Senior Controls Systems Engineer
Global Design & Engineering Team
At Colt DCS, we're building the future of hyperscale data centres — and we need exceptional talent to help us do it. This role offers the opportunity to shape the technical standards that underpin our global portfolio, working with a team of experts to deliver resilient, efficient, and sustainable solutions at scale.
Mission
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated
Senior Controls Systems Engineer
to join our
Global Design & Engineering
team. This role is critical to ensuring the design and compliance of Building Automation Systems (BAS) across our hyperscale data centre projects globally.
Reporting to the
Head of Building Automation Systems
, you will drive standardisation, availability, and consistency across our growing portfolio, providing expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with the
Colt DCS Global Reference Design (GRD)
.
You will also be responsible for keeping GRD standards up to date, incorporating new legislation, technologies, and best practices that improve speed to market and cost certainty.
Outcomes
* Support the development and maintenance of global technical documentation including design guides, standards, and specifications.
* Assist regional engineering teams in reviewing and approving deviations from design standards where appropriate.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement control system strategies that meet international codes, client requirements, and the highest standards of safety and resilience.
* Regularly review and update the GRD and its regional variations, integrating lessons learned from live projects and operational facilities.
* Ensure compliance with corporate ESG targets and initiatives through optimal technology selection and cost-effective design.
The Team
The
Global Design & Engineering Team
, reporting to the
Chief Real Estate Officer
, comprises subject matter experts in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Automation Systems, BIM, and more. The team owns and maintains the GRD, governs OFCI equipment selection, and ensures project compliance with our standardised delivery plan.
Regional Engineering Teams
, including Design Managers and Specialists (BMS, Security, etc.), hold Design Authority at the project level and escalate technical challenges to the Global team for guidance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the creation and continuous improvement of global BAS design standards (HVAC, lighting, energy management, integration protocols).
* Ensure alignment with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals.
* Provide expert guidance on control system architecture, hardware/software selection, and integration strategies.
* Review and approve control system designs and commissioning plans for compliance.
* Act as assistant technical authority for regional teams, supporting project delivery and troubleshooting.
* Align strategic goals and technical direction with the Head of Building Automation Systems.
* Collaborate with MEP engineers, IT, cybersecurity, and sustainability leads.
* Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in building automation.
* Mentor junior engineers and contribute to talent development within the Centre of Excellence.
Skills & Experience Required
* Extensive experience in design, deployment, and commissioning of data centres or similar critical environments.
* Strong stakeholder management across internal and external teams.
* Proven ability to develop and implement design standards across regions or large-scale portfolios.
* Deep understanding of control systems (BACnet, IP, Modbus), PLCs, BMS platforms (Honeywell, Schneider), and IT network integration.
* Familiarity with cybersecurity principles in BAS design.
* Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation (Electricity at Work Act, CDM regulations).
* Experience preparing technical documentation (scope of services, standards, design guides).
* Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
* Commercial awareness and ability to design cost-effective solutions.
* Ability to work accurately under pressure and within a global matrix structure.
* Willingness to travel globally on short notice.
Preferred Qualifications
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
* Minimum 5 years' experience in control systems design, ideally in mission-critical or data centre environments.
* Knowledge of ASHRAE, BSRIA, CIBSE desirable.
* Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio, and Microsoft Office Suite.