Controls Engineer

About Giga

Giga is building gigawatts of AI data centers to hasten a future of intelligence and abundance. We build data centers fast and at scale by combining the capabilities of an equipment supplier, engineering firm, general contractor, and real estate developer under one roof. Our team moves quickly and thinks practically. If you're ready to make an impact in an industry that matters, we're looking for people like you.

Why join Giga

• The Pace: We're building at a speed most companies talk about but never actually operate at. If you've been bored somewhere else, you won't be here.
• The Impact: Every person at Giga touches the work that matters. No layers, no waiting for approval chains. You'll see your fingerprints on what we ship.
• The Team: A team of operators defining the future of AI infrastructure. We recruit A-players from the most innovative companies in the world, and they choose Giga because the work here means more.
• The Moment: AI doesn't run without power, and that's us. Giga is the picks and shovels behind the AI revolution. This industry is about to explode, and you'll be in the room where it's already happening.

What you'll do

As a Controls Engineer at Giga, you will own the design, development, and commissioning of control systems for mission-critical AI infrastructure. From PLC/HMI programming and panel design to control schematics and I/O architecture, you’ll be the person who makes the systems actually work - and keeps them running. If you love getting into the details of how complex systems talk to each other and take pride in building things that can’t afford to go down, this is your role.

Where you'll work

We are an in-office culture - velocity matters when you're building physical infrastructure, and the best decisions happen in the room. This role is ideally based in our San Francisco, Long Beach, or Houston offices, with full-time onsite expectations outside of bi-weekly WFH Fridays.

That said, we will make exceptions for truly exceptional talent if you live outside one of our hubs. If you're the right person for this role, we'll have a conversation about what works.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and HMI programs for building automation and facility control systems
• Design control panels and produce detailed control schematics from concept through construction-ready documentation
• Develop and maintain network designs across a range of communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Modbus RTU
• Configure and commission VFD drive controls for motors, pumps, and HVAC systems
• Read and interpret P&ID diagrams to translate process requirements into control logic - including valve sequencing, motor control, and pump staging
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to integrate controls into broader facility infrastructure
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities 
• Continuous improvement on existing Controls and BMS design and scale as needed.
• Troubleshoot control system issues in the field and drive resolution with minimal supervision
• Maintain accurate as-built documentation, program backups, and engineering records

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on PLC and HMI programming and commissioning experience. Rockwell Automation Suite Preferred 
• Experience designing control panels and producing control schematics using AUTOCAD
• Solid understanding of general control systems principles including loop and PID control, Cooling systems control with building automation experience strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of VFD drive configuration and control. Allen Bradley and ABB drives a plus.
• Ability to read and work from P&ID diagrams, including valve functions, motor control, and pump control logic
• Familiarity with I/O design and at least one industrial communication protocol (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, or Modbus RTU)
• Strong learning agility - you pick up new platforms, tools, and systems quickly and without hand-holding
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

Bonus points

• Experience with data center cooling control systems or other mission-critical facility environments (hospitals, colocation, power generation)
• Knowledge of network architecture and industrial cybersecurity practices for OT/ICS environments
• Experience with additional communication protocols (BACnet, Profibus, PROFINET, OPC-UA)
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and historian platforms. Ignition experience preferred.
• Experience working in fast-paced build environments where schedules are tight and priorities shift

How We Work

We value people who take ownership, raise risks early, communicate directly, and follow through. Incomplete information is part of the job. Make the best decision you can, document it, and adjust as the facts change. Move quickly on reversible decisions and take more care when security, safety, financial, employee, or customer risk is involved.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• Equity (options) in a rapidly growing startup
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Parental leave
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter benefits, where applicable
• Opportunities to collaborate in person at periodic team and company on-sites

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Giga Energy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. Giga Energy complies with all applicable labor laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other relevant state and federal regulations. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applicants who require accommodations during the hiring process to contact us.