What are the responsibilities and job description for the Modularization Lead/Architecture position at Apar Technologies?
Job Title: Modularization Architect / Lead Engineer - CDUs & Data Center Applications
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Onsite/ Remote: Hybrid with base location in Bethlehem, PA
The pay range for this role is $150-170K/ per annum including any bonuses or variable pay.
JD:
Control, Automation, Cooling Distribution Units, Liquid Cooling, BMS/SCADA & DCIM Integration
The role is responsible for defining and leading modularization of Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) and associated data center subsystems with strong control and automation content. The candidate will convert customer-specific CDU and data center cooling/control requirements into reusable, scalable, configurable modules covering mechanical skid interfaces, electrical panels, PLC/DDC controls, sensors, safety interlocks, communication protocols, BMS/SCADA/DCIM integration, test procedures and product documentation.
The position requires a system-level engineering mindset combining thermal-fluid equipment, electrical controls, PLC/RTU automation, industrial communications, cybersecurity basics, reliability, serviceability, manufacturability and data center operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Lead modular architecture definition for CDU products and other data center control and automation applications.
Develop configurable module strategy covering standard CDU capacities, pump redundancy, heat exchanger options, valve packages, sensor variants, control panel ratings and communication interfaces.
Define control philosophy for CDU operation including pump sequencing, pressure control, flow control, temperature control, bypass control, leak detection, alarms, fail-safe modes and emergency stop behavior.
Create reusable electrical and control panel building blocks including PLC/DDC, I/O, VFDs, power supplies, isolators, terminal blocks, relays, HMIs and network devices.
Develop standard I/O list, data point list, signal naming convention, alarm matrix and communication register map for BMS, SCADA and DCIM integration.
Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, firmware/software, manufacturing, quality, sourcing and service teams to convert custom designs into platform modules.
Prepare interface control documents for CDU integration with facility chilled water loops, rack liquid cooling loops, BMS, SCADA, DCIM, EMS and customer OT networks.
Ensure modular designs address manufacturability, maintainability, field serviceability, testability, safety, cybersecurity and cost optimization.
Review vendor selections for PLCs, sensors, VFDs, valves, pumps, meters, control panels, gateways and communication devices.
Support NPI, prototype build, FAT, SAT, integrated system testing, commissioning and field issue resolution.
Deliverables Expected from the Role
Modular Product Architecture Document for CDU and associated data center automation solutions.
CDU module option matrix covering capacity, redundancy, pump type, valve package, sensors, control panel and communication options.
Control Philosophy and Functional Design Specification for CDU and data center cooling automation.
Standard I/O list, signal list, alarm matrix, trend list, data dictionary and communication register map.
Electrical control panel architecture, wiring template, terminal philosophy and standard control BOM.
BMS/SCADA/DCIM interface control document and protocol mapping document.
FAT/SAT/commissioning test procedures for CDU controls, sensors, alarms, communication and safety interlocks.
Design checklist for modularization, manufacturability, serviceability, cybersecurity and maintainability.
Risk register and mitigation plan covering thermal, electrical, control, communication, manufacturing and field service risks.
Qualification & Experience
Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Controls, Automation or related engineering discipline. Master degree is desirable but not mandatory.
10 years of experience in automation, controls, electromechanical product engineering, thermal systems, HVAC controls or data center infrastructure.
Experience in CDU, liquid cooling, chiller plant, HVAC controls, pump systems, BMS/SCADA, control panel engineering or mission-critical facility automation is strongly preferred.
Experience in modular product design, platform engineering, variant management, NPI, DFMEA, DFM/DFA and cost optimization is desirable.
Customer-facing experience in technical reviews, proposal support, vendor evaluation, FAT/SAT and commissioning support is preferred.
9. Preferred Standards / Domain Awareness
Data center availability concepts such as N, N 1, 2N, maintainability, concurrent maintenance and critical operations procedures.
IEC/UL control panel practices, electrical safety, CE/UL component selection, EMC/EMI considerations and grounding practices.
IEC 62443 concepts for OT cybersecurity, secure remote access, network segmentation, user access control and audit logging.
ASHRAE thermal-fluid awareness, cooling system energy efficiency, PUE impact and liquid cooling operational considerations.
FMEA, design verification, reliability engineering, configuration management and lifecycle documentation practices.
Salary : $150,000 - $170,000