Assistant Controls Project Manager

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company‑匹

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Experience building automation and BAS

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group is seeking an Assistant Controls Project Manager to support BAS and HVAC controls projects planning, coordination, and execution. You will work with project managers, field technicians, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and adherence to project requirements.

The role requires foundational BAS understanding, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to read mechanical drawings. Travel to DMV area sites is expected.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in building automation, HVAC controls, mechanical contracting, or related coordination.
• Foundational BAS or HVAC controls understanding.
• Familiarity with commercial construction processes.
• Ability to read/interpet mechanical drawings and construction documents.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems and HVAC equipment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and with project teams.
• Willingness to learn project management in building automation.
• Ability to travel to DMV project sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of building automation and HVAC controls projects.
• Support project scheduling, budgeting, tracking, and coordination.
• Coordinate with field techs, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Assist with documentation, change orders, purchase orders, invoicing, and financial tracking.
• Monitor schedules, milestones, and deadlines for timely completion.
• Review drawings, controls diagrams, specs, and documents.
• Assist with equipment procurement, material deliveries, and field resource coordination.
• Track project progress and communicate updates and delays to PMs.
• Participate in project meetings and maintain project records.
• Support coordination of controls installation, programming, testing, and commissioning.
• Assist with closeout documentation and deliverables.
• Maintain communication with customers, GCs, and stakeholders.
• Support safety compliance, quality, and project specs.

Skills

Building automation basics

Project coordination

Reading drawings

Electrical fundamentals

Communication skills

Organization

Problem solving

MS Office

Independence

Travel readiness

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

DDC familiarity

BAS platforms (Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara)

Field coordination tools

Job description

Assistant Controls Project Manager

About Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading commercial mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and mechanical construction services. Originally established through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings together decades of experience delivering high-quality commercial construction projects.

At VMG, we take pride in our people and believe that teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement are key to our success. We are looking for motivated professionals who want to grow their careers and contribute to our expanding team.

Position Overview

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Controls Project Manager to support the planning, coordination, and execution of building automation systems (BAS) and HVAC controls projects.

This individual will work closely with Controls Project Managers, field technicians, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to project requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of building automation systems, HVAC controls, or commercial construction, along with strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills. This position offers an opportunity to gain hands‑on project management experience while supporting a growing controls division.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Controls Project Managers with the planning, coordination, and execution of building automation and HVAC controls projects.

• Support project scheduling, budgeting, tracking, and overall project coordination.

• Coordinate with field technicians, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams to support project progress.

• Assist with project documentation, change orders, purchase orders, invoicing, and financial tracking.

• Monitor project schedules, milestones, and deadlines to help ensure timely completion.

• Review mechanical drawings, controls diagrams, specifications, and construction documents.

• Assist with equipment procurement, material deliveries, and coordination of field resources.

• Track project progress and communicate updates, challenges, and potential delays to Project Managers.

• Participate in project meetings and maintain accurate project records and documentation.

• Support coordination of controls installation, programming, testing, and commissioning activities.

• Assist with project closeout documentation and ensure required deliverables are completed.

• Maintain effective communication with customers, general contractors, and project stakeholders.

• Support compliance with company safety standards, quality requirements, and project specifications.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in building automation, HVAC controls, mechanical contracting, construction project coordination, or a related field preferred.

• Foundational understanding of building automation systems (BAS), HVAC controls, or mechanical building systems.

• Familiarity with commercial construction processes and project coordination.

• Ability to read or willingness to learn how to interpret mechanical drawings, controls diagrams, and construction documents.

• Basic understanding of electrical systems, controls, and HVAC equipment.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Project Managers and field teams.

• Willingness to learn and develop project management skills within the building automation industry.

• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the DMV area as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting commercial HVAC, mechanical construction, or building automation projects.

• Familiarity with direct digital controls (DDC) and building automation systems.

• Exposure to BAS platforms such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara, or similar systems.

• Experience assisting with project schedules, budgets, change orders, and invoicing.

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Previous experience working with field technicians, Superintendents, or Project Managers.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as needed.

• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods.

• Ability to visit active construction sites and navigate uneven surfaces and stairs.

• Ability to work in both office and construction site environments.

• May be exposed to construction noise, dust, and varying weather conditions during site visits.

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting construction sites.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits & Perks

VMG offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Paid time off and paid holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Opportunity to gain experience working on commercial building automation and HVAC controls projects.

Join Our Team

Vertical Mechanical Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.