University of Minnesota

Senior Controls Engineer

Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required.
  • 6+ years of experience in automated control systems design and HVAC&R systems.
  • Experience in DDC programming and networking is essential.
  • Thorough understanding of DDC hardware/software troubleshooting for major brands.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio and Access.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical consulting and leadership for building automation systems.
  • Implement energy-saving strategies in various DDC controllers.
  • Manage projects, including labor/material estimates and vendor coordination.
  • Design DDC application programs to optimize system performance.
  • Inspect construction for compliance with standards and recommend changes.
  • Assure performance testing of equipment meets building requirements.
  • Serve as a training resource for DDC systems and operations personnel.

Benefits

  • Retirement plan options available for various classifications.
Full Job Description
This position provides technical consulting, DDC programming installation, and project leadership services for Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, networking and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration systems (HVAC&R). The position will develop, document and program control strategies for optimizing mechanical systems performance, prepare specifications, manage projects and serve as a technical support resource for the Facilities Management Team. The position will also be responsible for coordination of equipment startup/commissioning to validate and document/report that building system performance meets the design intent.

Position Responsibilities

Building Automation & Controls Engineering (25%)
  • Provide technical consulting and project leadership for multi-platform automation systems, and building automation systems networks
  • Implement energy savings programming strategies in DDC Johnson, Siemens, Tridium, Trane and XL5000 controllers at the direction of district engineering staff.
  • Develop procedures and policy guidelines for operational use. Assist with commissioning process.

Project Management & Vendor Coordination (20%)
  • Manage projects and coordinate personnel by preparing labor and material estimates, providing guidance, scheduling work, ordering equipment, and providing advice and instruction to technicians, trades and mechanics from the University, as well as outside vendors.
  • Evaluate and negotiate proposals from outside vendors. Work with vendors to keep estimated project costs within budget.

Building Automation Programming & Systems Integration (15%)
  • Design and implement DDC application programs for mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems to optimize system performance, maintain building comfort levels, and monitor critical alarms such as fire, mechanical/electrical equipment failure, clean rooms, and hazardous materials.
  • Design dynamic graphics per technical specifications and support the feature set of the DDC application to improve reporting and monitoring for various groups of personnel.

Construction Oversight & Facilities Performance Support (15%)
  • Inspect construction in progress for compliance with University construction standards and specifications.
  • Implement changes and make recommendations when necessary in these systems for efficient operation of facilities.
  • Work district engineering staff to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.

Commissioning & System Performance Verification (10%)
  • Assure all equipment is performance tested; verifying that performance of the systems meets the requirements of the building.
  • Design and implement various on-going commissioning strategies for multiple main stream DDC systems for use in all campus buildings.

Controls Systems Training & Technical Expertise (10%)
  • Serve as a systems expert and a training resource for DDC systems.
  • Work with building operations personnel to ensure that all required building systems and equipment training is delivered and completed.

Design Requirements & Operational Planning (5%)
  • Work with the Design Team and project manager to define and document the operational and occupant requirements of the facility. Interpret plans and work specifications and advise project managers, building commissioning and district engineering personnel.


Qualifications

Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or closely related field.
  • Six or more years applicable experience in automated control systems design, development, maintenance and validation of HVAC&R systems. Experience in DDC programming, networking and cost control optimization strategies in a building engineering environment is required.
    • Equivalent combination of academic or work experience may be substituted.

Preferred
  • Thorough understanding of and ability to troubleshoot DDC hardware and software problems and network and communication concerns for Siemens, Honeywell, Johnson, Trane and similar systems.
  • Ability to develop logic and construction drawings using Visio and AutoCad. Identifies and analyzes critical issues and develops/proposes operational plans and procedures.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software, including Visio and Access.
  • Knowledge of programming languages used in Direct Digital Controls systems such as PPCL, LCT and Supervisory Controller Programming. Ability to apply newly developed technologies in HVAC&R and DDC.
  • Ability to think independently, be self-motivated, and perform under minimal supervision.
  • Strong organization, analytical, problem solving, and technical skills.
  • Excellent leadership, team, communication, training, and human relations skills.
  • Ability to supervise others.
  • Working knowledge of computer networks and building automation networks.

Physical and Environment Requirements
  • Work is performed in an office setting.
  • Occasionally work is in high temperature or noisy mechanical/electrical equipment rooms and rooftops.


Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100.00 per hour ; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans .

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System, and is one of the largest universities in the United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, engineering, business, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences. The University of Minnesota is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities to its students, and has a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
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