BAS Hardware Design Engineer: Chillers, DOAS & VRF Systems

Hoffman Building Technologies, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoffman Building Technologies, Inc. in Atlanta is seeking a Building Automation and Controls Hardware Design Engineer with a strong HVAC context to design, specify, and document electrical control panels, hardware schematics, field devices, and system topology for BAS.

You will bridge mechanical equipment like Chiller Plants, DOAS, VRF/VRV, AHUs with DDC control execution, design detailed panel layouts in Visio, select Distech DDC controllers and Tridium Niagara architectures, and ensure UL

Qualifications

• 5+ years hardware design engineering experience in Building Automation (BAS/BMS).
• Proficient in creating submittals and hardware layouts with Visio or AutoCAD/Revit.
• Direct design experience with Distech Controls hardware and Niagara (N4/AX).
• Strong understanding of complex HVAC systems and equipment operations.

Responsibilities

• Hardware & panel design: create BAS/BMS layouts, power distribution, and wiring diagrams in Visio.
• System specification: select Distech DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, meters, and VFDs.
• Niagara & Distech architecture: design network topologies with BACnet and Modbus interfaces.
• Submittal engineering: BOMs, risers, topologies, and valve/damper schedules.
• Mechanical integration: tailor control strategies for CHW, DOAS, AHUs and VRF/VRV.
• Compliance & support: ensure UL 508A and NEC adherence; assist startups.

Skills

HVAC domain knowledge

5+ years BAS hardware design

NEC and UL 508A awareness

Networking & protocols understanding

Tools

Microsoft Visio

AutoCAD/Revit

Distech Controls hardware

Tridium Niagara (N4/AX)

BACnet/IP/MS-TP

Modbus RTU/TCP

Job description

Building Automation and Controls Hardware Des

Atlanta, GA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 3201

Job Title:Building Automation & Controls Hardware Design Engineer

Location: Atlanta Georgia

Job Type: Full-Time

We are seeking a detail-oriented Building Automation and Controls Hardware Design Engineer with strong mechanical HVAC context to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, specifying, and documenting electrical control panels, hardware schematics, field device selection, and system topology for complex commercial and industrial Building Automation Systems (BAS).

You will bridge the gap between complex mechanical equipment—such as Chiller Plants, Steam Generation systems, DOAS, and VRF/VRV integration—and DDC control execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware & Panel Design: Design detailed BAS/BMS hardware control panel layouts, power distribution, and point-to-point wiring diagrams using Microsoft Visio.
• System Specification: Select and specify appropriate Distech Controls DDC controllers, field sensors, actuators, transmitters, energy meters, and VFDs aligned with complex Sequences of Operations (SOO).
• Niagara & Distech Architecture: Design system network architectures leveraging Tridium Niagaraframeworks and Distech hardware platforms, incorporating BACnet (IP/MS-TP), Modbus, and custom integration interfaces (e.g., VRF/VRV gateways).
• Submittal Engineering: Develop comprehensive engineering submittal packages—including Bill of Materials (BOMs), system riser diagrams, network topologies, and valve/damper schedules.
• Mechanical Systems Integration: Design control hardware strategies tailored for complex mechanical applications, including Chiller Plants, Steam Generation, Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS), Air Handling Units (AHUs), and VRF/VRV systems.
• Compliance & Support: Ensure all control panel designs adhere to UL 508A and NEC standards while providing direct technical support to panel assembly personnel and field startup technicians.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Experience: 5+ years of hardware design engineering experience specifically within Building Automation (BAS/BMS).
• Software Tools: Proficiency in drafting submittals and hardware layouts using Microsoft Visio (or AutoCAD/Revit).
• Hardware & Software Platforms: Direct design experience with Distech Controls hardware and the Tridium Niagara framework (N4 / AX).
• Deep Mechanical Knowledge:Proven understanding of complex HVAC systems and equipment operations, including:
  • Central Chilled Water Plants (Chillers, Pumps, Cooling Towers)
  • Steam Generation and Boilers
  • Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) and Energy Recovery Systems
  • Variable Refrigerant Flow / Volume (VRF/VRV) system integration
  • Variable Air Volume (VAV) & Air Handling Units (AHU)
• Networking & Protocols: Solid understanding of BACnet IP / MS-TP, Modbus RTU / TCP, and serial/IP topology design.
• Codes: Strong working knowledge of NEC standards and UL 508A panel design principles.

Preferred:

• Distech Controls certification / specialized training.
• Background in mechanical troubleshooting, HVAC service, or field commissioning.

This job description is intended to provide information regarding the essential functions and basic duties of this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and duties that could be assigned. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by management as it deems appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract and is subject to change at the discretion of Hoffman Building Technologies, Inc.