Lead Field Engineer

Location: On-Site (Massachusetts region)

OVERVIEW

At Starboard Controls, we operate under a straightforward philosophy: we build long-term relationships through mutual respect, trust, and absolute autonomy. We don't micromanage our field team.

We are seeking an elite Lead Field Engineer – BAS to serve as the ultimate technical anchor for our construction projects across Massachusetts. If you are a 10+ year veteran who is tired of corporate red tape and wants the freedom to truly own your job sites, solve complex logic on the fly, and lead execution from start to finish, this role was built for you.

You will get to work with advanced Delta Controls Red5 technology and Belimo peripherals – the Starboard standard.

The Lead Field Engineer ensures that our physical infrastructure is flawlessly installed, networks are communicating reliably, and complex sequences of operation are fully tested for a seamless, end-to-end commissioned solution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Subcontractor & Trade Guidance: Provide technical direction to electrical and mechanical contractors to ensure all BAS control panels, controllers, valves, and field devices are installed strictly to design specifications and submittal drawings.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct job site walkthroughs to audit installation workmanship, identifying and resolving deviations before they impact the project schedule.
• Safety Leadership: Serve as the onsite champion for safety compliance, ensuring all field operations strictly adhere to Starboard Controls and job site safety policies.

2. Checkout and Pre-Commissioning

• Network & Communication Startup: Safely power up control networks, establish architecture topology, perform controller addressing, and verify stable network communications (e.g., BACnet, Modbus).
• System Checkout: Lead comprehensive point-to-point validation and system continuity checks to verify the integrity of all installed wiring and field devices.
• Device Calibration: Oversee functional calibration of high-accuracy sensors, transducers, and actuators prior to formal commissioning.

3. Site Leadership & Technical Problem Solving

• Cross-Trade Coordination: Coordinate daily field activities with Starboard Project Managers, Field Operations, and GC/Mechanical superintendents to ensure seamless workflow integration.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Serve as the final onsite escalation point to diagnose and resolve complex hardware, low-voltage wiring, and communication loop issues.
• As-Built Documentation: Maintain meticulous red-line drawing updates and checkout logs to ensure accurate as-built conditions are delivered to the engineering team.

4. Functional Commissioning Support

• Sequence Validation: Support the project execution team during functional testing (e.g., VAV box checkout, complex AHU/Chiller plant sequencing) to verify control logic behaves perfectly.
• Punchlist Ownership: Drive the rapid resolution of assigned field punchlist items to secure final system acceptance and successful owner turnover.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 10+ years of hands‑on field experience in Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Deep mastery of control wiring diagrams, low‑voltage power distribution, and commercial construction safety practices.
• Proven ability to fluidly read and interpret complex mechanical prints, electrical schematics, and control sequences.
• Expertise with electrical metering equipment (multimeters) and fundamental network concepts (IP routing, serial loops).
• Valid driver's license and readiness to travel to various construction sites.

Preferred

• Technical school degree in HVAC, Electrical, or Automation/Controls Technology.
• A mission‑critical mindset (experience with data centers, labs, healthcare).
• Proficiency with Tridium Niagara or Delta Controls.
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Certification.

BENEFITS & CULTURE

At Starboard Controls, we believe in fostering a supportive, high-performance environment where field expertise is respected and rewarded. We invest heavily in our team’s professional growth and prioritize direct, long‑term relationship building across our workforce.

• Compensation: $60 - $70 per hour (dependent on relevant experience and results)
• Bonuses & Growth: Yearly performance bonuses, merit‑based raises, and a robust 401(k) retirement plan.
• Premium Tech Setup: A dedicated, high-performance laptop explicitly configured for seamless BAS programming, alongside mobile workflows (NFC/Proviso).
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and short/long‑term disability.
• Time Off: Paid vacation, personal days, and paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities through advanced industry certifications, factory training, and in‑house technical workshops.