HVAC Controls Project Manager

Johnson Controls; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking an HVAC Controls Project Manager in Des Moines, IA to lead on-site projects from planning through closeout. You will coordinate design, programming, commissioning, documentation, billing, and warranty handoff while managing safety and profitability.

The role requires hands-on design/commissioning experience, strong communication, and independent project leadership. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Technical associate degree with four years of field experience, or six years of 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 ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently, stay organized, and lead projects effectively.
• Proficiency in Windows, Excel, and related applications.
• Understanding of project accounting, costing principles, and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC controls projects from planning through final closeout.
• Coordinate hardware design, system programming, installation, commissioning, and closeout.
• Direct subcontractors, electricians, technicians, designers, and admin support as needed.
• Own project financial performance including costs, billings, cash flow, and profitability.
• Communicate with customers through all phases; pursue change orders as needed.
• Ensure compliance with state/local/federal requirements and safety standards.
• Oversee materials budgeting, ordering, and vendor/subcontractor pricing.
• Provide site training, accurate documentation, and warranty support on completion.
• Own outcomes, manage scope, schedule, cost, safety, and integrity throughout the project.
• Translate contractual scope and directives into actionable tasks and changes.
• Complete hardware design and software programming; validate system functionality.
• Provide commissioning records and as-built documentation to customers.
• Maintain collaboration with customers, subs, and internal teams to resolve issues.
• Report progress, forecasts, and margin expectations to management.

Skills

HVAC systems design

System commissioning

HVAC controls knowledge

Communication skills

Independent work

Windows/Excel

Costing & contracting

Education

Technical associate degree

Bachelor's degree (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 outcome by 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 work by 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 day through candid problem-solving, learning from field conditions, and tightening coordination across design, execution, and administration.
• Win as one team by 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 thro