Sr Controls Specialist

Kinetic Search Strategies, LLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinetic Search Strategies, LLC is seeking a Sr. Controls Specialist for the San Francisco Bay area. You will own BAS control databases, graphics, and software across major platforms, lead commissioning from start to finish, and coordinate with field teams and subcontractors.

Strong automation and network troubleshooting skills are essential. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of HVAC controls experience, Niagara N4 certification, and the ability to read blueprints and schematics.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with HVAC control systems, including installation, point-to-point check-out, commissioning; programming experience preferred
• Niagara Certification (N4, etc.) and integration expertise highly valued
• Technical knowledge of commercial HVAC equipment: AHUs, VAVs, boilers, chillers
• Mechanical aptitude and controls systems knowledge; ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics
• BACnet, MODbus and/or LonWorks experience
• Polished professional who loves technology and works to hone their craft
• Motivated team player with customer-focused attitude
• Computer skills including MS Office, Windows, File Structure, AutoCAD, Visio, and basic TCP/IP network structure and web navigation

Responsibilities

• Develop BAS control databases, graphics, and software for new construction and retrofit projects across Niagara, Automated Logic, Distech, and Johnson Controls platforms
• Lead point-to-point commissioning, pre-functional testing, and final functional testing including LEED and Title 24 requirements
• Troubleshoot local and wide-area network issues and support third-party integrations across BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks
• Coordinate field installation subcontractors and attend project coordination and commissioning meetings
• Conduct end-user system training and manage the handoff from construction to the service team
• Coach and mentor junior Systems Software Engineers on assigned projects

Skills

HVAC control systems

Point-to-point commissioning

BACnet, MODbus, LonWorks

Niagara Certification

MS Office

Windows

TCP/IP networking

Education

Bachelor’s/Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Visio

MS Office

Windows

TCP/IP networking

Job description

Sr. Controls Specialist

Location: San Francisco Bay, CA (South Bay)

Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000

Do you thrive when you own a project from first database build through final commissioning handoff? Are you a controls engineer who wants to hone your craft alongside veteran project managers at a company where people who break the mold get rewarded?

One of our clients is a full-service BAS contractor with over 30 years in the industry, serving commercial office, healthcare, higher education, data centers, and biotech across the Western U.S. They sit in a sweet spot: large enough to land flagship clients in the tech, pharma, and institutional space, but branch-operated with minimal red tape and real autonomy for the people doing the work. As part of an employee-owned parent organization, they offer long-term stability and a culture that genuinely invests in its people. This role offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and a clear path to grow your career as a lead technical contributor.

What You Will Do:

Develop BAS control databases, custom graphics, and software programming for assigned new construction and retrofit projects across Niagara, Automated Logic, Distech, and Johnson Controls platforms.

Lead point-to-point commissioning, pre-functional testing, and final functional testing including LEED and Title 24 requirements.

Troubleshoot local and wide-area network issues and support third-party integrations across BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks protocols.

Coordinate field installation subcontractors and attend project coordination and commissioning meetings.

Conduct end-user system training and manage the systematic handoff from construction to the service team.

Coach and mentor junior Systems Software Engineers on assigned projects.

What We're Looking For:

5+ years of experience with HVAC control systems, including installation, point-to-point check-out, commissioning, programming experience preferred

Niagara Certification (N4, etc.) and integration expertise highly valued

Technical knowledge of commercial HVAC equipment, AHU’s, VAV’s, boilers, chillers etc.

Mechanical aptitude and controls systems knowledge, including ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics

BACnet, MODbus and/or Lonworks experience

Polished professional – someone that loves the technology and works to hone their craft.

Motivated team playerwith customer focused attitude.

Computer skillsincluding MS Office, Windows, File Structure, AutoCAD, VISIO, and basic TCP/IP network structure and web navigation

Bachelor’s/Associate’s degreeor equivalent work experience. Looking for a well-trained specialist.

This is a challenging role in a world-class design/build organization. We are looking for a career-minded team player that is hungry to make an impact and grow your career in this organization. Compensation will be commensurate with your experience, but expect a competitive base and benefits.