Lead Automation & Controls Technician, NA

About Vantage Data Centers

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, Construction, 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 based on-site in Goodyear AZ in alignment with our flexible work policy. (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible).

Vantage is seeking a hands-on and technically capable Lead Automation and Controls Technician to support the daily operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial automation systems across its data center portfolio. This role is responsible for executing automation tasks, assisting with system diagnostics, and ensuring the reliable performance of PLCs, HMIs, and related control infrastructure. The Automation and Controls Technician will work closely with Senior Specialists, Developers, and Operations teams to maintain system integrity and contribute to continuous improvement efforts. This position is ideal for an experienced automation and controls technician with a strong interest in industrial controls and a desire to grow within a mission-critical environment.

Essential Job Functions

System Monitoring and Support

• Monitor automation systems for power and cooling infrastructure across assigned data center sites
• Assist in diagnosing and resolving issues related to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and field devices
• Escalate complex issues to senior team members and support root-cause analysis efforts

Routine Maintenance and Execution

• Perform routine checks, firmware updates, and basic configuration changes on control systems
• Support the deployment of automation systems during construction and retrofit projects
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation for control systems, wiring diagrams, and device configurations

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with Senior Specialists and Developers to implement automation changes and enhancements
• Coordinate with Operations teams to ensure systems meet performance and reliability expectations
• Communicate technical observations and status updates clearly to team members

Data Collection and System Logging

• Collect operational data from automation systems for reporting and analysis
• Ensure proper system logging and data integrity across platforms
• Assist in identifying trends or anomalies in system performance

Compliance and Safety

• Follow established protocols for system access, change management, and safety procedures
• Ensure automation systems comply with internal standards and external regulations
• Participate in audits and inspections as needed

Additional Duties

• Handle additional responsibilities as assigned by Automation Leadership
• Support the broader team across the Vantage Portfolio
• Train Site-Ops personnel how to use the BMS platform for critical facility system monitoring
• Create Controls Architecture Documents to include Networking Topology & IP Scheme for new data centers
• Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in Industrial Automation required, 5 to 7 years preferred
• Data Center experience is strongly preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of automation systems (control loops, field IO, etc.) in a mission critical environment
• Advanced Knowledge of PLC programming to include Rockwell Automation and Carel software platform is required
• Knowledge of industrial PLC and SCADA systems manufactured by leading edge, large-scale vendors
• Travel required is expected to be 25 to 50%, but may increase over time as the business evolves

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 jo