modifications and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Assist in incident response, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and documentation to reduce repeat failures.
- Maintain accurate documentation including control drawings, I/O lists, logic descriptions, network diagrams, and change records.

Standards & Collaboration
- Ensure alignment with applicable standards and best practices (NFPA, ASHRAE, ISA/IEC, cybersecurity frameworks).
- Support OT cybersecurity hygiene in coordination with IT and security teams.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Facilities, Operations, Commissioning, and IT/OT teams to maintain reliable and scalable system performance.
- Provide technical guidance, knowledge transfer, and support to operators and technical staff.

Required Experience

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; or equivalent hands-on experience.
- 6–9+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or OT systems in mission-critical or industrial environments.
- Strong hands-on experience with BMS, SCADA, PLC platforms, and IT/OT integration.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and MQTT.
- Experience supporting controls systems across construction, commissioning, and live operations.
- Knowledge of relevant codes and standards including NFPA 70/70E, ASHRAE, ISA/IEC, and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, 24/7 mission-critical environments.