Staff Engineer - Data Center Modeling & MPC

Johnson Controls•Avenue, MD

3d•$130,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Staff Engineer in Data Center Modeling & MPC, you will lead the development of advanced thermal models, digital twins, and optimization algorithms that drive next‑generation cooling control strategies for high‑density data centers. You will architect and implement Model Predictive Control (MPC) frameworks, develop constrained optimization routines, and design algorithms that improve energy efficiency, reliability, and thermal stability across air‑side and water‑side cooling systems. This role requires deep expertise in dynamic modeling, control theory, and system‑level engineering. You will operate with considerable autonomy and serve as a technical leader within the team. This position is 100% on‑site at our new Controls Product Development Center and Lab in Glendale, WI, where you’ll collaborate closely with cross‑disciplinary teams and work hands‑on with real products. The role may include up to 20% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred
10+ years of experience in control systems, modeling, or algorithm development
Expertise in MPC, constrained optimization, and state‑space control
Strong background in system identification and dynamic modeling
Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Python (NumPy, SciPy, etc.)
Experience with thermal systems, HVAC, or data‑center cooling
Ability to work independently with considerable latitude
Excellent communication skills and ability to represent engineering across department

Nice To Haves

Experience with digital twins and reinforcement learning for control
Familiarity with PHM, FMEA, and reliability engineering
Experience deploying control algorithms to embedded or edge platforms
Knowledge of data‑center operations, CRAH/CRAC systems, liquid cooling, or heat‑rejection systems
Experience leading technical teams or initiatives

Responsibilities

Develop dynamic thermal models and digital twins for data‑center cooling systems
Design and implement MPC algorithms with hard/soft constraints, disturbance models, and safety envelopes
Perform system identification and state-space modeling
Develop state estimation algorithms and observers
Implement classical control techniques (PID, anti-windup, feed-forward, bumpless transfer)
Optimize control strategies for air-side and water-side cooling equipment
Collaborate with embedded and IoT teams to deploy algorithms on edge platforms
Use MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow/Simscape and Python scientific tools for modeling and simulation
Lead algorithm validation through simulation, lab testing, and field pilots
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
Contribute to long-range planning for algorithmic capabilities and product evolution