Associate Controls Engineer

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 52,982 - 62,928; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Retirement plans

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking an Associate Controls Engineer to provide technical support, optimize mechanical systems, and develop control strategies for Direct Digital Control (DDC) and HVAC systems. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, maintenance, and equipment commissioning to ensure optimal performance.

The ideal candidate will have a technical degree and experience with DDC systems, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team.

Join us for a fulfilling role that offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in building systems and pneumatic/direct digital controls service.
• Experience installing and maintaining DDC systems.
• Knowledge of programming languages used in DDC systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support for DDC and HVAC
• Implement energy savings programming strategies
• Coordinate projects and support engineering staff

Skills

DDC systems troubleshooting

HVAC control strategies

Technical consulting

Energy efficient programming

Customer service

Education

Two-year technical degree/certificate in Electronics, HVAC, or Building Maintenance

Tools

Siemens DDC systems

Honeywell DDC systems

Johnson Controls DDC systems

Trane DDC systems

Job description

About the Job

Associate Controls Engineer

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

This position provides technical support, DDC programming installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair for Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, networking and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration systems (HVAC\&R). The position will help develop, document and program control strategies for optimizing mechanical systems performance, prepare specifications and serve as a technical support resource for the Facilities Management Team. The position will also assist with equipment startup commissioning/re-commissioning to validate and document/report that building system performance meets the design intent.

Position Responsibilities

Operational Support #1 (35%)

• Provide operational support for Direct Digital Control (DDC), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC\&R), Building Automation and electro‑mechanical systems.
• The position tests, maintains, calibrates, repairs, and operates DDC systems for mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems to optimize system performance, maintain building comfort levels, and monitor critical alarms such as fire, mechanical/electrical equipment failure, clean rooms, critical research equipment and hazardous materials.
• Design dynamic graphics per technical specifications and support the feature set of the DDC application to improve reporting and monitoring for various groups of personnel.
• Work with district engineering staff to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.

Technical Consulting & Energy Strategies #2 (25%)

• Provide technical consulting for multi‑platform automation systems, and building automation systems networks.
• Implement energy savings programming strategies in DDC (Johnson, Siemens, Honeywell, Tridium, Trane, etc.) controllers at the direction of district engineering staff.
• Assist in the development of procedures and policy guidelines for operational use.
• Assist with commissioning process.

Project Coordination #20 (20%)

• Coordinate Engineering staff and support projects by preparing labor and material estimates, providing guidance, scheduling work, ordering equipment, and providing advice and instruction to technicians, trades and mechanics from the University, as well as outside vendors.
• Work with vendors to maintain system integrity and keep estimated project costs within budget.

Performance Testing & Commissioning #4 (10%)

• Assure equipment is performance tested; verifying that performance of the systems meets the requirements of the building.
• Design and implement various on‑going commissioning strategies for multiple main stream DDC systems for use in all campus buildings.

Training & Expertise #5 (10%)

• Serve as a systems expert and a training resource for DDC systems.
• Work with building operations personnel to ensure that all required building systems and equipment training is delivered and completed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A two‑year technical degree/certificate in Electronics, HVAC, or Building Maintenance with at least four years of experience in building systems and pneumatic/direct digital controls service work or related Bachelor's plus at least two years of related experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Experience installing and maintaining one or more of the following DDC systems is required: Siemens, Johnson Controls, Trane, Honeywell, or equivalent product line.
• Must be knowledgeable of PC based software for energy efficient HVAC control strategies and monitoring.
• Must maintain low voltage electrician certification.
• Skill and experience using electronic testing equipment is required.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to troubleshoot DDC hardware and software problems, network and communication concerns for Siemens, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Trane and similar systems.
• Knowledge of programming languages used in Direct Digital Controls systems such as PPCL, LCT and Supervisory Controller Programming.
• Ability to apply newly developed technologies in HVAC\&R and DDC.
• Ability to think independently, be self‑motivated, and perform under minimal supervision.
• Strong organization, analytical, problem solving, and technical skills.
• Excellent customer service skills including responding to questions and inquiries from other employees and customers in a helpful, timely and courteous manner.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple assigned tasks to keep projects on schedule.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast‑paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to gather and analyze information.
• Knowledge of computer networks and building automation networks.
• Knowledge and skill using a personal computer.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• 70-80% of work is performed in the field including University facilities and construction/remodeling sites.
• 20-30% of work is performed in a general office setting.
• This position may be exposed to equipment and machine areas, hot/cold areas, extreme weather conditions, tunnels and confined spaces.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $38.46 - $45.68 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Application Accommodation

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email [e-mail] or call [phone].