Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Who are we?

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, operations, maintenance, and project planning with a emphasis and special focus on controls.
• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
• Experience in highly automated environments (automotive, semiconductors, high‑volume manufacturing), Data Center Technical Engineering and Operations support.
• Knowledge of electrical, HVAC controls systems
• Knowledge of PLC Ttroubleshooting and Programming.
• Ability to lead complex system troubleshooting, upgrades, commissioning, and vendor evaluation.

Location

São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Hybrid work model: 2 days per week in the office, with the remaining days working remotely

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. 

We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.

This posting is for a backfill position, meaning it is to fill an existing vacancy within our organization.