Data Center Controls Technician

As a member of the Global Controls Team, you will collaborate with highly motivated operators, engineers and technicians in the data center industry to maintain and optimize critical infrastructure systems. You will be responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining the Building Management System (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS) while developing new processes and standards that drive innovation in the controls space.

AWS data centers utilize sophisticated industrial control systems to automatically operate mechanical equipment, maintaining optimal temperature and pressure conditions throughout the facilities. These systems integrate and monitor multiple critical components, including generators, uninterruptible power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, variable frequency drives, automatic and static transfer switches, air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs), and air economizers. Within this industrial control system infrastructure, the BMS serves as the primary control platform for all mechanical systems within the data center, while the EPMS functions as the primary monitoring platform for all electrical systems. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in mission-critical environments while contributing to the reliability and efficiency of AWS's global infrastructure.

Key job responsibilities

Primarily work in and support multiple data centers by deploying, servicing, and upgrading BMS and EPMS systems.

Mentor and train Facilities team members on the operation and control of BMS and EPMS systems.

Manage small to medium-sized projects and programs.

Perform point-to-point checkouts between field devices and controllers.

Perform first-line diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of programming code and hardware associated with BMS and EPMS in data centers.

Execute provisioning processes for servers, controllers, industrial PCs, and network configurations, including communication testing between third-party devices and controllers or servers.

Install, replace, configure, and calibrate sensors.

Read and interpret electrical schematics and control panel drawings with a basic understanding of closed-loop controls, field sensor scaling, and functions typically performed by industrial controllers.

Supervise low-voltage electrical contractors performing wiring and installation of field devices in compliance with AWS requirements.

Provide commissioning and systems-level testing support.

Create red-lined drawings and documentation of systems.

Follow change management processes to generate work requests and methods of procedures.

Participate in factory witness tests at vendor or panel builder facilities.

Perform root cause analysis during testing and commissioning.

Ensure personnel on site utilize proper safety methodology.

Perform service activities including monitoring and reviewing ticketing systems, conducting root cause analysis, and prioritizing tasks.

Actively manage service agreements including vendor labor scheduling, quality assurance, and financial invoice review.

Participate in material handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, or moving up to 50 lbs of equipment, and utilize OSHA-standard safety equipment including limited weight-bearing work platforms, ladders, step stools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety harnesses.

Perform other tasks as assigned by manager.

A day in the life

As a Data Center Controls Technician, your primary customers are Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO), who rely on you to keep Building Management Systems (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) healthy and operational. On a given day, you are the boots on the ground solving problems that directly impact data center availability. You might diagnose a controller communication loss, calibrate instruments feeding inaccurate data to operators, or supervise vendors performing quarterly maintenance. For new builds, you perform point to point testing and support commissioning alongside construction teams. Your internal stakeholders include your Controls Engineer, Controls Manager, partner teams (Field Engineering, Critical Project Implementation, DCEO), and the vendors you oversee.

About the team

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

Why AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.

Diverse Experiences

Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.

Work/Life Balance

We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.

Inclusive Team Culture

Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE), inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

Mentorship and Career Growth

We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Basic qualifications

- High school or equivalent

- Associate’s degree, trade school certification, or other certified training in a related technical field with 1+ years of relevant industrial Controls or HVAC controls experience, OR 3+ years of relevant industrial or HVAC controls experience in lieu of a degree.

- Basic understanding of Industrial controls system, knowledge of meters, devices, sensors, relays and troubleshooting utilizing standard hand tools, digital metering, or calibration/diagnostic equipment in a data center, hospitals, large commercial complex, water, power, oil & gas or similar industries.

- 1+ years of experience working with low voltage controls, wiring, networking signals, electrical and mechanical systems, computers and operating systems.

- Ability to work non-standard hours and differing work rotations/shifts and overtime as required.

Preferred qualifications

- Associate's degree in related field

- 4+ years of military experience

- International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Controls System Technician (CCST) Level I or higher certification.

- Experience using common communication protocols (MQTT, BACnet, and/or MODBUS).

- 5+ years of experience in controls/automation, construction or related field in a technical environment.

- Demonstrated understanding of engineering documentation, electrical and mechanical diagrams, and standard operating procedures.

- Experience in data centers or mission critical environment

- Fundamental knowledge of network design and layout as well as low voltage (copper/ fiber) cabling.

- Prior AWS/Amazon experience

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, VA, Louisa - 37.64 - 65.91 USD hourly