Director, Data Center Controls Engineering- Data Centers

Do you want to work with high-caliber professionals in a dynamic and growing company? Are you entrepreneurial, hard-working, and collegial? Join us at SB Energy, a leading infrastructure company backed by SoftBank Group and Ares Infrastructure, pairing cutting-edge innovation with best-in-class execution. Our mission is to deliver reliable and secure data center and power infrastructure to strengthen America's future.

Founded in 2019, SB Energy is a SoftBank Group company headquartered in Redwood City, California. In 2026, SoftBank Group and OpenAI announced a $1 billion investment to support SB Energy as their leading development and execution partner for data center campuses, while Ares Infrastructure continues its long-standing support of the company's growth. SB Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates some of the largest and most technically advanced energy and data center infrastructure projects in the United States. Since its founding, the company has rapidly grown into a top-tier integrated platform with more than 3 gigawatts (GW) in operation and a multi-GW pipeline of energy and data center infrastructure nationwide.

SB Energy also leverages a strong culture of innovation to identify and integrate new technologies into its projects, including its AI-based digital platform, delivering energy infrastructure that is local, reliable, and matched to load. We are building the energy and infrastructure future-today.

Come join us in accelerating the energy and infrastructure transition!

Basic Function

The Director, Data Center Controls Engineering leads the design, standardization, and delivery of controls systems across data center projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that Building Management Systems (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), and related controls infrastructure are scalable, reliable, and fully integrated to support high-performance, mission-critical operations. 

In addition to technical leadership, this individual manages and develops a team of controls engineers-driving consistency, quality, and continuous improvement across a growing portfolio of data center campuses. 

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain controls engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines across projects  

• Oversee the design and integration of BMS, EPMS, and related control systems  

• Ensure alignment between controls architecture, electrical/mechanical systems, and operational requirements 

• Partner with internal teams, external consultants, and contractors to ensure seamless execution from design through commissioning  

• Lead controls design reviews at key project milestones and ensure alignment with project objectives  

• Coordinate across disciplines to ensure proper system integration and interoperability 

• Develop scalable controls architectures that support reliability, redundancy, and operational efficiency  

• Drive consistency in sequences of operations (SOOs), points lists, alarms, and control logic across sites  

• Evaluate and implement new technologies, platforms, and best practices in controls and automation 

• Support commissioning activities, including functional testing, system validation, and issue resolution  

• Partner with operations teams to ensure systems are maintainable, reliable, and aligned with long-term performance goals  

• Oversee development and standardization of controls documentation and procedures 

• Manage relationships with controls vendors, integrators, and technology partners  

• Support equipment selection, procurement strategies, and vendor performance evaluation  

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across engineering, construction, and operations 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of controls engineers, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture  

• Drive consistency in engineering practices, tools, and standards across the team  

• Support resource planning, prioritization, and team growth in alignment with project demands 

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Network Engineering or related field. PE license preferred  

• 8-12+ years of experience in controls engineering, with a focus on data centers, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial/commercial facilities  

• Strong expertise in BMS, EPMS, SCADA, and controls system integration  

• Proven experience leading projects and managing or mentoring engineering teams  

• Deep understanding of system architecture, controls logic, and integration across mechanical and electrical systems  

• Experience with industry-standard controls platforms and communication protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus)  

• Ability to review design documents, sequences of operations, and controls submittals  

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills  

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment 

Location: Redwood City, CA or Denver, CO or San Diego, CA or Remote

Base Pay - $190,000-$230,000

The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks-while ensuring internal parity across our teams. In addition to competitive base pay, total compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.

Our Health & Wellness Benefits

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support

At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now! 

SB Energy is built on a foundation of collaboration and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.

To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com.