Lead Automation & Controls Technician, NA
Vantage Data Centers, San Antonio, TX, United States
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 San Antonio, TX 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.
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 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Recruitment Policy
Vantage Data Centers 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 Data Centers.
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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 San Antonio, TX 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.
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 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Recruitment Policy
Vantage Data Centers 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 Data Centers.
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