Staff Engineer - Data Center Modeling & MPC
Johnson Controls
Wisconsin, USA
USD 130k-180k / year
Posted on Apr 7, 2026
Job Description
Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!
Who we are:
Johnson Controls is global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What We Offer:
Competitive salary
Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care.
On-the-job/cross-training opportunities
Encouraging and collaborative team environment
Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
What you will do:
As a Staff Engineer in Data Center Modeling & MPC, you will lead the development of advanced thermal models, digital twins, and optimization algorithms that drive next‑generation cooling control strategies for high‑density data centers.
You will architect and implement Model Predictive Control (MPC) frameworks, develop constrained optimization routines, and design algorithms that improve energy efficiency, reliability, and thermal stability across air‑side and water‑side cooling systems.
This role requires deep expertise in dynamic modeling, control theory, and system‑level engineering. You will operate with considerable autonomy and serve as a technical leader within the team.
This position is 100% on‑site at our new Controls Product Development Center and Lab in Glendale, WI, where you’ll collaborate closely with cross‑disciplinary teams and work hands‑on with real products. The role may include up to 20% travel.
How you will do it:
Develop dynamic thermal models and digital twins for data‑center cooling systems
Design and implement MPC algorithms with hard/soft constraints, disturbance models, and safety envelopes
Perform system identification and state‑space modeling
Develop state estimation algorithms and observers
Implement classical control techniques (PID, anti‑windup, feed‑forward, bumpless transfer)
Optimize control strategies for air‑side and water‑side cooling equipment
Collaborate with embedded and IoT teams to deploy algorithms on edge platforms
Use MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow/Simscape and Python scientific tools for modeling and simulation
Lead algorithm validation through simulation, lab testing, and field pilots
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
Contribute to long‑range planning for algorithmic capabilities and product evolution
What we look for:
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred
10+ years of experience in control systems, modeling, or algorithm development
Expertise in MPC, constrained optimization, and state‑space control
Strong background in system identification and dynamic modeling
Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Python (NumPy, SciPy, etc.)
Experience with thermal systems, HVAC, or data‑center cooling
Ability to work independently with considerable latitude
Excellent communication skills and ability to represent engineering across department
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with digital twins and reinforcement learning for control
Familiarity with PHM, FMEA, and reliability engineering
Experience deploying control algorithms to embedded or edge platforms
Knowledge of data‑center operations, CRAH/CRAC systems, liquid cooling, or heat‑rejection systems
Experience leading technical teams or initiatives