Senior Controls Engineer

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead building automation system design and integration on commercial HVAC projects. You will specify DDC controllers, networks, and sequences of operation while collaborating with field technicians, programmers, and project teams.

We value ownership, problem-solving, and clear documentation from submittals through commissioning, with travel to DC, MD, and VA sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field or equivalent controls engineering experience.
• 5–7 years of building automation or controls engineering experience, including shop drawing development.
• Strong knowledge of DDC controllers, BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, and Modbus RTU/TCP protocols.
• Experience with Lynxspring, Johnson Controls Facility Explorer, and Distech Controls systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Visio for controls drafting.
• Strong understanding of low-voltage control circuits, wiring practices, and BAS networking.
• Knowledge of HVAC systems (air handling units, VAV, central plants, DOAS, VRF, hydronics).
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings and sequences of operation.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE 36/135 and NEC requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel across DC/MD/VA region.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete controls shop drawings and submittals including schematics, wiring diagrams, network risers, panel layouts, points lists, BOMs, and sequences of operation.
• Review drawings, specs, and equipment submittals to determine controls scope and integration needs.
• Select and apply DDC controllers, I/O modules, sensors, actuators, valves, and network devices.
• Design BAS network architecture (BACnet MS/TP/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP) and third-party integration.
• Provide guidance to BAS programmers, startup technicians, and field installers during installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Prepare as-built drawings and assist with project closeout documentation.
• Support estimating teams with point counts and technical scope reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards.

Skills

DDC controllers

BACnet MS/TP

BACnet/IP

Modbus RTU/TCP

Lynxspring

Johnson Controls Facility Explorer

Distech Controls

Microsoft Visio

low-voltage controls

HVAC systems knowledge

interpret drawings

project multitasking

travel (valid driver's license)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Systems Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field

Tools

Niagara Framework

AutoCAD

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

Commercial HVAC & Building Automation Systems

Take Your Career to the Next Level with VMG!

At Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG), we are always seeking talented individuals to join our growing team. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and innovative solutions drives our success and continued growth. When you join VMG, you become part of a supportive team that values its employees, encourages professional development, and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.

VMG is a leading commercial HVAC and plumbing contractor specializing in new construction, renovations, tenant improvements, design-build projects, and complex mechanical installations throughout the region.

Lead the Engineering Behind Building Automation Systems

Vertical Mechanical Group is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our Controls, Commissioning, and Startup team.

This position is responsible for designing and engineering building automation systems (BAS) and low-voltage controls systems, from initial submittals through installation and field support.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in HVAC controls, DDC controllers, BAS networking, and controls system design. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their projects, solves technical challenges efficiently, and works closely with field technicians, programmers, and project teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Location: Mixed Office/Jobsites – DC, Maryland, and Virginia Region

Department: Controls, Commissioning, and Startup

Reports To: Director of Commissioning & Controls

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Key Responsibilities

• Develop complete controls shop drawings and submittals using Microsoft Visio, including system schematics, wiring diagrams, network risers, panel layouts, points lists, bills of materials, and sequences of operation.

• Review mechanical drawings, project specifications, and equipment submittals to determine controls scope, point counts, and integration requirements.

• Select and apply DDC controllers, I/O modules, sensors, actuators, valves, and network devices based on project requirements.

• Design BAS network architecture, including BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, device addressing, and third-party equipment integration.

• Apply knowledge of Lynxspring, Johnson Controls Facility Explorer, and Distech Controls platforms to develop effective solutions.

• Design low-voltage power and control circuits, including transformer sizing, power distribution, voltage drop, and safety interlocks.

• Identify and resolve design conflicts, equipment limitations, and sequence-of-operation challenges.

• Prepare RFIs to clarify project specifications, design intent, and technical requirements.

• Address submittal review comments and revise engineering drawings through approval.

• Provide technical guidance to BAS programmers, startup technicians, and field installers throughout installation, testing, and commissioning.

• Prepare as-built drawings and assist with project closeout documentation.

• Support estimating teams with point counts, equipment selections, and technical scope reviews when needed.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Systems Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field. Equivalent controls engineering experience will be considered.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in building automation or controls engineering, including shop drawing development.

• Strong knowledge of DDC controllers, BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, and Modbus RTU/TCP protocols.

• Experience with Lynxspring, Johnson Controls Facility Explorer, and Distech Controls systems.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Visio for controls drafting.

• Strong understanding of low-voltage control circuits, wiring practices, and BAS networking.

• Knowledge of HVAC systems, including air handling units, VAV systems, central plants, DOAS, VRF, and hydronic systems.

• Ability to interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation.

• Familiarity with ASHRAE Guideline 36, ASHRAE 135 (BACnet), and applicable NEC requirements.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and resolve technical challenges.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to jobsites throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Niagara Framework.

• AutoCAD experience.

• Experience mentoring junior engineers or developing engineering standards.

What We're Looking For

At VMG, we value individuals who take pride in their work and are committed to delivering quality results.

Our ideal Senior Controls Engineer is someone who:

• Takes ownership of engineering projects from start to finish.

• Thinks quickly and develops practical solutions to technical challenges.

• Pays close attention to detail and ensures accuracy in engineering deliverables.

• Communicates effectively with project managers, technicians, programmers, and field teams.

• Works independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

• Stays organized and manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and a commitment to safety.

Why Join VMG?

At Vertical Mechanical Group, we believe our employees are the foundation of our success. We are committed to creating an environment where talented professionals can grow, contribute their expertise, and make a meaningful impact.

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work on challenging commercial mechanical projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and play an important role in the continued growth of our controls division.