Principal Product Controls Engineering Manager

Principal Product Controls Engineering Manager

Tract Capital adopts a unique approach to digital infrastructure investment. Leveraging experience and strategic insights honed over three decades of creating successful companies in the space, we excel in nurturing and advancing leading-edge digital infrastructure enterprises. Our team of specialized experts are united by a singular purpose: to support the growth of digital infrastructure. Tract Capital goes beyond simple investment by acting as a strategic partner and catalyst for innovation within the sector.

We ensure our engagements not only generate strong financial results but also develop essential digital infrastructure to meet growing demands.

The Principal Product Controls Engineering Manager leads the controls strategy for advanced mechanical and electrical infrastructure in large-scale data centers, including cooling and power systems. This role drives control architecture and optimization to improve energy efficiency, capacity, and reliability, while developing AI‑driven capabilities for real‑time optimization, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance. You will lead a controls engineering team and partner across product, design, operations, and external stakeholders to scale solutions from concept to global deployment.

• Define controls roadmap, standards, and system architectures across products and sites
• Develop scalable sequence‑of‑operations frameworks and reusable control libraries
• Ensure integration with BMS, DCIM, and SCADA systems using secure, open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA)

• Lead design of control systems including PID loops, safety interlocks, redundancy, and operating sequences
• Translate mechanical and electrical requirements into control logic and embedded software
• Oversee controller configurations, I/O definitions, and functional specifications

• Improve PUE, thermal performance, and electrical efficiency
• Optimize capacity utilization and system reliability under varying conditions
• Implement model‑based and data‑driven controls using real‑time and forecasted inputs

• Develop predictive maintenance and anomaly detection capabilities
• Define data requirements and partner with data teams to build models
• Deploy AI‑driven solutions into real‑time or near‑real‑time environments with appropriate safeguards

• Establish testing frameworks (HIL/SIL), FAT/SAT procedures, and regression testing
• Define controls‑related quality standards and validation processes
• Lead root cause analysis and issue resolution during commissioning and early operations

• Partner with engineering, design, commissioning, and operations teams
• Work with vendors, OEMs, and integrators to align on controls requirements and cybersecurity standards
• Support compliance with applicable codes and safety requirements

• Build and lead a high‑performing controls engineering team
• Set technical standards and drive continuous improvement
• Strong background in control systems, industrial automation, and data center infrastructure (HVAC, cooling, power)
• Experience with optimization, data analysis, and performance improvement
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence technical decisions
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, or related field
• 10+ years of controls engineering experience, with at least 5 years in data centers, HVAC, or power systems
• Experience designing and implementing controls for complex mechanical and electrical systems
• Track record of improving system performance, efficiency, or reliability
• Experience leading projects or teams from concept through operations
• Hands‑on experience with PLCs, embedded controls, or BMS/DDC platforms
• Knowledge of protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA, and industrial networking
• Familiarity with data tools such as Python, SQL, or…