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.

Position Overview:
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.

Key Responsibilities:
Controls Strategy & Architecture

• 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)

Product Controls Development

• 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

Optimization of Infrastructure

• 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

AI & Predictive Solutions

• 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

Testing, Validation & Quality

• 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

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 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

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a high-performing controls engineering team
• Set technical standards and drive continuous improvement
• Provide leadership across multiple concurrent projects

Key Competencies:

• 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

Required Qualifications:

• 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 o