Building Automation Systems Engineer
Alternate Title: Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Energy Engineer
Building Automation Systems Engineer

Building Automation Systems Engineers supervise the installation and maintenance of building automation systems that create centralized controls for such features as a building’s lighting system, heating and cooling system, and water heating system.

Building Automation System (BAS) Engineers work with facility owners, architects, other engineers, contractors and management companies to develop innovative building automation solutions, tailored to meet the needs of the building and customer. BAS Engineers design and configure technically complex building automation systems including integration to other low voltage control sub‐systems to meet the intent of the project requirements, and often manage the installation and commissioning of the project. They must provide detailed information on the design and operation of the BAS to customers, consultants, subcontractors and the field installation team. The BAS Engineer is responsible for selecting material including DDC modules, field sensing and control devices, dampers and valves to meet the project requirements, specifications, codes and customer standards.

Building automation is the automatic centralized control of a building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting and other systems through a building management system or building automation system.

Advancement Routes

Job Type

Automated Controls

Salary Range

Wages identified under each occupation of the Careers in Climate Control Technology Map show a wide range due to (1) the geographic differences in the cost of living in California, and (2) that many occupations in the HVAC/R industry provide incentive-based pay programs.

$80,000 - $130,000; $40-$65/hr

Required Education & Training

4-year degree in mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering or computer science or 2-year technical degree with substantial work experience in the related field

Preferred Education & Training

4-year degree in mechanical, electrical or industrial engineering or computer science; Professional Engineering license (P.E.)

Work Experience

5+ years

Skills & Requirements

  • Strong knowledge of the construction and/or HVAC/R industry
  • Strong knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems and other building subsystems
  • Experience in the integration of low voltage building sub-systems
  • Familiar with microcontroller programming, binary and digital logic, and analog circuits
  • Ability to carry a product design from conception into production
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience
  • Proficient with computer drafting tools such as CAD
  • Strong mechanical/technical aptitude
  • Ability to work safely with hand and power tools and diagnostic tools such as multimeters
  • Strong technical and problem solving abilities
  • Ability to manage a project from development and stakeholder engagement through implementation and evaluation
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude while under pressure
  • Proficient with computers, phones, and other office equipment
  • Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrate an attention to detail
  • Strong organizational skills
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