Controls Manager, National Emerging Infectious Disease Lab

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University is seeking a Controls Manager for the NEIDL to oversee BAS/DDC operations in a high-containment biomedical research facility. The role ensures environmental parameters, regulatory compliance, and 24/7 system reliability across BSL-3/4 suites.

Reporting to the Director of Facilities and Engineering, the candidate will manage controls staff and contractors, coordinate with EHS, Lab Operations, IT and Public Safety, and drive continuous improvement in building operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or a closely related technical field.
• 5+ years of progressive BAS/DDC experience, with 2–3 years in critical environments (BSL-3/4 labs, vivariums, cleanrooms, or high-tech facilities).
• Expert knowledge of airflow control systems and VAV systems; advanced BAS with Siemens Desigo CC, Apogee, or equivalent.
• Strong leadership and collaboration across stakeholders, including senior leadership, staff, contractors, and regulators.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to mentor teams and handle high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor real-time HVAC and building control sequences to guarantee environmental parameters across BSL-3/4 suites.
• Oversee programming, troubleshooting, configuration, and preventive maintenance of automation platforms.
• Analyze system trends and coordinate with Bio-Containment Team for shutdowns and decontaminations.
• Lead testing and validation for containment envelope after maintenance; ensure system readiness.
• Respond to control system alarms and manage software updates and security protocols.
• Collaborate with EHS and QA for routine validation, calibrations, and documentation for regulators.

Skills

BAS/DDC experience

Leadership in critical environments

Communication skills

Reading construction docs

Mentoring teams

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelors in mechanical/electrical/control systems or related field

Tools

Siemens Desigo CC

Apogee

Job description

Controls Manager, National Emerging Infectious Disease Lab

Tracking Code

26500384781002

Posted Date

10/9/2026

Salary Grade

Grade 50

Expected Hiring Range Minimum

$100,275.00

Expected Hiring Range Maximum

$139,447.00

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

About the Role:

The BAS Controls Manager at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) is responsible for the continuous, safe, and highly reliable operation of the facility's Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) infrastructure. Operating within a state-of-the-art, high-containment biomedical research facility (comprising Biosafety Level 3 and Level 4 laboratories), this role ensures strict environmental parameters—such as directional airflow, precise pressure cascades, and critical filtration controls—are flawlessly maintained to guarantee regulatory compliance and maximum biological safety.

Reporting directly to the Director of Facilities and Engineering, the Controls Manager serves as the subject matter expert ensuring the alignment of facility automation and control systems with the institution’s research mission and compliance with all applicable biosafety, biosecurity, and environmental regulations. The role is directly responsible for managing, directing and training the controls staff and contractors in daily operations. The Controls Manager provides information and consultation to the Director related to controls and building systems as needed. The Controls Manager interacts with Research, EHS, Lab Operations, ARS, IT and Public Safety to foster a culture of continuous improvement and safety in support of building operations.

S uccessful candidate s will have d emonstrated experience in facilities and construction with an u nderstanding of building trades and ability to read construction documents , f amiliarity with work order systems and building automation systems , s trong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and follow-up ; a bility to manage changing priorities and accomplish multiple detailed tasks to meet deadlines . Additionally, candidates will possess e xcellent written and oral communication skills , g ood judgment, ability to prioritize work and meet multiple task deadlines, strong problem-solving skills a bility to work independently, and be proactive and willing to take initiative.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and monitor the real-time execution of HVAC and building control sequences to guarantee temperature, humidity, directional airflow and pressure differentials across BSL-3 and BSL-4 suites.
• Oversee the programming, troubleshooting, configuration, and preventative maintenance of Siemens and other integrated automation platforms controlling critical infrastructure (including exhaust fans, HEPA filtration units, effluent decontamination systems, and breathing air systems).
• Analyze system trends to proactively identify mechanical drift or impending component failure. Work closely with the Bio-Containment Team to execute plans for scheduled facility shutdowns and lab decontaminations.
• Lead the structural validation and mechanical testing (pressure decay) required to safely restart the containment envelope post-maintenance.
• Lead immediate technical response to control system alarms, anomalies, or hardware failures. Manage software upgrades, patches, and system security protocols to defend against cyber threats and ensure 24/7 system redundancy.
• Partner with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and quality assurance teams to execute routine validation testing, calibrations, annual facility re-certifications, and precise sequence-of-operations documentation required by federal agencies (CDC, USDA, NIH).
• Supervise internal controls technicians and manage specialized third-party automation contractors. Oversee performance, safety protocols, and technical execution for all controls-related projects and modifications. Plan, coordinate, and run minor or low-complexity projects to ensure they finish on time and within budget and do not impact biosafety. Manage contractor responsible for maintenance of direct expansion cooling systems.

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or a closely related technical field. Equivalent extensive experience in critical facilities may be considered.
• 5 years of progressive experience in Building Automation Systems (BAS/DDC), with at least 2–3 years managing controls in critical environments (e.g., BSL-3/4 laboratories, vivariums , pharmaceutical cleanrooms, or high-tech healthcare facilities).
• Expert knowledge of airflow control systems, variable air volume (VAV) systems, and specialized high-containment controls logic. Advanced competency with Siemens Desigo CC, Apogee, or equivalent enterprise-level BAS architectures is highly preferred.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders including senior leadership, scientific staff, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Strong communicator skilled at translating complex technical and operational information to diverse audiences. Adept at mentoring teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering an inclusive, safety-focused organizational culture. Maintains calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Must be able to successfully pass a rigorous background check, including the Federal Select Agent Program Select Agent Security Risk Assessment (SRA). Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in high-containment environments if required .

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.