Controls Engineer

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

• The IBMS System Architecture Expert - Design & Estimation incumbent serves as the primary technical authority for IBMS scope definition, system architecture design, cost estimation, and technical proposal development across mission-critical data centre bids. The role demands deep expertise in Integrated Building Management Systems (IBMS), a thorough understanding of BMS/DDC/PLC controller ecosystems, and the ability to translate complex client requirements into compelling, commercially sound technical proposals.
• Working at the intersection of Engineering, Sales, and Solution Architecture, the IBMS System Architecture Expert drives technical credibility during the bid cycle - from RFP/RFQ receipt through final bid submission and post-bid technical clarification.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop full IBMS system architecture proposals for mission-critical data center projects during the bid phase, encompassing BMS, FACP, VESDA, Water Leak Detection (WLD), Access Control, CCTV, Rodent Control, and power/environment monitoring subsystems.
• Define BMS controller platform, network topology, and integration architecture - specifying primary, field-level devices, gateways, and communication protocols (BACnet/IP, Modbus, SNMP, OPC-UA).
• Prepare detailed I/O point schedules, controller loading calculations, and scan-time calculations for DDC/PLC systems during the estimation phase.
• Design IBMS network architecture including data network topology, switch selection criteria, BACnet/IP architecture, and integration requirements for third-party systems (DCIM, EPMS, SCADA/HMI).
• Evaluate and recommend open protocol versus proprietary integration strategies, identifying technical risks and mitigations for the proposed architecture.
• Define subsystem integration requirements, API/protocol mapping, and IBMS-to-DCIM interoperability architecture for high-density and AI data center environments.
• Develop control philosophy summaries and sequences of operation (SOO) drafts to support technical sections of bids, clarifying system-level control strategies without committing to detailed execution design.

• Prepare comprehensive Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for IBMS scope across critical and non-critical data center projects, covering all hardware, software, licensing, integration, engineering, and commissioning cost elements.
• Develop itemized cost estimation sheets with material, labor, third-party integration, software licensing, and contingency allowances, using established Vertiv rate cards and vendor quotations.
• Produce Basis of Estimate (BOE) documents clearly defining scope boundaries, assumptions, exclusions, and unit-cost rationale for each IBMS bid.
• Benchmark IBMS costs against historical project data, vendor list prices, and market intelligence to ensure commercial competitiveness without compromising technical quality.
• Identify and quantify scope risks in estimates, recommending provisional sums and risk allowances where appropriate.
• Prepare and maintain IBMS-specific pricing matrices and parametric estimation models to accelerate turnaround for repeat bid types (colocation, hyperscale, enterprise DC).
• Contribute to internal bid review and approval processes - presenting cost models, assumptions, and risks to senior management and business development leads.

• Lead preparation of technical proposal sections for IBMS scope in RFP/RFQ responses, including executive summaries, technical narratives, compliance matrices, and scope clarification letters.
• Develop technical write-ups describing the proposed IBMS architecture, system capabilities, integration approach, and value differentiators - tailored to client technical and commercial requirements.
• Prepare compliance matrices mapping client specifications and standards requirements (IEC 61850, ASHRAE, TIA-942, NFPA 72, EN 54, IS 3043, NBC 2016) against the proposed solution.
• Produce scope-of-work documents and exclusion lists that define clear contractual boundaries for the IBMS scope within the overall project.
• Develop technical clarification logs and pre-bid query registers, managing responses with accuracy and commercial awareness.
• Prepare value engineering proposals and alternative technical solutions where client requirements offer scope for cost optimization without reducing functional integrity.
• Ensure all bid documents are produced in accordance with Vertiv brand and documentation standards, with consistent formatting and professional presentation.

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for IBMS scope during client pre-bid meetings, site surveys, and technical clarification discussions.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments for proposed IBMS architectures, advising clients and the sales team on achievable scope, realistic timelines, and technical risks.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, solution overviews, and IBMS architecture demonstrations to client technical teams and procurement stakeholders.
• Participate in pre-bid site walks, capturing existing infrastructure constraints, network connectivity requirements, and integration opportunities.
• Support post-submission technical discussions, clarifications, and negotiation of technical scope with clients and consultants.
• Build and maintain trusted technical relationships with key clients, consultants, and specifiers in the data center and critical infrastructure markets.
• Provide technical input to sales team's go/no-go assessments, identifying bid qualification criteria and scope risks early in the sales cycle.

• Collaborate with Sales, Solution Architecture, Project Management, and Commercial teams throughout the bid lifecycle, ensuring aligned scope, schedule, and cost assumptions.
• Maintain and continuously improve IBMS presales estimation templates, BOQ master libraries, and technical proposal boilerplate in line with evolving product platforms and market requirements.
• Conduct lessons-learned analysis on won and lost bids to refine estimation accuracy, technical positioning, and proposal quality.
• Support peer review and quality assurance of IBMS proposals prepared by other team members, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with Vertiv standards.
• Provide technical mentoring and knowledge transfer to junior presales engineers and sales staff on IBMS architecture concepts and estimation methodology.
• Interface with the Vertiv product management and engineering teams to stay current on controller platforms, new product introductions, and integration capabilities relevant to presales.

The IBMS System Architecture Expert - Presales & Estimation holds the following delegated authorities within the presales and estimation function:

• Approve IBMS BOQ, cost estimates, and technical proposals prior to submission to the commercial review board, within authorized value limits.
• Define and confirm IBMS technical scope inclusions and exclusions in bid submissions without requiring individual engineering sign-off for standard scope items.
• Recommend go/no-go decisions on IBMS scope elements and flag technical red-flags to the Bid Manager or Lead Controls Engineer.
• Engage directly with clients, consultants, and specialist vendors during the bid phase for technical clarifications, pre-bid meetings, and scope discussions.
• Request vendor quotations for specialist IBMS equipment, software, and integration services to support estimation.
• Propose value engineering changes and alternative technical solutions during bid development, subject to review by the Lead Controls Engineer.
• Reject internally submitted estimation data or technical content that does not meet Vertiv quality standards or accuracy thresholds.

• Dip OR bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation, Automation & Control, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Additional certifications in BMS/IBMS platforms are strongly preferred: Distech Controls, Niagara Framework / Tridium JACE, Honeywell, or Schneider Electric EcoStruxure.
• Training or certification in estimation methodology, technical proposal writing, or pre-sales engineering is a positive differentiator.
• Project management training (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is advantageous for managing complex bid timelines and multi-stakeholder reviews.

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in IBMS/BMS controls engineering, with a minimum of 4 years in a presales, estimation, or solution architecture capacity.
• Demonstrated track record of preparing IBMS BOQs, cost estimates, and technical proposals for mission-critical data center projects.
• Hands-on experience with BMS controller platforms - DDC/PLC platforms.
• Proven experience defining IBMS network architectures and communication integration strategies (BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, SNMP, OPC-UA, REST API).
• Experience engaging with clients, consultants, and specifiers in a presales or solution-advisory capacity for critical infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with data center standards and design criteria: ASHRAE, TIA-942, IEC 61850, EN 54, NFPA 72, IS 3043, NBC 2016.
• Exposure to high-density cooling architectures (DLC, liquid cooling, CDUs) and AI data center workloads is highly advantageous.

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English ability to present complex IBMS architecture concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Commercial acumen: ability to balance technical quality with cost competitiveness and understand bid strategy and margin implications.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills able to decompose complex client requirements into definable, priceable scope elements.
• High attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy across large, multi-subsystem BOQs and complex technical proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent bids under time pressure without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Collaborative team player with the confidence to challenge technical and commercial assumptions respectfully and constructively.
• Self-motivated with a quality-first mindset proactive in identifying risks and gaps during the bid cycle.

• Experience working with the Vertiv InfraSol platform or similar critical infrastructure integrated solutions in a presales or solution architecture capacity.
• Familiarity with AI data center workloads - high-density liquid cooling (DLC/immersion), power distribution architecture, and intelligent environmental monitoring.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification, demonstrating structured approach to managing bid timelines and multi-stakeholder reviews.
• Knowledge of ISA/IEC instrumentation standards and engineering flowchart conventions for controls systems architecture.
• Experience preparing parametric estimation models and CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) frameworks for repeatable IBMS bid packages.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-hyperscale or multi-colocation client environments - understanding of client template specifications and standard scope requirements.
• Familiarity with sustainability-driven IBMS features: energy monitoring, power analytics, PUE optimization, and ESG reporting integration for data centers.

• Primarily office-based role with occasional site visits required for pre-bid surveys, client technical meetings, and solution demonstration events.
• Comfortable working in active data center environments during pre-bid site surveys: raised floors, live electrical equipment, and operational cooling infrastructure.
• Ability to work extended hours during peak bid periods, proposal submission deadlines, and multi-bid parallel cycles.
• Travel required: approximately 10-25% of working time, primarily domestic within India, with occasional international travel for major client engagements or vendor partner events.