Senior Data Center Systems Engineer -- AI Infrastructure & Performance Optimization

Senior Data Center Systems Engineer -- AI Infrastructure & Performance Optimization

Job Description

Position Summary

Johnson Controls' Data Center Thermal Solutions team is seeking aSenior Data Center Systems Engineer for the Advanced Technology & Innovation group. This role bridges AI/HPC computing systems with data center infrastructure, focusing on optimizing the interdependencies between computing workloads and cooling efficiency. The ideal candidate will be highly self-driven, able to work independently with limited supervision, and bring deep expertise in GPU-based AI workloads combined with comprehensive understanding of data center infrastructure systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and manageAI/HPC compute clusters running diverse workloads including LLM training and inference, VLM applications, HPC simulations, and stress testing scenarios.
• Deploy and commissionliquid cooling hardware including direct-to-chip cold plates, CDUs, immersion systems, and hybrid cooling solutions for high-density AI infrastructure.
• Design and executeworkload management strategies to evaluate thermal and power characteristics across CPU and GPU-based AI nodes under varied operational conditions.
• Developsystem-level digital twin simulations integrating IT telemetry with mechanical and electrical infrastructure data to model cooling and computing efficiency interdependencies.
• Extract and analyzetelemetry data from IT nodes, GPUs, CPUs, and thermal systems including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and CDUs to optimize performance and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate withthermal engineers and controls teams to validate cooling system performance under real-world AI/HPC workloads and support NPI development initiatives.
• Integrate and leverageDCIM and BAS platforms for holistic infrastructure monitoring, predictive analytics, and operational optimization.
• Authortechnical reports and industry white papers documenting research findings, best practices, and performance benchmarks for AI data center infrastructure.
• Represent Johnson Controls at industry conferences, technical forums, and customer engagements to share innovations and establish thought leadership in AI infrastructure optimization.
• Interface withhyperscalers, OEMs, and technology partners to align infrastructure solutions with evolving AI hardware and workload requirements.
• Contribute totechnical publications, patent filings, and industry standards related to data center systems optimization.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree inElectrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in AI/HPC infrastructure, data center operations, or related technical roles.
• Prior experience working in data center environments strongly preferred.
• Proven hands-on experience deploying and managingLLM, VLM, training, inference, and HPC simulation workloads on GPU-based AI infrastructure.
• Deep understanding ofAI hardware architectures (NVIDIA H100/H200, AMD MI300, etc.) and their thermal/power characteristics across diverse workloads.
• Strong knowledge ofdata center mechanical systems (cooling distribution, heat rejection),electrical systems (power distribution, UPS), andnetworking architectures (InfiniBand, Ethernet fabrics).
• Proficiency withDCIM platforms, BAS integration, and digital twin modeling tools for infrastructure simulation and optimization.
• Experience withstress testing tools, workload orchestration platforms (Kubernetes, Slurm, etc.), and telemetry collection frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability towork independently, manage complex projects, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Track record ofinnovation and cross-functional collaboration in data center or AI infrastructure environments.
• Strongtechnical communication and presentation skills for conference participation and white paper authorship.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visitEEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visithere.