Mechanical Controls Engineer Data Centers

Pkaza · Ashburn, VA

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Travel: 10%
Degree: Preferred
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 8 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Pkaza (industrial) in Ashburn, VA. Assist / Develop all project communication and reporting, weekly progress reports, etc.

They ask for: degree preferred
Tools it names: Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation
Day to day: about 10% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $97k–$143k.

Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 19 controls engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 18 other live controls postings in Virginia.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Not stated

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 63%
✓ PLC 58%
✓ Team leadership 32%
Root cause 26%
✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 26%
Tooling 26%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Pkaza
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from PkazaAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

◆Execute and lead automation design teams of complex scope, and coordinate activities with other disciplines as needed
◆Mentor mechanical engineers and assist with training on controls design and development.
◆Design and implement front end platforms for HVAC controls.
◆Develop and improve configuration, programming, networking, and diagnostic standards
◆Engineer and Implement programming
◆Lead creation of modification of programming logic to meet sequence of operations / SOO / Methods of Procedures / MOPs
◆Design control, monitoring and systems integration of HVAC / mechanical equipment / systems
◆Maintain and deploy updated versions of applications for existing control systems with minimal supervision, autonomous in day-to-day work with being given high level instruction on projects or assignments
◆Work with leading edge automation systems from large scale controls vendors;
◆Lead development design and continuous improvement of configuration, programming, networking, and diagnostic standards;
◆Lead design of controls for centralized chilled water plans condenser water plants, etc.
◆Review engineered shop drawings and submittals – sequence of operations, installation drawings and point lists
◆Participate in building automation focused design reviews
◆Assist in the design, configuration, programming, and diagnostics / troubleshooting of BAS networks
◆Understand IT / OT interface

requirements

including routers, switches and network addressing

✓Assess, recommend, and implement industry best practices into new and existing Critical Environment Programs
✓Develop process documentation and training materials
✓Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders, subcontractors, project managers, AEs, Controls vendors, GC’s and commissioning agents on project progress
✓Assist / Develop all project communication and reporting, weekly progress reports, etc.

Qualifications

✓BA / BS in Engineering or relevant degree a Huge Plus
✓Licensed PE / EIT / Certifications a Plus
✓Data Center Engineering experience with Automation and Controls Experience
✓Experience integrating PLC / ALC with complex data center / mission critical facilities
✓5 -10 + years with BMS / BCM / BAS Systems (Building monitoring systems / building control systems / Building Automation Systems
✓Previous experience working on Controls Products from companies such as: Johnson Controls / JCI; Siemens; Automated Logic; Honeywell; GE Control Systems; Schneider Electric
✓Ability to read and audit one-lines / blueprints / CAD drawings and controls diagrams
✓PLC / ALC Programming Experience
✓Experience with Controls systems design as it relates to: Critical HVAC equipment (Chillers, Air Handlers, CRAC / CRAH units, Boilers, etc.)
✓Experience working with common BAS protocols BACnet IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, etc.
✓Skilled at reviewing design drawings and equipment submittals
✓Client facing experience and at times serve as primary point of client contact on various projects
✓Ability to successfully work independently; Self Starter and should prioritize well
✓Effective communicator – both oral and written form (tech and non-tech)
✓Proactive, resourceful, delegator and a multitasker
✓Exceptional organizational skills with an attention to detail
✓Skilled in completing assignments accurately and in a timely manner
✓MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams)
✓Superior analytical, planning and problem resolution skills
✓Must be able to provide necessary proactive recommendations to clients
✓Knowledge of general computer hardware & software applications
✓Travel: 5-10% if located near jobsite

Show full description ↓

Mechanical Controls Engineer – Data Centers – Ashburn, VA

This position is also available in: Dallas TX, Phoenix AZ, Los Angeles CA, Cedar Rapids IA, Scranton PA, White Plains NY, New York City NY, or anywhere remote

Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP critical facilities design. They provide design, commissioning, consulting and management expertise in the Critical Facilities Space. They have a mindset to provide reliability, energy efficiency, sustainable design and LEED expertise when providing these consulting services for Enterprise, Colocation and Hyperscale Companies. This career-growth minded opportunity offers exciting projects with leading-edge technology and innovation as well as competitive salaries and benefits.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience with the design, construction, integration, and commissioning of Controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS systems) as it pertains to Mechanical / HVAC equipment design in a data center environment. The candidate shall have the expertise to lead the design of new systems and make upgrades to existing automation systems for HVAC and critical cooling systems in the mission-critical environment. The candidate may need to assist in complete startup, commissioning, and validation procedures of these systems. The candidate will need to collaborate with the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering teams, for design sequences, powering of equipment, etc.

Submittal Instructions

Please apply directly by clicking the link below, alternatively you can forward your resume directly to: g98ynwiohje8f397qkhm9u6oyw@crelate.net

After applying, if you have further questions, you may call 973-895-5200 and ask for Iggy. You can also submit via our career portal and take a look at other Critical Facility openings we are working on at, https://www.pkaza.com/jobs/

If this job is not for you, feel free to forward this along. WE PAY FOR REFERRALS!!

Company offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance, a 401(k) plan

EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V

Pkaza LLC is a third-party employment firm. All fees assessed by Pkaza LLC will be paid by our employer that we represent and