Director, Automation Engineering, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equality, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another's experience.

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across six markets in North America and six markets in Europe, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands. Vantage's business is growing exponentially through a combination of greenfield market expansion and acquisitions across North America and Europe.

Automation Systems Department

The Data Center Automation Systems team designs, implements, and maintains state-of-the-art building automation systems to optimize the performance, efficiency, and reliability of our mission-critical facilities. We collaborate with Operations, Mechanical, Electrical, Sustainability, and IT teams to deliver industry-leading control solutions.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Automation Engineering to lead our automation initiatives across engineering, operations, and quality assurance. In this role, you will oversee the design, development, and implementation of scalable automation frameworks and systems that drive efficiency, reliability, and innovation.

You'll lead a team of talented engineers and collaborate cross-functionally to automate processes, improve development pipelines, and ensure high standards of software and systems performance. This is a key leadership role for someone passionate about building high-performing teams and delivering business value through automation.

Essential Job Functions

* Define and drive the strategic vision for automation engineering across infrastructure, software development, and quality assurance.

* Lead, manage, and scale a high-performing automation engineering team, providing mentorship, performance management, and career development.

* Establish and maintain enterprise-wide automation standards, best practices, and governance frameworks.

* Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align automation initiatives with business objectives and operational goals.

* Own the delivery of robust, scalable, and secure automation solutions that reduce manual effort, increase efficiency, and ensure system reliability.

* Oversee automation architecture and technology decisions, ensuring alignment with current and future technology strategies.

Duties

* Design, implement, and improve automation frameworks for Continuous Integration and Deployment, infrastructure, testing, and deployment.

* Collaborate with DevOps, QA, Product, and IT teams to identify automation opportunities and translate them into scalable solutions.

* Automate server provisioning, software deployment, and configuration management across data center environments.

* Develop and enforce documentation, version control, and testing for all automation scripts and workflows.

* Develop and track KPIs to measure automation effectiveness, system performance, and ROI.

* Evaluate and recommend tools, platforms, and vendors that support automation initiatives.

* Maintain documentation and training resources to ensure adoption and understanding of automation systems and workflows.

* Manage departmental budget, resource allocation, and project timelines for automation initiatives.

* Stay informed of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously evolve automation strategies.

* Ensure automation practices support regulatory, security, and audit requirements (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001).

* Conduct regular reviews and performance tuning of automation systems to reduce downtime and optimize resource utilization.

* Evaluate emerging technologies (AI/ML for data center ops, robotics, digital twins) for future automation opportunities.

Job Requirements

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. (or equivalent experience).

* 10+ years of experience in automation, software engineering, or related disciplines, including 5+ years in a leadership or management role.

* Strong expertise in automation frameworks, scripting, and tools (e.g., Selenium, Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform, Kubernetes, etc.).

* Experience building and leading teams in a fast-paced, agile environment.

* Proven success delivering complex automation solutions at scale.

* Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

* Hands on experience with major BMS platforms (Inductive Automation, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Schneider, Trane, etc.).

* Knowledge of OT/IT integration, BACnet/Modbus protocols, and critical facility operations.

* Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on technical execution. * Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks

* Travel required is expected to be 25%, but may increase over time as the business evolve

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $175,000-$185,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)
• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
• Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

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We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!