Building Automation Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description

The Controls Engineer plans, designs, and programs projects related to the installation and operation of direct digital control (DDC) and building automation systems. This role serves as a key technical liaison between the design team and the field and project management teams, ensuring that system designs are practical, well-coordinated, and delivered as complete, high-quality solutions. The Controls Engineer contributes to all phases of a project, from initial design and programming through commissioning, turnover, and customer training, while maintaining strong customer relationships and supporting continuous improvement of system designs.

Responsibilities

• Design all hardware and software components required to deliver complete and fully functioning DDC and building automation systems in accordance with project documentation and established engineering standards and guidelines.
• Research alternative solutions, pricing options, specification sheets, and suppliers to verify that proposed designs will function as required and meet project objectives.
• Develop programming for the operation of HVAC mechanical and electrical equipment in accordance with design documents, including equipment-level DDC programming and graphical implementation in both 2D and 3D at the upper-level front-end graphical user interface (GUI).
• Evaluate equipment compatibility, assess product quality, and assist in enhancing and standardizing current system designs to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with project management to verify the accuracy of sales estimates, including performing post-sale re-estimates to support effective budget management.
• Assist the project manager in developing accurate engineering time estimates and detailed engineering schedules, and take accountability for completing engineering deliverables on time while delivering a high-quality product.
• Support the project manager in coordinating material orders with the purchasing department to ensure timely procurement of required equipment and components.
• Provide customer training on the operation and use of building automation systems and related controls as needed, ensuring customers understand system functionality and features.
• Offer input and feedback to operations leadership on project execution, engineering standards, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Work and collaborate effectively with other team members, maintaining active communication with colleagues working on the same project to ensure alignment and coordination.
• Assist with equipment startup, point-to-point checkout, system commissioning, and project turnover to ensure systems operate as designed and meet customer expectations.
• Maintain customer satisfaction by investigating concerns, implementing appropriate corrective actions, and communicating clearly with customers and assigned staff throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with the preparation of bid documents and technical presentations, including the development of technical data and creation of drawings using tools such as Visio.
• Generate project submittals, operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals, and as-built drawings in accordance with project requirements and timelines.
• Travel as needed, including occasional overnight trips, to visit customer sites, support project execution, and provide on-site technical assistance.
• Demonstrate strong people skills and a customer service–oriented approach in all interactions with internal teams and external customers.

• Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience in controls engineering, building automation, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with the operation of energy management systems, HVAC systems, temperature controls, and process control systems.
• Ability to design hardware and software components for DDC and building automation systems based on project documentation and engineering standards.
• Proficiency in developing DDC programming for HVAC mechanical and electrical equipment and implementing graphical interfaces (2D and 3D) at the front-end GUI level.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Capability to research equipment and system components, evaluate compatibility and quality, and incorporate findings into system designs.
• Ability to estimate engineering time and support project budgeting and scheduling in collaboration with project management.
• Experience supporting system startup, point-to-point checkout, commissioning, and project turnover for building automation or control systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
• Customer service–oriented mindset, with the ability to address customer concerns, provide training, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Engineering degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Experience generating submittals, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings for building automation or control system projects.
• Experience preparing bid documentation and technical presentations, including the creation of technical data and drawings using tools such as Visio.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to operations leadership and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering practices and standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with customers, project managers, field staff, and other stakeholders.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight stays, to support project and customer needs.
• Comfort working in a fast-moving environment where hiring and project decisions may progress quickly for the right candidate.

This role operates primarily in a typical office environment, where the Controls Engineer performs design, programming, documentation, and coordination activities using standard office technology and software. The position also involves regular visits to customer offices and job sites, requiring frequent travel, including time spent outdoors while traveling between locations. During visits to job sites, the Controls Engineer may be occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock associated with building systems and equipment. The noise level in these environments can vary and may at times be moderate to high. Work involves collaboration with project managers, field technicians, and other team members, as well as direct interaction with customers in both office and field settings. The role may require flexible scheduling to accommodate site visits, commissioning activities, and customer needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lenexa, KS.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lenexa,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.