Senior Instrumentation & Controls Technician

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan with options to meet needs

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition and professional development

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Technician for Facilities Management. The role supports building automation, energy systems, and maintenance across UVA facilities in Charlottesville, including high-risk environments.

You will mentor junior technicians and handle complex control systems. Responsibilities include advanced BAS troubleshooting, network diagnostics (BACnet/Modbus/LonWorks), equipment reviews, and calibrations.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Four years of experience troubleshooting, installing, repairing, and maintaining electronic control systems.
• Licensure: Possess any recognized controls certification, completion of two or more controls vendor courses, or relevant trade licensure.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced electrical troubleshooting, diagnostics, and programming support for BAS logic and graphical interfaces.
• Troubleshoot BAS networks including IP-based controllers, BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks.
• Review, evaluate, and install complex electronic and electro-mechanical equipment.
• Perform functional testing, verification, and calibration of BAS infrastructure.
• Provide technical support and training to lower-level technicians.
• Conduct inspections, maintain logs, and report areas of concern.
• Communicate effectively with Automation Services team members, FM personnel, and stakeholders.
• Manage electronic and related equipment, including ordering and stocking.
• Participate in on-call rotation.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

BAS programming

BAS networking

Control systems

Mentoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Metasys

WebCTRL

BACnet

Modbus

LonWorks

Job description

The University of Virginia is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls Technician for Facilities Management. Facilities Management (FM) supports the University of Virginia's wide range of research, academic, and patient care programs. With over 1,200 employees dedicated to excellence, Facilities Management is responsible for the day-to-day operation, repair, and maintenance of UVA’s buildings, infrastructure, and grounds, in addition to managing capital construction and renovation for university-owned and leased properties.

The Service Team within FM’s Automation Services department provides preventative maintenance, responsive controls services, and customer support for building automation infrastructure across the University grounds. The team also provides service and maintenance for 24/7 temperature monitoring of lab and medical-grade cold storage units (e.g., ultra-low temperature freezers, refrigerators, and cold rooms).

Senior Technicians handle advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics for mechanical, infrastructure, and energy systems. They install and oversee electrical, electronic, and mechanical components in commercial or industrial settings. Skilled in problem-solving and configuring control systems, they have significant experience and relevant certifications. Working independently or with a team, they mentor junior technicians and may step in for supervisors when needed. Their work ensures safe, efficient, and compliant environments across the University, sometimes in high-risk settings.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced electrical troubleshooting, diagnostics, and programming support for BAS logic and graphical interfaces, ensuring proper functionality and system performance.
• Troubleshoot BAS networks, including IP-based controllers, BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks.
• Review, evaluate, and install complex electronic and electro-mechanical equipment.
• Perform functional testing, verification, and calibration of BAS infrastructure.
• Provide technical support and training to lower-level technicians.
• Conduct inspections, maintain logs, and report areas of concern.
• Communicate effectively with Automation Services team members, FM personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Manage electronic and related equipment, including ordering, stocking, removal, and replacement.
• Participate in on-call rotation as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Four years of experience troubleshooting, installing, repairing, and maintaining electronic control systems.

Licensure: Possess any of the following: A recognized controls industry certification, successful completion of two or more controls vendor development courses, or relevant trade licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with Johnson Controls Metasys or Automated Logic WebCTRL systems.
• Direct experience with commercial or industrial HVAC systems.

Compensation

The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $33.00 - $36.00 per hour ($68,640 - $74,880 per year), commensurate with relevant experience and skills. New hires to the University are eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus.

This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employees benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 15+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
• Tuition and professional development benefits
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

The selected applicant will pass a background check and comply with the University's vaccine policies.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to crawl, kneel, squat, bend, twist, and travel around job sites. They must lift various weights, climb ladders and stairs, and work with materials of different weights. The use of both hands and repetitive motions will be necessary to complete their duties.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

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.