Automation & Controls Technician, NA

Vantage Data Centers•Santa Clara, CA

23h•$120,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. This role is based with a hybrid on-site schedule in San Jose CA 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.

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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
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