Engineering Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Position Title: Engineering Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States

JOB SUMMARY

The Engineering Manager – Critical Infrastructure is the senior hardware engineering leader for the Critical Infrastructure department and is accountable for engineering excellence across CI projects, including standards, technical quality, engineering resource alignment, and deliverable execution. This role leads the hardware engineering function for large-scale and mega-scale mission critical projects, with a primary focus on PLC / SCADA-based control systems, industrial control panels, field integration, and related control system infrastructure.

Unlike traditional commercial BAS engineering roles centered on building-level DDC applications, this position requires deep expertise in industrial-grade control system design and the execution realities of hyperscale and other mission critical environments. The Critical Infrastructure department primarily delivers complex data center projects where controls solutions must support high reliability, redundancy, phased turnover, commissioning rigor, and integration across multiple systems, trades, vendors, and stakeholders. This role provides the engineering leadership needed to ensure hardware designs are practical, scalable, maintainable, and aligned with demanding client and operational requirements.

This role also provides leadership for first-of-a-kind programs, new client standards, and highly complex delivery models where project success depends on establishing sound technical frameworks, repeatable engineering methods, and the right technical talent on the project from the outset. The Engineering Manager – Critical Infrastructure partners closely with department leadership, software engineering leadership, project teams, and business development to help position projects for success, support strategic pursuits, and strengthen the department’s long-term engineering capability.

This role is NOT responsible for software engineering management. Smart Tech Contracting maintains separate leadership for PLC programming and SCADA software standards and delivery. However, this role must work in close coordination with software leadership to ensure alignment between hardware engineering, software implementation, and overall project execution.

The Engineering Manager – Critical Infrastructure reports to the Director of Critical Infrastructure and also works closely with Engineering leadership, engineering managers in other departments, project managers, construction leaders, software leadership, BIM / VDC resources, business development teams, clients, vendors, and strategic partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Department Engineering Leadership and Standards (30%)

• Serve as the senior hardware engineering leader for the Critical Infrastructure department, with primary accountability for PLC / SCADA-based engineering execution across CI projects.
• Establish, maintain, and improve department standards, design practices, workflows, and deliverable expectations for mission critical control systems, industrial control panels, field integration, and related hardware engineering.
• Provide technical leadership for complex control system applications supporting central utility plants, technical water systems, airside systems, heat rejection systems, EPMS integrations, and other mission critical infrastructure.
• Partner with software engineering leadership to ensure alignment between hardware design and software implementation, while maintaining clear ownership of hardware engineering standards and deliverables.

Project Setup, Technical Oversight, and Quality (35%)

• Provide senior engineering leadership to ensure CI projects are set up for success, including technical strategy, review structure, resource alignment, and early identification of engineering risk.
• Lead or support engineering strategy for first-of-a-kind programs, new client standards, and highly complex projects where execution depends on development of new frameworks, technical approaches, and repeatable delivery methods.
• Maintain accountability for the overall quality, consistency, and completeness of hardware engineering deliverables across the CI department.
• Ensure quality control processes and technical reviews are clearly defined and executed by Level 5 lead engineers and other designated reviewers.
• Intervene as needed on high-risk, technically complex, or strategically important projects requiring senior-level engineering leadership.

Resource Planning, Staffing, and Team Development (20%)

• Assign engineering resources based on project size, technical complexity, client requirements, schedule demands, and staff development needs.
• Partner with the Director of Engineering and Director of Critical Infrastructure on hiring, staffing strategy, organizational planning, and capability development for the CI engineering team.
• Develop technical leaders within the department and establish training priorities related to PLC platforms, SCADA systems, industrial control panels, mission critical applications, engineering standards, and review practices.
• Build department capability through standardization, mentoring, and continuous improvement to support large-scale and mega-scale CI growth.

Client, Preconstruction, and Cross-Functional Leadership (15%)

• Support business development, preconstruction, and department leadership on upcoming opportunities by providing technical input on control architecture, engineering risk, staffing, and delivery approach.
• Participate in client-facing discussions for major pursuits, first-of-a-kind opportunities, and strategic programs requiring deep PLC / SCADA and mission critical engineering expertise.
• Coordinate with project management, construction leadership, BIM / VDC, procurement, commissioning, software leadership, and executive leadership to align engineering priorities with project and business objectives.
• Communicate engineering risks, quality concerns, staffing needs, and technical priorities clearly across the organization.

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget.

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)

• Expert knowledge of PLC and SCADA systems used in building automation and mission critical infrastructure applications, including industrial-grade architectures, RIOS, DLRs, and best practices.
• Expert knowledge of hardware engineering for BAS and EPMS solutions in large, complex mission critical environments.
• Expert knowledge of industrial control panel design practices, component selection, layout considerations, panel integration, and constructability.
• Skilled in developing and enforcing engineering standards, review processes, and quality expectations across multiple concurrent projects.
• Skilled in leading engineering teams responsible for complex control system deliverables.
• Skilled in assigning resources and matching technical talent to project complexity and delivery needs.
• Skilled in navigating clients through BAS / EPMS project designs including identification of standards, needs, options, and tradeoffs.
• Skilled in evaluating first-of-a-kind project requirements and establishing engineering strategies that reduce execution risk.
• Knowledge of construction design process, stakeholders, deliverables, and mission critical project execution workflows.
• Knowledge of data center HVAC applications, chilled water plants, heat rejection systems, airside systems, and associated control strategies.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, sensors, actuators, valves, and field devices used in industrial and mission critical control systems.
• Knowledge of control system networking including addressing, VLANs, LANs, switches, routers, firewalls, and IT / OT interface requirements.
• Knowledge of OT protocols including BACnet, Modbus, SNMP, MQTT, and related industrial / building systems integrations.
• Knowledge of EPMS integration requirements and the relationship between BAS, PLC, SCADA, and power monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of code requirements, safety considerations, and energy guidelines relevant to controls engineering designs.
• Working knowledge of Revit and AutoCAD and the engineering coordination required with BIM / VDC resources.
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management.
• Ability to analyze engineering organizations, identify capability gaps, and implement improvements in staffing, process, and training.
• Ability to mentor Level 5 lead engineers and build technical leadership capacity across the department.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate directly with clients and represent the department in strategic and high-visibility discussions.
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication, self-motivation, proactiveness, and resourcefulness in a distraction-free workspace.
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, improve quality, optimize engineering operations, and contribute to company-wide innovation.
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
• Ability to achieve certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of

this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 15%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need.
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, or related discipline

OR

• Eight years of experience with hands-on installation, testing, validation, troubleshooting, or field leadership of controls infrastructure

PLUS

• Minimum ten years of additional experience with BAS, EPMS, PLC, and / or SCADA controls engineering
• Significant experience leading engineering execution for large-scale mission critical, industrial, or hyperscale data center projects
• At least half of this experience should be with hyperscale or colocation data center projects or other critical infrastructure markets
• Prior experience leading engineering teams, technical standards, staffing decisions, and quality oversight across multiple concurrent projects is strongly preferred

BENEFITS

Smart Tech Contracting offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

Smart Tech Contracting is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

STC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to STC in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where STC has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of STC and STC will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.