EMCS Energy Engineer/Manager

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an EMCS Energy Engineer/Manager to lead the Energy Management Controls Systems (EMCS), HVAC controls, and Direct Digital Controls (DDC) across Building Services. You will manage budgets, partner with IT to keep BAS networks compliant, and guide long-range EMCS planning.

You will also collaborate with vendors and contractors, review BAS plans for capital projects, and support energy optimization across UNC facilities to ensure efficient operation

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of progressive HVAC/energy management controls experience.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and BAS/HVAC control sequences.
• Experience with installation, operation, and maintenance of HVAC/control systems; knowledge of codes and ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Manage EMCS, HVAC controls and DDC systems across Building Services.
• Oversee operating budgets for EMCS, BAS and related shops.
• Coordinate with IT to keep BAS network compliant; ensure controllers and servers are up-to-date.
• Support energy services, capital projects, and in-house retrofit work.

Skills

HVAC/BAS expertise

Engineering principles

BAS network knowledge

Data analysis & reporting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

BAS networks

DDC/controls software

IT/network concepts

Job description

Department:

Bldg Svcs-EMCS-245500

Career Area :

Facilities and Skilled Trades

Posting Open Date:

08/03/2026

Application Deadline:

08/17/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

EMCS Energy Engineer/Manager

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

00030758

Vacancy ID:

NF0009935

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date:

11/02/2026

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 400 campus buildings with approximately 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, and Life Safety Services. The HVAC and Energy Management Controls systems shops are responsible for the maintenance of HVAC and building automation control systems. The shops' mission is to ensure that buildings are maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements, that building conditions are adequate for the program needs of the occupants, equipment, and research being conducted therein; and to ensure that space conditions are kept within the state and university energy policy guidelines, unless exemptions have been granted based on special needs in accordance with the policy guidelines.

Position Summary:

The EMCS Manager is responsible for managing Energy Management Controls Systems (EMCS), Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Controls, and Direct Digital Controls (DDC) within Building Services. Responsibilities include managing the operating budgets of these three shops, working with the Information Technology (IT) group to keep the building automation systems (BAS) network compliant, keeping the systems' controllers, gateways and servers upgraded and accessible to system users, conducting long-range planning to determine and develop future EMCS system needs, and serving as the principal liaison and point of contact for vendors, consultants, and contractors in support of EMCS operations. Position is also responsible for supporting capital project teams in reviewing BAS plans and specs for any upcoming HVAC or energy management control projects, supporting energy services and energy management on building optimization work and energy triage reviews, and supporting Facilities Services Construction Shops on small in-house installs and upfits of systems utilizing in-house staff on small retrofit projects, and helping ensure that all HVAC systems and buildings are running as efficiently as possible.

A valid North Carolina Driver's License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive experience in the HVAC/energy management controls industry.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices with direct experience in Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC control sequences, utility distribution systems, computer networks, and energy management strategies, including energy analysis (triage).
• Experience in the installation, operation and maintenance of such systems, and a working knowledge of codes, laws, and ordinances pertaining to these systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to read, review and comprehend mechanical and electrical blueprints as well as control drawings. Ability to review mechanical system designs and interpret related plans and specifications.
• Skills in troubleshooting HVAC control systems, electrical interlocks, IT network issues, operating computer programs and applications, interpreting and organizing complex data sets, and creating reports from collected data. Ability to concisely communicate pertinent information verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of HVAC Controls in developing, coordinating and executing various HVAC maintenance strategies for new and existing buildings as well as construction strategies in renovation projects; ability to use air and water balance devices; design and repair pneumatic, electronic and electromechanical controlled devices, sensors, and flow and pressure transmitters/regulators; understand front end graphical user interfaces and how controls are implemented in buildings; and ability to operate building control devices within the design sequence of the systems for proper utilization and energy efficient operation, and recommend software improvements to others.
• Ability to understand the theory and have good working knowledge of pneumatic systems, direct digital control (DDC) systems, electrical control systems, hydronic systems, air side/psychometric systems, refrigeration and steam systems and load calculations, air distribution, indoor air quality, and energy.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Preference will be given to candidates who are a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of North Carolina or who possess fifteen (15) or more years of hands-on experience in the HVAC controls industry.
• Progressive experience in the installation, maintenance or repair of air conditioning equipment, chillers, air handling equipment, chilled water distribution systems and HVAC or process control systems.
• Familiarity with HVAC and electrical systems troubleshooting and LONMARK, MODBUS and BACnet networks is highly desirable. Familiarity with Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks, Structured Query Language (SQL) databases and experience using Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications within networked environments.
• Familiarity with data logging equipment, specialized tools and equipment used for repair and commissioning of HVAC equipment and the skills to use those tools. Familiarity with drawing tools and graphic generation is a plus.
• Familiarity with point mapping in DDC control systems and familiarity with energy management conservation measures and strategies. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) certification, HVAC or Electrical License, and IT and Windows certifications desirable.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements:

Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, above ceilings and crawl under buildings and structures, move objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation, and work in areas containing biohazardous material and chemicals, and animals used for research. Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.