Principal Instrumentation and Control Engineer - Security & Controls, Data Centers

Job Description

The Principal I&C Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the development, governance, and delivery of industrial automation, control systems, SCADA, EPMS, BMS, PLC/DCS, and OT/IT network solutions for mission-critical data center projects worldwide. The role requires extensive experience in control architectures, industrial networks, instrumentation, energy management, critical infrastructure monitoring, cybersecurity, and high-availability operations. Its primary focus is Industrial Automation, SCADA, EPMS, Control Integration, and Operational Technology rather than conventional building management or physical security systems. The engineer leads the complete system lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through FAT/SAT, commissioning, integrated testing, and operational support.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority for I&C and OT systems on critical data center projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, automation specialists, and technology suppliers.
• Establish engineering standards, design methodologies, quality requirements, and reusable control system frameworks.
• Lead design reviews, peer reviews, assurance programs, and major technical decisions.
• Develop and review design criteria, cause-and-effect matrices, I/O lists, control narratives, and sequences of operation.
• Plan FAT, SAT, commissioning, and Integrated Systems Testing activities.
• Manage operational, resilience, safety, and OT cybersecurity risks, including FMEA and failure-recovery strategies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies for SCADA, EPMS, industrial automation, OT systems, and digital infrastructure.
• Define high-availability SCADA, PLC/DCS, EPMS, and BMS architectures, including control hierarchy, segmentation, redundancy, failover, and disaster recovery.
• Lead the integration of BMS, EPMS, DCIM, SCADA, and equipment controllers for UPS, generators, switchgear, chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, VFDs, and other critical systems.
• Develop design bases, schematics, detailed engineering, construction documentation, and system interface requirements.
• Specify PLC/DCS hardware and software, IEC 61131-3 programming standards, HMI, alarms, historian, trends, and reporting requirements.
• Produce and review P&IDs, logic diagrams, single-line diagrams, control loops, network architectures, signal lists, cabling, and technical specifications.
• Select and specify sensors, transmitters, analyzers, meters, actuators, control valves, leak detectors, energy meters, and intelligent field devices.
• Define accuracy, metrological class, reliability, maintainability, calibration, interlocking, functional safety, and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
• Develop instrument indexes, data sheets, connection drawings, installation details, and instrumentation standards.
• Design control cabinets, cable routing, grounding, lightning protection, and interfaces with fire and security systems.
• Evaluate manufacturers and technologies for suitability in mission-critical environments.
• Design resilient Layer 2/3 OT networks, including ring topologies, VLANs, QoS, redundancy, and NTP/PTP time synchronization.
• Specify and validate protocols such as Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, BACnet/IP, DNP3, IEC 61850, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MQTT, and SNMP.
• Define gateways, protocol conversion, data mapping, interoperability, and third-party equipment integration.
• Integrate SCADA, PLC/DCS, EPMS, BMS, DCIM, CMMS, EMS, IED, OEM, and enterprise platforms.
• Apply ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST 800-82 principles, including zones and conduits, hardening, identity management, allowlisting, patching, monitoring, logging, backup, and recovery.
• Develop monitoring and control solutions for electrical distribution, switchgear, generators, ATS, UPS, battery storage, cooling plants, refrigeration, water treatment, fuel systems, mechanical infrastructure, utilities, and environmental systems.
• Design and optimize sequences for generators, UPS, switchgear, PDU/RPP, CRAH/CRAC units, chilled-water systems, economization, cooling towers, and thermal containment.
• Integrate EPMS functions for power quality, harmonics, transients, load management, and energy performance, as well as BMS functions for environmental conditions and efficiency.
• Define alarm philosophies, operating indicators, reports, analytics, predictive monitoring, and operational intelligence.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Tier requirements, electrical and safety codes, redundancy strategies, resilience, and maintainability without operational disruption.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in Industrial Automation, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, SCADA, PMS, PLC, DCS and OT/IT systems.
• Advanced English level B2
• Proven experience designing control system architectures for mission-critical facilities, industrial plants, utility infrastructures, or data centers.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit and industrial automation engineering tools.
• Proven experience in carrying out large-scale critical infrastructure projects.
• Extensive experience in control system architecture, industrial networks and real-time monitoring and control systems.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in international and multidisciplinary project environments.

Preferred Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in Industrial Automation, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, SCADA, PMS, PLC, DCS and OT/IT systems.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex technical programs.
• Strong knowledge of critical data center infrastructure and operational requirements.
• Direct experience in the design, commissioning, and operations of Tier III and IV data centers.
• Advanced English proficiency with the ability to communicate effectively with international clients, contractors, and engineering teams.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for a work permit in Colombia is not available for this position, either now or in the future.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.