Senior Director, Automation Systems, Design & Development, Global

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another's experience.

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.

Technology & Systems Department

The Technology & Systems department drives technological innovation for the company and advances the technology strategy to support global growth. This includes IT, Software Development, OT / Automation Systems, and business process improvement. At Vantage, we are very hands on. In most cases, we specify, purchase, configure and maintain all networking and server hardware. We also work closely with partner VARs to learn about the latest technology changes so we can make informed purchase decisions. The Technology & Systems department participates in designing each of our new data center building's networking infrastructure, including but not limited to diverse pathways connecting to carriers, meet-me room (MMR) hosting (rack, cabs, ladders, cross connect panels...), wireless AP coverage, etc.

We rely on extreme collaboration with Sales, Construction, Operations and Corporate Functions to drive simplification, establish global standards with continuous improvement and speed to value. We are working to build a reliable, scalable, sustainable, and secure technology roadmap/landscape that enables us to better serve our customers and employees and be the partner of choice. Our focus is on speed to value with financial and execution discipline. We strive to double the good, halve the bad, in half the time.

Position Overview

As the Senior Director of Automation Systems (AS) Design, and Development-Global, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technical direction and innovation of Vantage Data Centers' Ignition SCADA-based Automation Systems. You will lead a team of skilled BMS architects, SCADA designers, and PLC/Controls developers to deliver robust and scalable Building Management solutions that empower our internal partners and customers with advanced hyperscale automation capabilities.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership:

* Develop and communicate the strategic vision for the BMS architecture, design, and development of Ignition SCADA-based systems.

* Lead the team in aligning technology solutions with Vantage Data Centers' business imperatives.

Team Management:

* Manage, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of architects, designers, and developers globally and drive global consistency.

* Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture across VDC business units.

Architecture and Design:

* Oversee the creation of architectural designs for Ignition SCADA systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.

* Drive the development of disruptive solutions that meet or exceed automation industry standards.

Development Oversight:

* Provide technical oversight and guidance to development teams, and SI eco-systems.

* Ensure adherence to coding standards, best practices, and project timelines.

* Proficiency in one or more of the following SCADA platforms; Ignition v7.9 & 8.1 Including Perspective, AutoSol (ACM),

* Proficiency in one or more of the following Firewall platforms; Cisco ASA, Cisco FTD, Palo Alto, Eagle One

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, construction engineering , MEP, project management, and customer support, to ensure a cohesive approach to project delivery.

* Engage with internal stakeholders to understand their build requirements and provide technical expertise

Standards Evaluation and Compliance:

* Build a strong and capable SI ecosystem by developing air-tight acceptance criteria with scorecards for work quality

* Take the applied design to an execution/implementation path, simplifying process and managing costs

* Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in Ignition SCADA systems.

* Evaluate and recommend the adoption of new technologies to enhance system capabilities.

Quality Assurance:

* Implement and maintain quality assurance processes to ensure the delivery of reliable and high-quality automation systems harnessing SI eco-system

* Establish testing methodologies to validate system performance and functionality.

Risk Management:

* Identify and mitigate technical debts/risks associated with system architecture and development.

* Implement proactive measures to address existing and potential customer SLA challenges.

Duties

* Negotiate with SIs and build a roster of trustworthy integrators through creative and outcome oriented engagement models

* Provide structured global tier 3 support for AS Operations and site reliability via SWAT team

* Collaborate with Design, Innovation, Construction, New Site Development, Legal and Operations in delivering a quality BMS product that sets VDC apart from the competition

* Accelerate continuous improvement in AS-Applied design and architecture, by connecting theory with practical execution

* Work with operations and site reliability to understand and mitigate operational BMS challenges

* Demonstrate success in delivering large-scale automation projects on time and within budget working closely with internal teams and SIs.

Job Requirements

* Should have 10+ years' experience in design and building Industrial/Plant/Data-center Automation solution.

* Should have 6 + years of experience in Architecting end-to-end IOT application on Ignition Platform

* Experience in client interactions (if worked for an SI) and presenting solutions to the customer Technical Architects, similar level to VP/SVP of Construction, Operations, SRE (site reliability engineering) Innovation and Design.

* Should be highly proficient in all Ignition Modules like Alarm, EAM, Device driver, Tag historian, DB Management, MQTT etc.

* Should be proficient in various Ignition Architecture, Licensing scheme, Python Scripting, Reporting in ignition.

* Hands-on proficiency on large scale design and development of HMI, MES, and SCADA systems built around the Ignition platform.

* Experience in implementing complex network architecture on-premises Ignition SCADA system and troubleshooting knowledge.

* Experience working with various device interfaces like OPC UA, Modbus, DNP, MQTT etc.

* Ability to understand and guide developers on PLC logic and programming, derived from large and complex SCADA project execution and High-Level Controls.

* Experience working with JDBC, ODBC databases, writing medium to complex queries, stored procedures, functions.

* Should be proficient on leading cloud platform like MS Azure, etc.

* Should have experience in modelling applications within Ignition platform with experience in custom extensions for Ignition Platform example Python Libraries

* Open to travel for customer interactions and during critical project phases.

* Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

* Proven experience (15 years) in leading architecture, design, and development teams for Ignition SCADA-based systems.

* Provide technical advice for agile development and CI/CD integration and support automated deployment on various cloud platform. (Good to have)

* Travel required is expected to be between 45-60% with a mix of international travel

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $190,000-$220,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado and California market data and may vary in other locations)

• 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.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.