BMS Lead Systems Engineer - Power Software & Controls

BMS Lead Systems Engineer - Power Software & Controls

The BMS Lead Systems Engineer - Power Software & Controls plays a key leadership role in the software development department, overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of systems that integrate PLCs, SCADA platforms, networking, Mechanical/Thermal systems and cybersecurity solutions. The individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that systems are efficient, secure, and meet the operational requirements of the organization or clients. This position demands expertise in control systems, industrial automation, networking protocols, and cybersecurity practices, combined with strong leadership and project management skills to guide teams in achieving technical excellence.

Reporting to the department's Senior Project Manager, this position provides an excellent opportunity to lead and take control of Building Management Systems, PLC & SCADA projects within the department for global projects. The main remit of the role will encompass the following duties.

Candidates must be available to work onsite at our Pelzer, SC location.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of PLC/SCADA-based automation systems and associated software solutions.
• Have an intricate knowledge of Building Automation/Management Systems (Mechanical /Thermal) including the design, set up and commissioning of HVAC, CRAC, CRAH, Chilled Water Systems and associated systems.
• Oversee system architecture planning, including integration of PLCs, SCADA platforms, Fluid Chilling systems, I/O Assignments and networking components.
• Ensure systems comply with industry standards, client specifications, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Develop and validate control algorithms, HMI configurations, and network infrastructure designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams within the software development department.
• Collaborate with software developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity specialists to ensure seamless integration across systems.
• Act as the primary point of contact for technical inquiries, troubleshooting, and decision-making.
• Conduct technical reviews to maintain high-quality standards in system design and implementation.
• Design and implement secure industrial networks, including configuring switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Perform risk assessments and develop cybersecurity strategies for automation systems.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to potential threats or vulnerabilities in control systems.
• Stay updated on emerging trends in OT (Operational Technology) and IT security to ensure proactive solutions.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical specifications.
• Communicate project progress to stakeholders and manage risk effectively.
• Coordinate with vendors and clients to ensure technical requirements are well-understood and executed.
• Establish and implement system monitoring and maintenance plans for PLC, SCADA, BMS and networked systems.
• Develop documentation for system operation, troubleshooting, and updates.
• Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities during project handover phases.
• Provide ongoing technical support to ensure optimal system performance.
• Aid engineers both in the office environment for development and throughout project delivery.
• Be Subject Matter Expert (SME) in their field.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering, primarily focusing on BMS, PLC and have knowledge of SCADA, networking, and cybersecurity.
• Strong expertise in industrial automation platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell, or Schneider.
• Deep understanding of networking protocols (BACnet, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, etc.) and cybersecurity frameworks
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor teams and manage complex technical projects.
• Experience with software development lifecycle processes and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
• In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following, Ignition, Tridium Niagra, Schneider EcoStruxure, Honeywell Forge or alike systems.
• Strong knowledge of the National Electrical Code and various industry standards, such as NERC, IEEE, OSHA and NFPA.
• Requires a high degree of communication, supervisory, and organizational skills.
• Communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with clients, peers and management.
• Thorough knowledge of electrical power systems, and good aptitude for problem evaluation.
• Good judgment, dependable, supervises large-scale projects with technical expertise and good business management skills.
• Strong computer skills including editing, formatting and using templates in Microsoft Office Suite, use of Manufacturer specific software.
• Willing to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays and night work. Must be available for out-of-town and international travel of up to several weeks.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk, hear, and smell. Frequently required to sit, climb and balance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, basic color differentiation and the ability to adjust focus.

Time Travel Required:

• Very limited domestic travel, if any at all

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

Our Core Principals: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

Our Strategic Priorities:

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

Our Behaviors:

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development
• Promote Transparent & Open Communication