Associate Controls Engineer- HVAC Operations

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Tuition benefits

Healthcare plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking an experienced energy/facilities engineer to support and optimize HVAC, BAS controls, and building systems across campus. The role emphasizes technical problem solving, maintenance planning, and energy efficiency initiatives.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in DDC controls, energy management, and building automation, with applicable certifications and a collaborative, results-driven approach.

Qualifications

• A two-year technical degree or equivalent with four+ years in building systems or a Bachelor’s plus two years related experience.
• Experience installing and maintaining DDC systems from major vendors (Siemens/Johnson Controls/Trane/Honeywell).
• Knowledge of PC-based software for energy efficient HVAC control strategies and monitoring.
• Current or ability to obtain a low voltage electrician certification within 2 years.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to repair, maintenance, and operations teams for building facilities and infrastructure.
• Gather data to analyze building and facility problems and coordinate reviews.
• Review HVAC system design and update design/controls documentation.
• Develop and revise preventative maintenance protocols for operations staff.
• Identify energy efficiency opportunities and optimize Building Automation System controls.Identify energy efficiency opportunities and optimize Building Automation System controls.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Team player

Independent thinker

Organization

Communication skills

Education

Two-year technical degree in Electronics/HVAC/Building Maintenance

Bachelor's degree + 2 years related experience

Combination of education and experience equal six years

Tools

Siemens DDC

Johnson Controls DDC

Trane DDC

Honeywell DDC

PC-based software for HVAC control

Job description

About the Job

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

Position Overview

Energy Management oversees the reliable, safe and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, and civil utilities systems in approximately 250 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 has a total electric utility budget of approximately $51M per year. The system 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, steam and condensate, and compressed air systems. This position provides engineering support under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations and reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Facilities Engineering and Energy Efficiency. The position provides engineering technical support of air handler preventative maintenance programs; development of documentation and protocol for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and supports a team of trades in maintenance of these specific systems under a narrow-focused program of revitalizing the university HVAC systems and preventative maintenance. Develop and document Building Automation System control strategies for optimizing system performance. Recommend changes to operating procedures, maintenance strategies and repair plans based upon on-site investigations. Work with district engineering groups to develop energy efficiency programs that can be submitted for rebates through utility programs.

Position Responsibilities

Technical Support & Problem Analysis (75%)

• Provide technical support to work teams responsible for repair, maintenance, and operations of building, facilities, and physical infrastructure.
• Gather data to analyze building, facility, and physical infrastructure problems and coordinate the review.
• Review HVAC system design, design intent, and existing protocol within the building automation system and building drawings. Develop updates to design and control documentation.
• Develop specific preventative maintenance protocol for operations staff. Review existing PM documentation and make recommendations (steps to follow, duration of PM, frequency, etc).

Energy Efficiency & Conservation (25%)

• Identify energy efficiency opportunities on HVAC systems and make recommendations to district energy engineers.
• Make recommendations and implement changes to Building Automation System controls for efficient operation.
• Make recommendations and implement changes to building mechanical systems for efficient operation of facilities.

Qualifications

Required (minimum) 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.
• A current maintain low voltage electrician certification or with the ability to obtain a certification within 2 years of hire.
• Skill and experience using electronic testing equipment is required.
• Knowledge of programming languages used in Direct Digital Controls systems such as PPCL, LCT and Supervisory Controller Programming.
• Ability to think independently, be self-motivated, and perform under minimal supervision. Strong organization, analytical, problem solving, and technical skills.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to gather and analyze information.

Preferred qualifications

• Ability to apply newly developed technologies in HVAC and DDC.
• 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.
• Knowledge of computer networks and building automation networks.
• Knowledge and skill using a personal computer.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Visio, etc.) and Google suite (Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets, etc.).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Physical and environmental requirements
80% of work is performed in the field including University facilities and construction/remodeling sites. 20% 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: $38.47 to $45.68 a hour ($80,000 -$95,000 annualized salary); 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 reflects 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.