Senior Controls Design Engineer

Next Level HVAC Energy Management Systems; La Habra (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Level EMS seeks a Senior Controls Design Engineer to lead design and development of advanced Building Automation and HVAC control systems. You will deliver complete, accurate, cost-effective controls designs aligned to scope, budget, and performance goals.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in DDC systems, HVAC operations, system integration, and project documentation. You will mentor junior engineers and guide technical direction from estimation through commissioning.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in HVAC controls or building automation system design.
• Strong understanding of DDC systems and commercial HVAC operations.
• Proven ability to independently design large, complex BAS projects.
• Experience developing sequences of operation and system control strategies.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Visio for control system drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical plans, electrical diagrams, and specifications.
• Experience developing complete Bills of Material (BOM).
• Working knowledge of network architecture and system integration concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Design complete HVAC control systems in accordance with contract documents, sales estimates, and project scope.
• Develop detailed and accurate sequences of operation aligned with mechanical design intent.
• Interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
• Select appropriate control hardware, controllers, sensors, and integration components to achieve system functionality.
• Produce complete Bills of Material (BOM) for each project.
• Create detailed construction drawings indicating panel layouts, sensor locations, network architecture, and wiring requirements.
• Generate and manage RFIs to resolve scope gaps or design conflicts.
• Provide value engineering solutions that maintain performance while improving cost efficiency.
• Lead integration design for HVAC systems and other building systems using open protocols such as BACnet.
• Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed.
• Accurately forecast engineering labor hours and manage workload to remain within budget.
• Support Sales during the estimation phase by providing design guidance and risk assessment.
• Assist Operations and Project Management with technical direction during construction.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of internal engineering standards and design libraries.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers to improve technical capability and design consistency.

Skills

HVAC controls

Building automation

DDC systems

Systems integration

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

PE license (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

Job description

Location: 1530 W. Whittier Blvd

Job Id:173

# of Openings:0

Next Level EMS is seeking a highly experienced Senior Controls Design Engineer to lead the engineering design and technical development of advanced Building Automation and HVAC control systems. This role is responsible for delivering complete, accurate, and cost-effective controls designs that align with contractual scope, budget, and performance objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in DDC systems, HVAC operations, system integration, and project documentation. This individual will independently manage complex projects, mentor junior engineers, collaborate with Sales and Operations, and provide technical leadership throughout the lifecycle of each project—from estimation through commissioning.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Design complete HVAC control systems in accordance with contract documents, salesestimates, and project scope.
• Develop detailed and accurate sequences of operation aligned with mechanical design intent.
• Interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
• Select appropriate control hardware, controllers, sensors, and integration components to achieve system functionality.
• Produce complete Bills of Material (BOM) for each project.
• Create detailed construction drawings indicating panel layouts, sensor locations, network architecture, and wiring requirements.
• Generate and manage Requests for Information (RFIs) to resolve scope gaps or design conflicts.
• Provide value engineering solutions that maintain performance while improving cost efficiency.
• Lead integration design for HVAC systems and other building systems using open protocols such as BACnet.
• Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities as needed.
• Accurately forecast engineering labor hours and manage workload to remain within budget.
• Support Sales during the estimation phase by providing design guidance and risk assessment.
• Assist Operations and Project Management with technical direction during construction.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of internal engineering standards and design libraries.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers to improve technical capability and design consistency.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years of experience in HVAC controls or building automation system design.
• Strong understanding of DDC systems and commercial HVAC operations.
• Proven ability to independently design large, complex BAS projects.
• Experience developing sequences of operation and system control strategies.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or Visio for control system drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical plans, electrical diagrams, and specifications.
• Experience developing complete Bills of Material (BOM).
• Working knowledge of network architecture and system integration concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field (experience may substitute for formal education).
• Experience with BACnet system integration and multi-vendor equipment environments.
• Field experience in installation, commissioning, or service of HVAC control systems.
• Experience supporting both new construction and retrofit projects.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of HVAC system operation and control strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Technical leadership and mentoring ability.
• Clear and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to anticipate project risk and proactively provide solutions.

Essential Functions

• Beable tosit for an extended period of time
• Be able to lift and carry ladders, drawings, personal computers, material,etc.
• Be able to spend significant time standing and walking on constructionsites.
• Be able to climb several flights of stairs or ladders throughout a typical day ona constructionsite.
• Maintain a satisfactory driving record which, per Next Level’s vehicle policy, allows the individual to drive a companyvehicle.
• Be physically able to kneel, stoop and crawl.