Junior Building Automation Controls Engineer

Dataone; Vineland (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Dataone seeks a Junior Building Automation Controls Engineer to provide hands-on, on-site support for a large commercial building in Vineland, NJ. The role targets candidates with 1–5 years in BAS, HVAC controls, or facility operations who want to expand technical expertise and contribute to ongoing operations and projects.

You will help troubleshoot automation systems, assist with maintenance, and participate in capital improvement and commissioning efforts.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in a related field.
• 1 to 5 years of experience in BAS, HVAC controls, or facility controls engineering.
• Basic understanding of HVAC equipment, DDC, sensors, actuators, and control sequences.
• Ability to read control drawings, wiring diagrams, sequences, and plans.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot BAS and related controls infrastructure.
• Respond to alarms and occupant comfort concerns with timely resolutions.
• Assist with diagnosing HVAC equipment, sensors, actuators, and controllers.
• Perform routine inspections and document findings; validate operation by trend analysis.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers for maintenance and controls work.
• Serve as on-site controls resource during assigned shifts and field investigations.

Skills

BAS knowledge

HVAC controls

Electrical troubleshooting

System diagnostics

Education

Associate's degree or technical certification

Tools

BACnet

Modbus

Niagara Framework

Job description

Junior Building Automation Controls Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and technically capable Junior Building Automation Controls Engineer to provide on-site support for a large commercial building environment. This role is ideal for candidates with 1 to 5 years of experience in Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC controls, or facility controls engineering who are looking to expand their technical expertise while contributing to critical building operations and special projects.

The Junior Building Automation Controls Engineer will serve as an on-site technical resource, supporting daily building operations, assisting with troubleshooting and maintenance of automation systems, and participating in capital improvement and special project initiatives. This position is critical to ensuring reliable building performance and providing local support for a remotely managed engineering team.

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of basic control systems, be comfortable working independently, and preferably have experience or familiarity with mechanical, electrical, HVAC, or construction trades.

Key Responsibilities

Building Automation System Support

• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Building Automation Systems (BAS) and related controls infrastructure.
• Respond to system alarms, operational issues, and occupant comfort concerns.
• Assist with diagnosing HVAC equipment, sensors, actuators, controllers, networked devices, and control sequences.
• Perform routine inspections of automation systems and document findings.
• Verify proper operation of equipment through trend analysis and system monitoring.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers performing maintenance and controls work.

On-Site Operations Support

• Serve as the primary on-site controls resource during assigned shifts.
• Conduct field investigations and provide real-time support for operational issues.
• Perform basic control point verification, calibration checks, and functional testing.
• Support preventive maintenance activities involving HVAC and controls systems.
• Communicate site conditions, operational concerns, and project updates to remote management.

Project Support

• Support special projects, equipment upgrades, commissioning activities, and system integrations.
• Assist with BAS graphics updates, point databases, and documentation efforts.
• Participate in testing and verification of newly installed controls systems.
• Review field installations to verify compliance with project requirements.
• Coordinate with engineering, facilities, IT, contractors, and commissioning teams.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate service records, troubleshooting logs, and project documentation.
• Create and update system documentation, network diagrams, and control narratives as required.
• Provide regular status updates and written reports to management.
• Assist in developing operational procedures and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree, technical certification, or equivalent experience in:
  • Building Automation Systems
  • HVAC Controls
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Controls
  • Related technical field
• 1 to 5 years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Building Automation Systems (BAS)
  • HVAC controls
  • Facility operations
  • Controls engineering
  • Mechanical or electrical systems
• Basic understanding of:
  • HVAC equipment and operations
  • Direct Digital Controls (DDC)
  • Control devices, sensors, actuators, and relays
  • Building automation software platforms
  • Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting practices
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Control drawings
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Sequences of operation
  • Mechanical and electrical plans
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited on-site supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with common BAS platforms such as:
  • Siemens
  • Johnson Controls
  • Trane
  • Honeywell
  • Schneider Electric
  • Automated Logic
  • Distech
  • Niagara Framework
• Knowledge of HVAC mechanical systems including:
  • Air handling units
  • Chillers
  • Boiler
  • VAV systems
  • CRAC/Computer room cooling systems
• Experience in one or more skilled trades:
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Controls installation
  • Mechanical maintenance
  • Construction
• Familiarity with:
  • BACnet
  • Modbus
  • LonWorks
  • IP networking fundamentals
• Exposure to commissioning or retro-commissioning activities.

Key Competencies

• Technical troubleshooting
• Independent decision-making
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientation
• Strong communication skills
• Time management and prioritization
• Ability to coordinate across multiple teams
• Adaptability in a fast-paced operational environment

Work Environment

• Full-time, on-site position.
• Shift coverage required; one controls engineer will be assigned per shift.
• Position requires regular travel throughout the facility, including mechanical rooms, rooftops, and equipment spaces.
• May require occasional after-hours support for emergencies, maintenance windows, or project activities.