Design Manager, Controls & Automation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Controls & Automation

Company: AirTrunk

Location: North Sydney, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations & Engineering (Data Centre Infrastructure)

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and standardization of critical Controls & Automation systems within hyperscale data centers, ensuring global minimum standards are met and cross-regional consistency is achieved.

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert (SME) for Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Building Management Systems (BMS), Customer Management Systems (CMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), and customer telemetry, providing technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Drive the evolution of design specifications by integrating lessons learned and operational feedback from internal teams, consultants, and vendors to enhance future data center designs.

• Support customer solutioning and RFP processes by providing expert technical responses and ensuring compliance with AirTrunk's stringent design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities heavily lean into operations and engineering within the data center infrastructure context. The focus on "Controls & Automation" and "DCS/BMS" suggests a critical operational technology role. The "Design Manager" title in this context likely refers to managing the design process and standards for these operational systems rather than pure architectural design. The role requires a deep understanding of how these systems function in a live, mission-critical environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Global Design Standardization: Own and maintain reference design specifications and Global Minimum Standards for DCS (BAS/BMS), CMS, EPMS, Customer Telemetry, and other supporting data center systems to ensure cross-regional standardization.

• Project Lifecycle Design Support: Act as the internal SME for Controls & Automation, providing design support to regional Design Managers. This includes responding to customer RFPs/RFIs, contributing to master planning, and performing technical reviews and sign-offs across all design phases (BOD, CD, SD, DD, IFC).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal sub-teams such as Data Centre Operations Facilities Management (DC Ops FM), DCS Support, ICT, Development (Dev), and Commissioning (Cx) to gather feedback on operational issues and lessons learned for design evolution.

• Design Documentation Management: Maintain the Technical Requirements (TR) Update Register, draft and present changes to TR documents, Master/Global DCS Points Lists, and submit updated TRs into Document Management Systems for formal approval.

• Gap Analysis & Uplifts: Conduct gap analyses of in-flight projects against updated TRs to identify opportunities for implementing improvements (uplifts) and liaise with the Technical Program Manager on potential uplift projects for existing production assets.

• Customer Solutioning: Collaborate with Customer Solutions teams on standard Colo products and customer-specific fit-out provisions, including tailored Function-to-Suit (FTS) designs, and provide formal responses to RFP queries regarding compliance, deviations, and exceptions.

• Vendor Management & Pre-qualification: Assist in the pre-qualification of Controls & Automation vendors in the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region, assessing their capabilities in design, quality control, delivery, and DLP maintenance, and review tender submissions for completeness and cost feasibility.

• Service Delivery Support: Act as the Controls & Automation Design SME for Service Delivery Managers, serving as the technical liaison for external customer-driven projects such as Telemetry integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on process standardization, technical documentation, and cross-functional collaboration, all critical aspects of operations management within a large-scale infrastructure environment. The mention of "greenfield and brownfield sites" indicates the need to manage both new builds and upgrades/retrofits, requiring adaptability in operational planning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of successful experience designing large-scale Distributed Control Systems (DCS) / Building Management Systems (BMS) for mission-critical environments.

Required Skills:

• Controls & Automation Expertise: Deep understanding of DCS, BAS/BMS, CMS, EPMS, and customer telemetry systems.

• System Design Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to design and develop technical requirements for control systems in mission-critical environments.

• Programming & Protocols: Familiarity with Tridium Niagara Framework, DDC/PLC programming, and knowledge of best practices for local and distributed control algorithms. Understanding of relevant communication protocols for field and supervisory applications.

• Data Centre Infrastructure Knowledge: Solid understanding of mission-critical data center infrastructure, including redundant electrical systems and chilled water plant control strategies.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with relevant codes and standards such as ASHRAE, BCA, and AS.

• Technical Documentation: Ability to prepare, review, and manage technical specifications, requirements documents, and point lists.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement, technical explanation, and RFP responses.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and operational issues.

• Multitasking & Prioritization: Strong ability to multitask and prioritize work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with vendor pre-qualification and tender review processes.

• Knowledge of system integration techniques for telemetry and customer-specific provisions.

• Familiarity with function-to-suit (FTS) design methodologies.

• Experience in both greenfield and brownfield site development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of design experience in "mission-critical environments" strongly implies that candidates will be evaluated on their understanding of operational uptime, redundancy, and the impact of design choices on ongoing operations. The mention of Tridium Niagara Framework is a specific technical requirement that candidates should highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of large-scale DCS/BMS designs for mission-critical environments, clearly outlining the problem, your design solution, the systems implemented, and the resulting operational benefits.

• Technical Specification Examples: Include samples of Technical Requirements (TR) documents, Global Minimum Standards, or Master/Global DCS Points Lists you have developed or significantly contributed to.

• Process Flow Diagrams: Demonstrate your understanding of control system logic and workflows through process flow diagrams or control strategy documentation.

• RFP/RFI Response Samples: If permissible, provide anonymized examples of technical responses you have drafted for RFPs or RFIs related to controls and automation systems, highlighting your ability to address compliance, deviations, and exceptions.

• System Integration Examples: Illustrate experience with integrating various systems, such as customer telemetry or supporting DC systems, showcasing your understanding of data flow and interoperability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of developing or refining workflows for design reviews, change management processes for technical requirements, and vendor pre-qualification processes.

• Implementation & Standards: Documentation demonstrating how you ensure design standards are implemented consistently across projects and how you capture lessons learned from operational feedback to update design documentation.

• Performance Analysis: Examples of how you would analyze the performance implications of design decisions or how operational feedback informs future design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design standards and technical requirements, a portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of the lifecycle of these systems, from initial design through to operational feedback, is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design choices impact operational efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Career Growth Opportunities: As highlighted by the company, significant opportunities to "Grow@Hyperscale" are provided, suggesting structured career progression and skill development programs.

• Flexible Working Environment: AirTrunk emphasizes providing a flexible and safe working environment, allowing for adaptability in work arrangements where operationally feasible.

• Competitive Remuneration: Beyond base salary, this typically includes performance-based bonuses, superannuation contributions (as mandated in Australia), and other standard employee benefits.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Companies in this sector often offer comprehensive health insurance, wellness initiatives, and employee assistance programs.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous learning, industry certifications, and conference attendance related to controls, automation, and data center technology.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, given the critical nature of data center operations and project deadlines, occasional flexibility may be required to meet project milestones or address urgent operational design queries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on similar senior engineering/management roles in Sydney's technology and infrastructure sectors. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits mentioned are inferred from the company's culture description and general industry offerings for such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Data Centres, Infrastructure. AirTrunk operates in the rapidly expanding hyperscale data center market, providing critical infrastructure for cloud providers and large enterprises.

Company Size: Mid-to-Large (likely 500-1000+ employees globally, given their rapid expansion across APME). This size indicates a growing, dynamic organization with established processes but still retaining agility.

Founded: 2017. AirTrunk is a relatively young company, known for its aggressive growth and disruptive approach to the data center industry.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The role reports to the Director, Technical – Controls & Automation, indicating a clear hierarchy within the specialized Controls & Automation team.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires significant collaboration with Design, Customer Solutions, Development, DC Ops FM, DCS Support, ICT, and Commissioning teams, highlighting a matrixed or highly collaborative operational environment.

• Global vs. Regional: While the role is based at HQ in North Sydney, it has a global remit in terms of setting standards and influencing design across the APME region, working alongside regional Design Managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AirTrunk emphasizes a data-driven approach, evident in the need to capture operational feedback and lessons learned to inform design evolution and Technical Requirements (TRs).

• Standardization & Efficiency: The core function of this role is to drive cross-regional standardization and efficiency through robust design specifications and minimum standards, reflecting an operations-centric approach to scaling.

• Agile Development & Implementation: The company's rapid growth suggests a methodology that balances rigorous design and engineering with the need for agility in project delivery and adaptation to new technologies or customer needs.

Company Website: https://www.airtrunk.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AirTrunk's culture is described as "electric," "challenger," and "collaborative problem solvers." For an operations-focused role, this implies a dynamic environment where proactive problem-solving and a willingness to challenge the status quo are valued. The emphasis on "living our values, going above and beyond, and being dynamic, transparent, and responsive" suggests a high-performance culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor or early-stage management role within the technical operations and engineering domain. It requires deep technical expertise in a specialized area (Controls & Automation) and the ability to influence broader design standards and project execution. It’s a critical role that bridges the gap between initial design and operational realities.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director, Technical – Controls & Automation. This provides a clear line of mentorship and strategic direction for the Controls & Automation discipline within AirTrunk.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the reliability, efficiency, scalability, and maintainability of AirTrunk's hyperscale data centers. By standardizing controls and automation, they ensure consistent operational performance across multiple regions, reduce risks associated with custom solutions, and support customer-specific requirements efficiently. Their input is vital for ensuring that designs meet the demands of hyperscale operations and future-proof the infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Progress to Principal Design Manager, Senior Technical SME, or specialized roles focusing on specific aspects like AI integration in automation, advanced BMS analytics, or energy efficiency optimization within controls.

• Leadership Path: Transition into leadership roles such as Head of Controls & Automation Design, Director of Technical Standards, or managing regional design teams, overseeing a broader scope of technical operations.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles within Data Centre Operations, Commissioning Management, or Technical Program Management, leveraging their deep understanding of system design and operational requirements.

• Industry Expertise Development: Continuous learning and development through exposure to cutting-edge data center technologies, global standards, and complex project challenges, positioning them as a recognized expert in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Grow@Hyperscale" slogan suggests a strong emphasis on professional development and career advancement. For this role, growth will likely involve deepening technical expertise, expanding influence over global standards, and potentially moving into team leadership or broader operational management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at AirTrunk HQ in North Sydney, NSW, Australia. This suggests a corporate office environment, likely modern and designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): AirTrunk HQ - North Sydney, NSW, Australia. This location provides access to a major business hub with good transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect modern office setups with collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and spaces conducive to team discussions and cross-functional work.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, design software, document management systems, and potentially specialized engineering or simulation tools relevant to controls and automation.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with global and regional design teams, operations personnel, and other engineering disciplines, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment.

Work Schedule:

• The role is designated as "On-site" at the North Sydney HQ. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of project lifecycles and the critical nature of data center operations may necessitate occasional flexibility to attend site visits, critical design reviews, or address urgent operational queries.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an "On-site" role at HQ, the environment will likely be professional and geared towards supporting high-level strategic and design functions, with opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership and key stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will conduct an initial review of applications and resumes to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more in-depth interviews with the hiring manager (Director, Technical – Controls & Automation) and potentially senior members of the Controls & Automation team or other engineering leads. These will focus on technical depth, design methodologies, problem-solving, and experience with specific systems.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio or tackle a hypothetical design problem related to controls and automation in a data center context. This assesses practical application of skills.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interview: An interview with representatives from teams you'll collaborate with (e.g., Data Centre Operations, Customer Solutions) to assess communication, collaboration, and understanding of operational impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader (e.g., VP of Engineering/Operations) for final assessment of fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the operational challenge, your specific design contribution, the technologies/systems used, and the quantifiable benefits (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced downtime, cost savings, enhanced reliability).

• Standardization Examples: Highlight instances where your work led to standardized designs, improved documentation, or best practice implementation.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to walk through design diagrams, control logic, and technical specifications, explaining your rationale and decision-making process.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Demonstrate how you've communicated complex technical information to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.

• Lessons Learned Integration: Show how you incorporate feedback from operations or commissioning phases into subsequent design iterations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Data Center Fundamentals: Refresh knowledge on data center infrastructure (power, cooling, BMS, EPMS) and their operational implications.

• Controls & Automation Principles: Review core concepts in DDC/PLC programming, control algorithms, communication protocols, and system integration.

• Standards & Compliance: Be ready to discuss your experience with relevant industry standards (ASHRAE, etc.) and regulatory requirements.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach common operational challenges related to controls and automation, such as system failures, performance degradation, or integration issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Global Minimum Standards" and "cross-regional standardisation" suggests that candidates who can demonstrate experience in developing or adhering to standardized operational processes and technical specifications will be highly valued. The portfolio should reflect this capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/Design Software: AutoCAD, Revit, or similar for creating and reviewing design documentation.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for formal review and approval of technical documentation (e.g., Documentum, SharePoint, or proprietary systems).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking design tasks and project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing data from BMS/EPMS systems to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for optimization. While not explicitly stated, experience with tools like Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis is assumed.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on design compliance, system performance, and project status.

CRM & Automation:

• Tridium Niagara Framework: This is a specific and critical requirement, indicating the primary platform for BMS/DCS control and integration.

• DDC/PLC Programming Software: Experience with software specific to various DDC/PLC manufacturers.

• Communication Protocol Knowledge: Understanding of protocols like BACnet, Modbus, SNMP, and potentially MQTT for IoT integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Tridium Niagara Framework" is a key technical requirement. Candidates should highlight their hands-on experience with this platform and its capabilities in managing complex control systems. Familiarity with other relevant protocols is also essential for effective system integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Challengers & Problem Solvers: A culture that encourages questioning existing processes and finding innovative solutions to complex operational and design challenges.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working across teams and with external partners to achieve shared goals in building and operating hyperscale data centers.

• Agility & Responsiveness: The ability to adapt quickly to changing project requirements, new technologies, and operational feedback is highly valued in AirTrunk's fast-paced environment.

• Transparency: Open communication and sharing of information are encouraged, fostering trust and efficiency in decision-making related to design and operations.

• Commitment to Excellence: A drive to go "above and beyond" to deliver high-quality, reliable, and sustainable data center infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style, where Design Managers work closely with Operations, Development, Customer Solutions, and Commissioning teams to ensure designs are practical, implementable, and meet operational needs.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that actively seeks and utilizes feedback from operational teams and site personnel to continuously improve design standards and specifications.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams and regions to foster collective growth and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values proactive individuals who can not only design but also understand and influence the operational impact of those designs. Embracing a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional teamwork is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Standards with Regional Needs: Ensuring that standardized designs are adaptable to diverse regional requirements, regulations, and site-specific conditions while maintaining core functionality and efficiency.

• Integrating Operational Feedback: Effectively capturing, analyzing, and integrating feedback from diverse operational teams (FM, DCS Support, Cx) into design evolution, managing potential conflicts or differing priorities.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in controls, automation, IoT, and data analytics to ensure AirTrunk's infrastructure remains cutting-edge and efficient.

• Vendor Management & Standardization: Ensuring that selected vendors and their equipment consistently meet AirTrunk's stringent quality and performance standards across multiple projects and regions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating complex stakeholder landscapes to gain consensus and drive design decisions that satisfy multiple internal and external requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Technical Expertise: Opportunities to become a world-class expert in hyperscale data center controls and automation, potentially specializing in areas like predictive maintenance, AI-driven optimization, or advanced energy management systems.

• Global Standards Development: Playing a key role in shaping and refining AirTrunk's global design standards, influencing the future of hyperscale data center operations.

• Industry Exposure: Working with leading technology providers, consultants, and customers in the rapidly evolving data center industry.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into management roles, leading teams and strategic initiatives within the technical design and operations functions.

• Certifications & Training: Access to relevant industry certifications and training programs to enhance skills in controls, automation, project management, and data center infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in rapidly scaling infrastructure companies. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their strategies for overcoming these challenges, demonstrating their strategic thinking and operational resilience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a Global Minimum Standard for BMS in a rapidly expanding hyperscale data center environment, considering regional variations?" (Focus: Standardization, process development, stakeholder management)

• "Describe a time you had to integrate significant operational feedback into an existing design. What was the process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus: Feedback integration, problem-solving, design iteration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about AirTrunk's mission and its role in the hyperscale data center market?" (Focus: Company alignment, industry interest)

• "How do you approach collaboration with different teams, such as Operations, Customer Solutions, and Development, to achieve design objectives?" (Focus: Teamwork, communication, cross-functional understanding)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Challenge -> Your Role & Approach -> Solution (Design, Systems, Standards) -> Outcome (Quantifiable Benefits, Operational Improvements).

• Highlight Standardization: Specifically call out any contributions to standardized designs, processes, or documentation.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to explain your design choices, control logic, and system integrations, using diagrams where helpful.

• Operational Relevance: Emphasize how your designs directly contribute to the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of the data center operations.

• Conciseness: Present key information efficiently, allowing time for discussion and deeper dives into specific areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss how their design decisions impact operational uptime, energy efficiency, and overall data center performance. Demonstrating an understanding of the "cloud meets the ground" concept – how physical infrastructure design supports cloud services – will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager, Controls & Automation position:

• Submit your application through the AirTrunk careers portal (via the provided Greenhouse link).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in designing large-scale DCS/BMS for mission-critical environments, specifically mentioning your work with Tridium Niagara Framework, DDC/PLC programming, and data center infrastructure. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your design capabilities, standardization efforts, and understanding of operational impact. Be ready to present these in detail during interviews.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AirTrunk's business, its hyperscale data center model, and its culture. Understand their mission and values to articulate your alignment.

• Technical Readiness: Review fundamental concepts of data center controls and automation, common communication protocols, and relevant industry standards. Prepare to discuss your experience with these in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.