Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Columbus, OH

POSITION SUMMARY

This posting is for an experienced Manager, Thermal Controls Platforms Testing who will lead validation and verification activities for Vertiv's thermal controls platforms on both embedded thermal unit platforms and thermal system software. This Manager owns the overall test strategy, test execution, and continuous improvement of test processes across firmware, control logic, user interfaces, integrations, and system-level behaviors. The role ensures product quality through robust test planning, scalable test automation, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering, offering management, commissioning, manufacturing, service, and program leadership. Managing and guiding a testing framework to support all of these activities through the use of SIL, HIL, and Digital Twin in Loop technologies is expected.

This position supports system-level thermal controls and optimization solutions spanning the full thermal chain, including Cooling Distribution Unit systems, secondary fluid network management, pumps, chillers, heat rejection, heat reuse, and future optimization layers. The Testing Manager partners closely with platform, product, and manufacturing teams to validate end-to-end capabilities, including integration points and industrial communication interfaces.

IDEAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong leadership in test strategy, test execution, and quality culture across multi-team development environments
• Demonstrated expertise in system validation for controls platforms (embedded, automation, software or industrial controls preferred)
• Experience building and scaling test automation, including lab automation and continuous integration practices
• Solid technical depth across controls systems, firmware/software, and hardware-in-the-loop style testing approaches (suggested)
• Effective cross-functional communicator who can translate risk into clear release recommendations

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the platform test strategy: define test levels (unit, integration, system, regression), coverage goals, and quality gates for thermal controls platform releases
• Lead a team of test engineers: hire, coach, develop, and performance-manage testers; set priorities and ensure execution quality
• Test planning and scheduling: create milestone-aligned test plans (including entry/exit criteria), resource plans, and lab utilization plans
• Drive automation at scale: develop/standardize automated test frameworks, automated regression suites, and repeatable lab workflows to reduce cycle time
• Own lab readiness and test environments: ensure test rigs, simulators, instrumentation, and data capture are available, calibrated, and fit for purpose
• System-level validation: validate performance, stability, fault handling, and recovery behaviors across integrated thermal controls solutions (equipment interactions, sequencing, and supervisory behavior)
• Integration validation: verify communications and interoperability with internal and external third-party equipment and interfaces (as applicable)
• Defect management and quality reporting: establish defect triage processes, severity definitions, root cause collaboration, and clear status reporting to stakeholders
• Release readiness: provide objective quality assessments and release recommendations based on evidence, risk, and trend data
• Field and commissioning support: support factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and targeted field issue reproduction; feed lessons learned back into test design
• Process improvement: continuously improve test methods, test documentation, traceability, and compliance with internal processes
• Cross-functional leadership: partner with platform engineering, controls engineering, offering management, service, and program teams to align quality priorities and customer outcomes

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation/Controls, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years in test engineering / validation / quality engineering roles (controls, embedded, industrial automation, or similar)
• 3+ years leading teams or leading test programs with broad cross-functional visibility
• Experience creating test plans, test procedures, and traceable coverage from requirements to validation evidence
• Demonstrated experience with automation (scripting, frameworks, CI integration, or lab automation)
• Strong troubleshooting skills across firmware/software, controls logic, networking/communications, and electromechanical systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with thermal systems and controls (hydronic plants, liquid cooling, Cooling Distribution Unit systems, secondary loops)
• Experience with industrial protocols and integrations (for example, Modbus TCP, BACnet, MQTT)
• Experience with factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, commissioning, or field troubleshooting
• Experience validating full-stack solutions: firmware/controls, user interface/human-machine interface, and system integration behaviors

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

About Vertiv

Vertiv is a $10.2 billion global critical infrastructure and data center technology company.  We ensure customers' vital applications run continuously by bringing together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services.  Our portfolio includes power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 20,000 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.

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