Data Center Controls Engineer

About Anthropic Anthropic’s mission is to create reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. We want AI to be safe and beneficial for our users and for society as a whole. Our team is a quickly growing group of committed researchers, engineers, policy experts, and business leaders working together to build beneficial AI systems. About the Role Anthropic is seeking an experienced Datacenter Controls Engineer to join our Datacenter Infrastructure team. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize control systems that support our global datacenter infrastructure, enabling the reliable operation of AI at scale. You will work on cutting-edge control systems managing critical datacenter operations including liquid cooling systems (CDUs/CDMs), HVAC, electrical power monitoring systems, and building automation systems. This position requires both technical depth in industrial automation and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated solutions for high-density AI compute infrastructure. Responsibilities System Architecture & Integration • Design and implement multi-site controls architecture across Anthropic's global datacenter facilities • Define network topology, redundancy, and high-availability requirements for control nodes and servers • Develop and maintain standardized frameworks for BACnet, Modbus TCP/IP, OPC-UA, MQTT, and SNMP communication layers • Ensure integration between control systems and enterprise networks while maintaining security boundaries and compliance with cybersecurity frameworks for industrial control systems Control System Design & Implementation • Define, design, develop, and implement control systems for datacenter mechanical, electrical, and building management systems with focus on AI compute environments • Develop SCADA/BMS applications using platforms including Ignition, Niagara/Tridium, or similar HMI/supervisory systems • Select and specify instrumentation including sensors, transmitters, actuators, and control valves for liquid cooling loops, power distribution, and environmental monitoring Data Collection & Visualization • Architect and supervise deployment of centralized telemetry systems capable of storing high-resolution time-series data from power, thermal, and environmental sensors • Develop intuitive dashboards and visualization layers using Ignition SCADA, Grafana, or comparable frameworks for facilities, operations, and engineering teams • Leverage control systems to enable performance insights, fault detection, and predictive maintenance capabilities Construction Integration & Documentation • Participate in new design and construction projects to ensure controls and BMS standards are embedded from design through commissioning • Define and review controls and instrumentation specifications in architectural and MEP packages • Create comprehensive technical documentation including P&IDs, control narratives, sequence of operations, and commissioning procedures • Validate installed systems during commissioning for proper network configuration, protocol compatibility, and data visibility Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, Computer) or equivalent practical experience • 7+ years of experience in control systems design and implementation for industrial automation, building automation, or datacenter systems • Deep familiarity with industrial communication protocols: BACnet, Modbus TCP/IP, OPC-UA, MQTT, SNMP, Ethernet-IP • Experience with instrumentation selection, control panel design, and control system integration • Working knowledge of network architecture including subnets, VLANs, firewall rules, and IP management • Strong documentation skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams Preferred Qualifications • 10+ years in datacenter, critical facilities, or mission-critical infrastructure environments • Experience with liquid cooling systems including CDUs, CDMs, and cooling tower control systems • Background in high-density rack integration environments and AI/ML compute infrastructure • Experience designing or deploying BMS/SCADA systems such as Ignition, Niagara/Tridium, Wonderware, or similar • Strong background in database integration (SQL Server, InfluxDB, PostgreSQL, TimescaleDB) and data logging architecture • Proficiency in Python or scripting for automation/configuration within SCADA/BMS frameworks • Experience deploying multi-site redundant controls servers with high-availability requirements • Professional Engineering (PE) license or vendor certifications (Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens) • Knowledge of relevant codes and standards: ASHRAE, NFPA, IEEE, ISA • Familiarity with Grafana, Node-RED, Ignition Perspective, or equivalent visualization tools • Experience bridging cloud orchestration systems with facility-level power controls and load management (e.g., DCIM, BMS, EPMS) The annual compensation range for this role is listed below. For sales roles, the range provided is the role’s On Target Earnings ("OTE") range, meaning that the range includes both the sales commissions/sales bonuses target and annual base salary for the role. Annual Salary: $320,000—$405,000 USD Logistics Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience Required field of study: A field relevant to the role as demonstrated through coursework, training, or professional experience Minimum years of experience: Years of experience required will correlate with the internal job level requirements for the position Location-based hybrid policy: Currently, we expect all staff to be in one of our offices at least 25% of the time. However, some roles may require more time in our offices. Visa sponsorship: We do sponsor visas! However, we aren't able to successfully sponsor visas for every role and every candidate. But if we make yo