HVAC Controls Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Do you know how to turn a refrigerator into an air conditioner for an apartment?

If you can answer this question, and you are ready to apply your problem-solving skills on real-world projects, come join our team!

Who we are

At Ecosystem, we believe we should be accountable for results. That’s why we've integrated engineering and construction, seeing our projects through from design concept to implementation and commissioning. And that's how we can efficiently solve complex energy and decarbonization challenges in the built environment.

Here are some of the projects we've been working on recently: Georgetown University, Adelphi University, San Diego Padres Stadium, Ventas - Battery Park City.

Why This Role Matters

As a Building Automation Specialist in DC, Your expertise will ensure the success of multimillion-dollar energy projects. You will bridge complex MEP design with real-world building performance—engineering custom control strategies and optimizing mechanical systems to meet energy, comfort, and operational goals. From pre-design through commissioning and beyond, your input will deliver measurable ROI and long-term sustainability.

What You Will Do

Technical Management & System Design

• Conduct on-site assessments of BAS and mechanical systems.
• Analyze BAS legacy sequences and architectures for optimization opportunities.
• Specify BAS components and design custom control strategies.
• Ensure mechanical system designs are fully controllable and aligned with automation strategies.
• Review mechanical and control system designs, drawings, and sequences of operation to understand system intent and identify controls requirements.
• Contribute to the development or refinement of HVAC control design, sequences and points lists based on project requirements.

Project Development & Bidding

• Assist with controls assessments during bid phases and generate scope estimates.
• Prepare RFP documentation, including sequences and points lists.
• Support client presentations and internal reviews pre-award.

Construction & Commissioning

• Oversee BAS installations; liaise with contractors and project teams.
• Attend start-ups to ensure readiness and validate programming.
• Confirm implementation of control logic and user-friendly interfaces.
• Troubleshoot issues on-site and resolve them in real-time.
• Lead or support full commissioning to ensure systems perform to specifications.

Optimization, Monitoring & Client Support

• Optimize programming to meet performance guarantees post-installation.
• Train client facilities staff on BAS and integrated system operation and provide clients with clear, actionable technical insights.
• Monitor system data during the M&V phase and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Support data collection and reporting for ongoing performance validation.

Your Profile

• 5 to 10 experience in Building Automation Systems installations on mechanical systems, such as air handlers, VAVs, chilled water systems, and hot water systems.
• Experience managing controls contractors.
• Experience in writing and troubleshooting controls’ programs from leading integrators or manufacturers, such as Delta Controls, Automated Logic Controls, Schneider, Distech Controls, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell etc.
• Experience in reading and understanding mechanical sequence of operations.
• Exposure to HVAC system design and/or the development, review, or implementation of control sequences of operation. 
• Ability to understand how HVAC systems are intended to operate and translate that understanding into practical control strategies. 
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware devices and wiring.
• Work on-site daily to monitor the performance of completed projects and provide support during design, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Occasional travel to Canada and other United States offices.
• Project ownership: take charge from design to delivery, with the autonomy to make decisions and see your impact come to life.

What Ecosystem Offers

• Career growth & open communication: grow in a culture of transparency and support, with direct access to leadership, and tailored development through training, mentorship, and career planning.
• Generous paid time off: minimum of 15 vacation days, 5 personal days, 10 public holidays, plus a week off to recharge during the end of year holidays.
• Annual base salary of approx. $110k - $135k Base salary is an approximate range and dependent on location and years of relevant experience.
• Parking and meals covered on-site.
• Employer contribution to 401(k) and to a complete Group Insurance package with easy access to health and support through Telemedicine and Employee Assistance Program.
• More than a working tool, cell phones are provided for professional and personal use.
• Industry-leading health and safety practices.
• Our Approach to Working Together is built on trust, collaboration, and accountability. While flexibility depends on the role, some teams have set expectations for time on-site or in the office. We come together intentionally during key moments to connect, learn, and succeed as a team.
• People-first culture: we live our values through DEI, CSR, Innovation, and Social Committees, and celebrate our shared success at events like Ecofest.

Those who change the world don’t just make recommendations- they make decisions and act on them. This is what we do at Ecosystem.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.