Instrumentation & Controls Technician

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health plan

Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Tuition and professional development

Job summary

The University of Virginia seeks an Instrumentation & Controls Technician in Facilities Management to install and service BAS components across capital projects, collaborating with Service and Engineering teams.

You will work with Johnson Controls Metasys and Automated Logic WebCTRL systems, leveraging a strong HVAC background to install, calibrate, and maintain electronic and electro-mechanical equipment on active projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience with HVAC or related electronic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings prior to installation of controls to ensure accurate and compliant implementation.
• Install electronic devices, controls, and new BAS components in support of capital renovation projects.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on distributed control systems and electro-mechanical equipment.
• Coordinate with mechanical contractors and other teams to ensure proper controls installation.

Skills

HVAC experience

Electrical/mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical school certificate or associate’s degree (electronics, instrumentation, HVAC)

Tools

Metasys

WebCTRL

Job description

The University of Virginia is seeking a Instrumentation & Controls Technician for Facilities Management's Automation Services Department. UVA’s campus is constantly evolving with ongoing renovation and new construction projects running alongside the day-to-day operation of over 600 buildings. The Building Optimization Team within Facilities Management’s Automation Services department sits at the center of that work, installing new building automation system (BAS) components in support of the University’s capital program and collaborating closely with the Service, Engineering, and broader Facilities Management teams.

The ideal candidate brings a strong HVAC background with a thorough understanding of dynamic systems including air handlers, terminal boxes, fan coils, and all related equipment. The Instrumentation & Controls Technician in this role installs, configures, calibrates, modifies, and repairs electronic and electro-mechanical equipment, working independently or alongside other technicians, apprentices, and contractors, and consulting with supervisors on complex systems.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Project variety: Work spans new BAS installations across UVA’s active capital program, from historic building renovations to purpose-built research facilities, offering more variety than a standard maintenance or service role.
• Cross-team collaboration: The Building Optimization Team works in close partnership with the Service and Engineering teams, providing broad exposure to BAS operations across the University.
• Industry-standard platforms: Hands-on experience with Johnson Controls Metasys and Automated Logic WebCTRL builds marketable credentials in building automation.
• Stable employer with strong benefits: UVA Facilities Management is a team of over 1,200 professionals with institutional backing, a defined pay range, and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the region.
• Room to grow: Demonstrated performance opens pathways to senior technician, BAS programming, service, and engineering roles within Automation Services.

Key Responsibilities

Installation & Technical Work:

• Review drawings prior to installation of controls to ensure accurate and compliant implementation.
• Gather materials and lay out proper installation pathways for new controls.
• Work with mechanical contractors to coordinate and ensure proper controls installation.
• Lay out proper safety circuits for air handlers and terminal equipment.
• Install electronic devices, controls, and new BAS components in support of capital renovation projects.
• Perform circuit analysis as part of equipment testing and calibration according to specified standards.
• Order, stock, remove, and replace electronic and related equipment as needed.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on distributed control systems and electro-mechanical equipment.

Inspections & Documentation

• Conduct inspections, maintain logs, and report conditions that could result in system shutdown or service disruption.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Collaboration & Support

• Work in close coordination with the Service, Engineering, and TAB teams within Automation Services.
• Communicate effectively with FM personnel, contractors, and outside stakeholders.
• Consult with supervisors when working on complex or high-risk systems.
• Provide support to other Automation Services teams as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience with HVAC or related electronic equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical school certificate or associate’s degree in electronics, instrumentation, HVAC, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Johnson Controls Metasys or Automated Logic WebCTRL building automation systems.
• Experience with commercial or industrial HVAC systems.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a background check prior to the start date.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $25.00–$32.00 per hour ($52,000–$62,400 annually), commensurate with relevant experience and skills. UVA offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year; Parental and Community Service Leave
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) defined-benefit pension
• Tuition and professional development benefits
• Employee wellness program with activities to earn up to $500/year

Full benefits details at hr.virginia.edu/benefits

Physical Demands

This is an active, physical role. The position requires crawling, kneeling, squatting, bending, and twisting; travel across job sites; lifting and working with materials of varying weights; and repetitive hand and arm motions. Work may take place in high-energy and/or high-risk environments.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.