Research Lab Controls Technician II

University of Central Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established public research university is seeking a Research Lab Controls Technician II to join their Utilities and Engineering team. This role ensures optimal performance of lab control systems, focusing on safety compliance and maintenance of HVAC and BAS. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in troubleshooting and maintaining lab equipment, and will play a crucial role in supporting a high-performance research environment. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and excellence, and contribute to impactful projects that enhance the university's educational mission.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Savings Options

Employee Discounts

Education Assistance

Flexible Work Environment

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in HVAC systems or BAS.
• Ability to troubleshoot BAS controls and integrated components.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance on lab fume hoods and HVAC systems.
• Collaborate with staff to resolve equipment issues.

Skills

HVAC Systems

BAS Controls

Troubleshooting

Technical Support

Safety Protocols

Documentation

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Building Automation Systems (BAS)

Lab Equipment

Job description

Facilities and Business Operations:

Facilities and Business Operations at UCF is dedicated to fostering a conducive educational environment for our faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. We are committed to excellence, providing unparalleled expertise, and maintaining a world-class standard in service.

Please visit us at https://fs.ucf.edu/ or on Facebook and Instagram: UCF Facilities

The Opportunity:

The Utilities and Engineering team within Facilities and Business Operations is seeking a Research Lab Controls Technician II to support the maintenance, repair, and optimization of lab control systems in research and cleanroom environments. This role ensures proper functioning of BAS (Building Automation Systems), HVAC, and mechanical and electronic systems, while upholding university safety standards. The position also assists in training users, managing inventory, and supporting diagnostic and research procedures to maintain high-performance laboratory environments.

Responsibilities:

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on laboratory fume hoods, air compressors, and research-designated systems, focusing on BAS controls to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.

• Troubleshoot and maintain BAS-integrated HVAC systems and components, including air valves, dampers, louvers, motors, fans, controllers, sensors, drives, and compressors (reciprocating, scroll, screw, oil-less).

• Conduct routine maintenance and repair of lab equipment and infrastructure, escalating complex issues to senior staff or the Research Lab Controls Technician III as needed.

• Collaborate with research staff and lab managers to resolve equipment issues, provide technical support, and promote the best practices in equipment use and maintenance.

• Monitor and support compliance with lab safety protocols, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

• Coordinate with facilities teams to request additional resources, generate work orders, and contribute to after-action reports and Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) efforts.

• Maintain detailed documentation of maintenance activities, repairs, inventory, and system performance data.

• Assist in developing and updating maintenance schedules following manufacturer recommendations; suggest equipment upgrades to extend the system’s lifespan and functionality.

• Instruct faculty, staff, and students on the safe and effective use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Provide cross-functional technical support to other trades as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or Equivalent and 4+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years of relevant experience in HVAC systems, BAS (Building Automation Systems), or laboratory environmental controls in research or cleanroom settings.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair BAS controls and integrated components such as VFD, compressors, air dryers, and vacuum systems.

• Experience working in academic, research, or medical institutions, particularly in maintaining controlled environments such as cleanrooms or specialized labs.

• Familiarity with calibration, maintenance, and safety protocols for laboratory fume hoods, gas delivery systems, and hazardous materials handling.

• Proven ability to interpret technical documentation, including schematics, diagrams, and manufacturer manuals for mechanical and electronic systems.

• Strong organizational skills, with experience maintaining detailed maintenance logs, service records, and inventory databases.

• Effective communication skills with experience training faculty, staff, or students on equipment use, safety procedures, and maintenance practices.

• Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary facilities teams and contributing to long-term facilities planning or condition assessments.

• Working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, and other applicable laboratory safety and environmental compliance standards.

• ASHRAE 110 Certification or equivalent experience, including NEBB Fume Hood Testing Certification, and familiarity with UL 1805 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450 standards.

Health Assessment Required:

UCF policy requires completion and passing of a physical exam for this position.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $26.83 to $35.89. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

The work schedule may vary as required.

This position requires the completion of a Level II background check.

Position requires a valid Class E driver’s license. The position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct University business.

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

Classification Title: Controls Specialist II

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions

• Education assistance

• Flexible work environment

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

#LI-ONSITE

Department

Facilities & Business Operations - Utilities and Engineering Services

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

$26.83 to Negotiable

Job Posting End Date

05-13-2025-12-00-AM

Veteran’s Preference:

Preference will be given to eligible veterans and their eligible spouses in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. Applicants claiming preference are responsible for providing required documentation by the closing date of the position. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit http://hr.ucf.edu/files/VeteransPreference.pdf

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [e-mail].