Lead Automation & Controls Technician

About Vantage

Vantage 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 Department

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 Ashburn, VA in alignment with our flexible work policy. (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible). We are interviewing for a Automation & Controls Technician OR Lead Automation & Controls Technician for our Ashburn, VA campuses. Through the process of the interviews, we will determine at which level to hire based on the skills presented and verified.

Vantage is seeking a hands-on and technically capable Lead Automation and Controls Technician or 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

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%, 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 job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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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#LI-Hybrid

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Vantage 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.

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!