Controls Engineer

Company: Applied Digital
Location: Ellendale
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Title: Controls SME Primary Location: Ellendale, ND (Hybrid) About Applied Digital: At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms. We are: · Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution. · Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers. · Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards. At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution. Position Summary: Applied Digital is seeking a Controls Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our growing organization. This role will play a key part in supporting initiatives such as supporting commissioning of new buildings, team training, and operations team support. The Controls Subject Matter Expert (SME) will need to have technical expertise in controls systems, hardware diagnostics, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure operational excellence and system integrity. Key Responsibilities · Diagnose and resolve complex issues in electronic and digital controls systems. · Maintain and repair control system hardware, including controllers, sensors, relays, actuators, and integrated mechanical/electrical components. · Analyze equipment performance data to identify efficiency opportunities and implement system optimization strategies. · Review operating equipment data for efficiency improvements while making adjustments accordingly. · Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage controls vendors to support site operations, component upgrades, and configurations. · Communicate any controls issues or process improvements with site management. Basic Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience · 5 years of hands-on experience in control system programming and commissioning. · 3 years of relevant industry experience. · Expertise in control equipment design, maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and/or construction. · Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. · Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications · Prior experience in the data center industry. · Hands-on experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). · Hands-on experience with Direct Digital Control (DDC). Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship. Essential Skills: · Communication: Clear verbal and written communication to document incidents and ensure proper shift handoffs. · Collaboration: Ability to work closely with team members, supervisors, and cross-functional partners. · Adaptability: Flexible in responding to changes in process, tools, environment, and shift assignments. · Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned tasks and follows through with minimal supervision. · Attention to Detail: Maintains thorough and accurate logs, inspections, records, and documentation. · Time Management: Manages time effectively to meet performance expectations and service levels. · Integrity: Adheres to company policies, safety protocols, and professional ethics always. · Continuous Improvement Mindset: Recommends and supports efficiency, safety, and system innovations. · Documentation Discipline: Maintains clear, consistent records for operational continuity and compliance. · Security Compliance: Maintains awareness of data center physical and logical security expectations. · Digital Literacy: Uses productivity tools (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Excel, ticketing systems) for communication and documentation in office or hybrid settings. Physical Requirements: · Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed. The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents acknowledge that they possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Keywords: Applied Digital, Grand Forks , Controls Engineer, Engineering , Ellendale, North Dakota