HVAC Controls Project Manager

jci; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision care

Paid vacation

Holidays

Sick time

Cross-training opportunities

Zero Harm policy

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking an HVAC Controls Project Manager to lead on-site projects from planning through closeout, coordinating hardware, software, commissioning, and documentation while ensuring safety and financial performance.

The role requires design experience, strong communication, and the ability to work with subcontractors and internal teams to deliver high-quality building automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Technical associate degree with four years of field experience, or six years of equivalent related field experience in HVAC/Building Automation.
• Hands-on experience in systems design and commissioning of digital HVAC/Building Automation controls systems.
• Knowledge of HVAC controls, control theory, and HVAC/Building Automation systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Proven ability to work independently, stay organized, and lead projects effectively.
• Computer proficiency in Windows, Excel, and related applications.
• Understanding of project accounting, costing principles, and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned control systems projects from planning and execution through final closeout.
• Coordinate hardware design, system programming, installation activities, system and network commissioning, and project closeout.
• Direct subcontractors, electrical installers, technicians, designers, and administrative support as needed to complete the work.
• Maintain responsibility for project financial performance, including costs, billings, collections, profitability, and cash flow.
• Communicate with customers throughout all phases of the project and pursue change orders when scope or conditions change.
• Ensure work performed complies with applicable state, local, and federal requirements and is completed with the highest ethical standards.
• Oversee the selection, ordering, budgeting, and delivery of project materials and coordinate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Provide site-specific training, accurate documentation, as-built information, manuals, and warranty support upon completion.

Skills

Communication

Independent work

Project coordination

Problem solving

Education

Technical associate degree + 4 yrs field experience

Bachelor’s degree in technical field

Tools

Windows

Excel

Job description

About Us

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.

For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.

HVAC Controls Project Manager

Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, and this role supports the delivery of HVAC control systems that help customers improve performance, reliability, and comfort. As an HVAC Controls Project Manager, you will lead projects from planning through closeout while balancing technical execution, customer communication, safety, and financial results.

Role Overview

Under general direction, you will act as the on-site project leader for assigned HVAC controls projects. You will coordinate the full lifecycle of the work, from design and programming through commissioning, documentation, billing, and warranty handoff, while maintaining strong customer relationships and supporting profitable project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned control systems projects from planning and execution through final closeout.
• Coordinate hardware design, system programming, installation activities, system and network commissioning, and project closeout.
• Direct subcontractors, electrical installers, technicians, designers, and administrative support as needed to complete the work.
• Maintain responsibility for project financial performance, including costs, billings, collections, profitability, and cash flow.
• Communicate with customers throughout all phases of the project and pursue change orders when scope or conditions change.
• Ensure work performed complies with applicable state, local, and federal requirements and is completed with the highest ethical standards.
• Oversee the selection, ordering, budgeting, and delivery of project materials and coordinate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Provide site-specific training, accurate documentation, as-built information, manuals, and warranty support upon completion.

How You Will Do It

• Own the outcomeby staying accountable for scope, schedule, cost, safety, and integrity from kickoff through completion.
• Evaluate contractual scope, field directives, bulletins, and schedule changes carefully, then translate them into clear project actions and change order opportunities.
• Complete or delegate hardware design and software programming using established standards, then validate system functionality until the installation operates as intended.
• Provide accurate commissioning records, as-built documentation, and jobsite coordination so field installation matches project requirements.
• Stay close to the workby working directly with customers, subcontractors, and internal teams to remove obstacles and resolve issues quickly.
• Track progress with regular updates, monthly forecasts, and clear communication to management regarding revenue, cost, and gross margin expectations.
• Improve every daythrough candid problem-solving, learning from field conditions, and tightening coordination across design, execution, and administration.
• Win as one teamby building trust across all partners, sharing technical guidance, and valuing different perspectives that improve project delivery.

Qualifications

• Technical associate degree with four years of field experience, or six years of equivalent related field experience in the HVAC/Building Automation industry.
• Hands‑on experience in systems design and commissioning of digital HVAC/Building Automation controls systems.
• Knowledge of HVAC controls, control theory, and HVAC/Building Automation systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Proven ability to work independently, stay organized, and lead projects effectively.
• Computer proficiency in Windows, Excel, and related applications.
• Understanding of project accounting, costing principles, and contracting.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, or equivalent and six years of field experience in the HVAC industry.
• Experience preparing project status reports for upper management.
• High regard for employee and subcontractor safety.

Why Join Us

We offer competitive salary, paid vacation, holidays, and sick time, and a comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care. You will also have access to extensive product and on-the-job cross-training opportunities, an encouraging and collaborative team environment, and dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $76,100 - 104,600 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.