Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Summary

The Senior Staff Controls Engineer provides advanced technical leadership for the operation, maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of control systems supporting critical facilities. This role leads complex projects, collaborates with engineering and operations teams, and serves as a subject matter expert responsible for driving system reliability, operational excellence, and adherence to engineering standards. The position also contributes to policy development, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing across the organization. The structure of this JD follows recommendations for clearly separating required and preferred qualifications to improve candidate matching and sourcing accuracy.

Responsibilities

System Operation and Work Practices

Expert operating knowledge of control systems to include advanced diagnostics and repairs

Ability to apply knowledge of Equinix process and procedure and industry standards to resolve complex issues

Utilizes safe working practices at an expert level (e.g. can apply procedure for lockout/tagout, can explain MSDS, etc.)

Evaluates and assures the safe working practices of others

Interacts with other engineering disciplines

Problem Solving

Consistently solves complex, cross-functional issues requiring independent action and a high degree of initiative to resolve

Implements and makes recommendations for complex system level enhancements to eliminate potential problems

Tests suitability of components for deployments on complex assignments

Internal/External Contact

Contributes to mentoring junior team members

Directs internal and external project team members

Directs teams per project or initiative such as General Contractors, design teams, commissioning agents, equipment suppliers, etc.

Expert level communication to include cross functional SOP development and relevant technical writing

Interactions are primarily to exchange information between departments within the organization

Includes executive level communications in standardized templates

Technical Expertise

Has thorough understanding of advanced electrical, fire protection, and HVAC systems operation including advanced optimization strategies and deficiencies

Has expert controls system knowledge sufficient to rapidly comprehend new systems

Is a subject matter expert to others in and outside of the group

Extensive knowledge of multiple facets of controls engineering

Develops and executes projects

Reviews budget and scope, calculates savings pertaining to control system replacement projects

Tests suitability of components or action plans for deployments

Understands of server operating systems, networks, and cyber security best practices

Training

Acquires knowledge by expanding experience with systems, vendor training, participation in industry groups or meetings and shadowing others

Is SME with many systems and trains others inside and outside of the group

Develop Policy/Methods

Participates in review of and contributes to development of policy and procedure documents

Assess Adherence to Policy

Assures adherence to developed standards and policy through review of documentation, participation in commissioning activities and Data Center physicals

Requirements

Extensive experience in control system design