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Senior Principal Controls Architect

Company:
Equinix
Location:
Ashburn, VA
Posted:
December 03, 2025
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Description:

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. Joining our operations team means being at the center of everything - maintaining and evolving critical infrastructure that powers the digital world and delivers real impact for our customers, communities and society. You'll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you-because when you feel valued, you're empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary

The Senior Principal Controls Architect is a known expert in the field that uses professional concepts in developing resolutions to critical issues to broad design matters. Acts as subject matter expert to Engineering and Site Operations job family groups (e.g. Data Center Engineering). Performs system maintenance and support. Leads projects spanning multiple sites, countries or regions using internal and external resources. Has wide latitude in leading the development and implementation of policies and procedures. Effectively manages other internal and external teams, including the design engineering, site engineering, regional operations teams, onsite support vendors and consultants on projects, policies and procedures to resolve critical matters.

Responsibilities

System Operation and Work Practices

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

Expert knowledge of SCADA systems, and cloud monitoring integrations Capable of developing on-premise and cloud system architecture

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

Works with vendors to identify and resolve hardware and software issues with vendors products which affect Equinix operation

Capable of developing complete sequences of operation and control schemes for HVAC, electrical and fuel systems. Develops SOOs and control

schemes which are widely applicable and reusable

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

Reviews and recommends work practice guidelines and policy

Interacts with other engineering disciplines, and acts as the lead project engineer for projects that have multiple engineering disciplines

Understands the requirements of a multi-disciplined project, including coordination, arc flash, pump curves, piping loss calculations, equipment maintainability, constructability, EH&S, etc.

Problem Solving

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

Has a wide latitude of making recommendations for system level enhancements to eliminate potential problems for critical assignments

Tests suitability of components for deployment at the regional or enterprise level

Can troubleshoot complex electrical and mechanical problems not associated with controls

Includes executive level communications in standardized templates

Leads in mentoring junior team members

Leads in directing internal and external project team members

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

Leads in establishing and maintaining high value relationships

Provide executive level communication including business requirements documents and advanced technical writing

Communicates Equinix operations decisions to customers and conducts post incident communications with customers

Develops and delivers executive level communications

Technical Expertise

Is a known expert in the field that has a critical understanding of electrical, fire protection, and HVAC systems design and operation including highly advanced optimization strategies, deficiencies and the impact of system design choices on controls requirements and costs

Has expert controls system knowledge sufficient enough to rapidly comprehend new systems and influence the industry design of systems

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

Extensive knowledge of multiple facets of controls engineering

Develops, executes, and leads multi-disciplined projects

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

Responsible for budget for regions, multi-year projects and other highly complex projects

Calculates savings

Leads internal and/or external engineering seminars/conferences

Is proficient with electrical, mechanical, fire, safety, and security systems

Proficient with server operating systems, networks, and cyber security

Training

Develops training programs for other groups within Equinix

Develops and manages multi-disciplined training

Participates in industry organizations and influences industry opinions

Develop Policy/Methods

Develops policies and critical procedures with wide scope/large areas of impact

Owns global policy documents

Develops, maintains and improves libraries of standardize programming modules, sequences of operations, graphics and reporting tools

Assess Adherence to Policy

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

Develops high level reporting / summaries of policy compliance information

Develops KPIs, high level reporting, aggregates data

Qualifications

15+ years in control system design, operations, maintenance, and project planning with a emphasis and special focus on controls preferred

Bachelors degree preferred

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Ashburn Office AEO : 195,000 - 293,000 USD / Annual

United States - Dallas Field Office : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 182,000 - 272,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees. US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.

Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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