BAS Controls Technician (DC Area - Onsite)

Chinook Systems Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Chinook Systems Inc. in the National Capital Region seeks a BAS Controls Technician to deliver hands-on field execution for building automation systems.

The role focuses on installation support, device troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance to ensure BAS components operate reliably. This 100% on-site position covers active facilities in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, requiring daily presence, documentation, and coordination with commissioning staff.

Qualifications

• BAS field knowledge
• Reading wiring diagrams
• Field troubleshooting
• MS Office proficiency
• Driver's license and travel willingness

Responsibilities

• Independently execute scheduled BAS preventative maintenance, including inspection, calibration checks, cleaning, and documentation of field devices and controllers.
• Install, terminate, and support BAS field devices including sensors, actuators, controllers, and panels.
• Verify proper power, grounding, and installation of BAS components.
• Troubleshoot device- and controller-level failures using BAS front-end tools and wiring diagrams.
• Support retrofit, upgrade, and modification activities in active facilities.
• Document testing results, preventive maintenance, and work-order closeout information.
• Provide startup support and coordinate with BAS Specialists or commissioning staff.

Job description

The Work

As a BAS Controls Technician, you provide hands‑on field execution support for Building Automation Systems (BAS) and integrated controls systems supporting a variety of projects within the National Capital Region. You will work on‑site under and are responsible for installation support, device‑level troubleshooting, point‑to‑point verification, preventative, and corrective maintenance activities. This role is focused on physical execution and technical support in the field. You are responsible for ensuring sensors, actuators, controllers, and network components are installed correctly, functioning as intended, and properly documented. The Controls Technician plays a critical role in commissioning readiness, system reliability, and day‑to‑day BAS operability.

This position is 100% on‑site at project locations within the National Capital Region (Washington, DC / Northern Virginia / Maryland). Daily presence at active facilities and construction sites is required to support BAS installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities.

Citizenship/Clearance Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret or Top Secret security clearance based on customer and project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute scheduled BAS preventative maintenance, including inspection, operational testing, calibration checks, cleaning, adjustment, and documentation of field devices, controllers, panels, and associated control components.
• Install, terminate, and support BAS field devices including sensors, actuators, controllers, and panels.
• Assist with controller mounting, wiring verification, and panel organization.
• Verify proper power, grounding, and physical installation of BAS components.
• Support retrofit, upgrade, and modification activities in active facilities. Troubleshoot device- and controller-level failures using BAS front‑end tools, controller software, wiring diagrams, control drawings, sequences of operation, and test equipment.
• Diagnose issues involving sensors, actuators, controllers, I/O, power, grounding, and controller communications, and support restoration of proper operation.
• Perform scheduled BAS preventive maintenance and support assigned corrective maintenance and repair activities.
• Respond to system issues, alarms, comfort complaints, and operational problems; document findings and the necessary follow‑up.
• Support point‑to‑point verification and checkout activities.
• Perform functional testing and startup support with limited supervision and coordinate with BAS Specialists or commissioning staff as required.
• Verify device addressing, calibration, and proper signal response.
• Document testing results, preventive maintenance completed, deficiencies, repairs, and work‑order closeout information.
• Support BAS network installation and troubleshooting, including BACnet, LON, and MODBUS networks.
• Support physical network connections, cabling, and controller communication verification.
• Assist with device addressing and network documentation.
• Maintain device lists, wiring diagrams, network records, preventive maintenance records, and installation documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience supporting BAS or HVAC controls installation, maintenance, commissioning, or troubleshooting.
• Experience installing, maintaining, testing, and troubleshooting BAS devices, sensors, actuators, controllers, panels, and I/O.
• Working knowledge of BAS communication protocols and controller connectivity, including BACnet, LON, or MODBUS.
• Ability to read and apply wiring diagrams, control drawings, panel schematics, and sequences of operation.
• Ability to use a laptop, BAS front end, and controller service software to connect to controllers, review values, command points, troubleshoot faults, and verify operation.
• Proficiency with basic hand tools and test equipment.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, MS Project, PowerPoint).
• A valid State Issued Driver's License and the ability to travel to various work sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret or higher security clearance.
• OSHA 10‑Hour or 30‑Hour Construction Safety certification.
• Experience with Niagara 4 or other BAS platforms such as Metasys, Distech, Siemens, Schneider, or similar.
• Experience supporting commissioning or functional testing activities.
• Experience working in Federal, mission‑critical, or secure facilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for preparing documentation, maintaining records, and tracking work activities.
• Technical training or certification in HVAC controls or BAS.

Physical Considerations

• Must be able to walk construction sites with uneven surfaces, carry up to 25 lbs., climb stairs and ladders, and work both indoors and outdoors in severe weather conditions, in confined spaces, and in dust generating environments.
• Must be able to maintain spatial awareness and comply with safety standards while working near mechanical and electrical building equipment and systems.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.

Annual Salary, Dependent Upon Qualifications and Experience: $95,000 - $105,000

Who is Chinook?

Chinook Systems, Inc. is a leader in delivering lifecycle energy security solutions to mission critical government and commercial facility Owners. We specialize in the engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations of intelligent, cyber secure, code compliant, and energy efficient building systems. Our solutions save millions of dollars in utility costs, reduce harmful emissions to the environment, and mitigate cyber‑attacks on facilities. Chinook provides motivated employees with the opportunity to advance in a fast‑growing, innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chinook Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against anyone because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Chinook is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.