Automation Simulation Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

Position Summary

The Thermal System Controls Developer will be responsible for the development, implementation and support of software and control logic for Vertiv's system-level thermal controls and optimization solutions.

The role will support the evolution of Vertiv's control platforms across the full thermal chain, including CDU systems, secondary fluid network management, pumps, chillers, heat rejection systems, heat reuse applications and plant-level optimization solutions.

This position will contribute to both product development and customer project execution, developing control software, reusable software modules, GUI/HMI elements, integration features and project-specific control logic.

The role will work closely with Offering Management, Platform Engineering, Controls Engineering, Commissioning, Service and other Vertiv business units to support standardization, product growth and successful deployment of system-level thermal control solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop software and control logic for Vertiv's system-level thermal controls and optimization solutions.
• Support the development of software for platforms such as the Chilled Water Manager and Optimizer, Secondary Fluid Network Manager and future thermal system control applications.
• Write, test and maintain PLC/control code, primarily using Codesys and IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
• Develop supporting tools, scripts, data processing routines and automation utilities using Python.
• Support the development and configuration of GUI/HMI interfaces, dashboards, visualization pages and operator workflows.
• Implement control strategies for hydronic and liquid cooling systems, including CDU systems, secondary loops, pumps, valves, chillers, buffer tanks, heat rejection equipment and heat reuse applications.
• Develop standard software modules, reusable control blocks and libraries to support scalable deployment across multiple projects and platforms.
• Support project-specific customization based on customer requirements, site-specific sequences of operation and project architecture.
• Collaborate with Offering Management to translate roadmap needs, customer feedback and new feature requests into technical software requirements.
• Collaborate with Platform Engineering and Business Unit teams to identify synergies, standardization opportunities and reusable software components.
• Support integration with Vertiv and third-party equipment using industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, BACnet, MQTT and other relevant interfaces.
• Support factory testing, software validation, simulation, functional testing and project preparation activities.
• Support commissioning teams during remote troubleshooting, urgent software modifications and selected field activities.
• Maintain software documentation, version control, release notes and development records in line with Vertiv processes.
• Capture field feedback and lessons learned to improve future software releases and product roadmap priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
• Experience in industrial automation, HVAC controls, liquid cooling controls, BMS, PLC programming or data center thermal controls.
• Strong programming capability with Codesys or similar PLC development environments.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming languages, especially Structured Text.
• Working knowledge of Python for scripting, automation, data handling or software support tools.
• Experience with HMI/GUI development, SCADA systems or industrial visualization platforms.
• Good understanding of control systems, sensors, actuators, control loops and plant-level automation.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, BACnet, MQTT or similar.
• Ability to read and interpret control diagrams, sequence of operation documents, P&IDs, electrical schematics and I/O lists.
• Ability to work in a global, cross-functional environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with chilled water systems, hydronic plants, liquid cooling systems, CDU systems, secondary fluid networks or data center cooling systems.
• Experience with plant-level optimization, energy efficiency strategies, PID tuning, equipment sequencing or supervisory controls.
• Experience with Ignition, Unify or equivalent SCADA/HMI platforms.
• Experience with Git or other software version-control tools.
• Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning or field troubleshooting activities.
• Familiarity with data center infrastructure, mission-critical environments and thermal system integration.

Travel

Willingness to travel up to approximately 20%, including customer sites, Vertiv facilities, factory testing, commissioning support and project troubleshooting activities.

#LI-RB1

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

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

High-Performance Culture

Customer Focus

Operational Excellence

Innovation

Financial Strength

VERTIV 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

About Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers' vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today's data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com