Associate Controls Engineer

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Tuition benefits

Paid holidays & time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota Energy Management seeks a skilled technician to support Direct Digital Control (DDC) and HVAC&R systems across the Twin Cities campus. You will design control strategies, troubleshoot and optimize building systems, and assist in commissioning and startup activities to ensure performance aligns with design intent.

You will work with engineering staff to develop technical solutions, perform testing in field environments, and participate in ongoing training to stay

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree or certificate in Electronics, HVAC, or Building Maintenance with four+ years of experience, or a related Bachelor's with two+ years experience.
• Experience installing and maintaining DDC systems (Siemens, Johnson Controls, Trane, Honeywell, or equivalents).
• Knowledge of PC-based software for energy-efficient HVAC control strategies and monitoring.
• Must maintain low voltage electrician certification and have a valid driver’s license.
• Experience using electronic testing equipment is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support for DDC, HVAC&R, Building Automation and electro-mechanical systems.
• Test, maintain, calibrate, repair and operate DDC systems to optimize performance and monitor critical alarms.
• Design dynamic graphics per specifications and support DDC feature set for reporting and monitoring.
• Collaborate with district engineering staff to develop technical solutions.

Skills

Troubleshooting

HVAC controls

Electrical safety

Driver's license

Education

Two-year technical degree in Electronics/HVAC

Bachelor's + 2 yrs related experience

Tools

Siemens

Johnson Controls

Trane

Honeywell

Tridium

Job description

Job Details

Location: Twin Cities

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 8422ME

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

Energy Management oversees the reliable, safe and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, and civil utilities systems in over 200 complex buildings on the Twin Cities campus. Home to the University's technical and professional engineering staff, as well as a select group of skilled tradespeople, the group maintains the campus utility infrastructure and provides technical and engineering expertise to the U's Capital Planning, Facilities Management building operations, and other facilities-related units across the U of M system. The Twin Cities campus consumes more than $50 million per year in purchased utilities, with electricity and steam making up most of these costs. The infrastructure required to reliably and safely distribute this energy includes more than twelve miles of underground steam tunnels and four high voltage (13,800 Volt) switch stations. The Utility Operations group manages and maintains this complex infrastructure, as well as overseeing storm water management, sanitary sewer systems, municipal water distribution, chilled water distribution and compressed air systems.

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 (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 (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%)

• 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 (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 mainstream DDC systems for use in all campus buildings.

Training & Expertise (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.

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.

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

Qualifications

Required

• 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

• 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.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $40.87 - $48.08; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflect the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.