Building Automation Lead Field Technician

Smart Tech Contracting delivers turnkey BAS & EPMS solutions for mission-critical colocation and hyperscale data centers operating at national program scale. As a Master Systems Integrator (MSI), we unify controls construction (DDC, PLC, SCADA) with software engineering, optimized graphics/UI standards, and program-level governance. Complex integrations are delivered cleanly, consistently, and fast. Our teams thrive in high-stakes environments where quality control and uptime matter, schedules are compressed, and coordination is everything.

About the role

The Building Automation Lead Field Technician leads our BAS field teams and activities for building automation system projects, including technical support, leadership to plan, schedule, and execute installation, startup, testing, commissioning, and closeout in mission-critical/data center verticals. This role works closely with project managers, systems engineers, software engineers, construction contractors, equipment vendors, and client staff to ensure proper operation and acceptance of automation and software solutions. The role receives limited direction on day-to-day work and general instruction on new projects or assignments, assisting project leadership on automation projects of complex scope.

Responsibilities

• Installation and Installation Coordination of BAS/HVAC Controls Systems (30%)
  • Direct and monitor subcontractors (onsite and offsite), including scheduling, resource management, and coordination of construction and start-up services.
  • Install and wire BAS controllers and field devices, including low-voltage cable terminations.
  • Plan site activities for your team, including organizing job site materials, logistics, inventory, tools storage, and security/access.
  • Provide technical information and safety guidance for activities on site.
  • Lead installation teams in daily and weekly meetings.
  • Support the development and execution of additional services through change orders.
  • Cutover panels and systems in retrofit projects.
  • Develop Methods of Procedure (MOPs) for site activities.
  • Provide input to the project team on developing RFIs.
• Startup, Commissioning, and Closeout of BAS/HVAC Controls Systems (40%)
  • Assist software lead with pre-functional and functional testing.
  • Execute troubleshooting of BAS systems, including corrective actions.
  • Participate in commissioning efforts with external stakeholders.
  • Analyze system operation, work with the project team to demonstrate system operation, and verify consistency with the contracted scope of work.
  • Perform QA/QC of BAS and integrated systems using BAS software tools.
  • Provide installation inspections and other closeout duties to ensure customer acceptance.
  • Provide markups for shop drawings to document as-built conditions.
• Reporting and Communication (20%)
  • Project communication and reporting, including daily site updates, daily site safety reporting, and progress reports.
  • Document and track issues and out-of-scope efforts.
  • Communicate regularly with subcontractors, project managers, clients, and commissioning agents on project progress.
• Engineering Support and Business Development (10%)
  • Provide input to project teams on estimating and takeoffs for proposals.
  • Attend project bid walks.
  • Attend engineering surveys for retrofit projects.
  • Attend BAS audits and complete related reports and communication.
• Completion of assigned tasks and deliverables on time and on budget.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of HVAC, mechanical, and electrical systems and materials.
• Knowledge of BAS platforms: Distech Controls and Tridium Niagara.
• Knowledge of controls wiring, relay logic, and associated materials.
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management.
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation.
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness, and resourcefulness in a distraction-free workspace.
• Ability to interpret AE construction drawings, BAS shop drawings, manufacturers' wiring diagrams, standards documentation, submittals, and product data sheets.
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements.
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information).
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as the primary point of client contact.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others.
• Ability to achieve certification for NFPA 70E and/or OSHA training as required.
• Ability to maintain jobsite and keep it organized.
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, or related discipline OR
• Two years of experience with hands-on installation, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of BAS controls infrastructure PLUS
• Minimum of five years of additional experience with installation, hands-on testing, validation, and troubleshooting of BAS controls infrastructure.
• Ample field experience with complex BAS systems.
• Experience with field installations.
• Exposure to Niagara-based products.

Physical Demands

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently manipulating, moving, or grasping small parts, devices, or tools.
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position.
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility, and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures, and outdoor elements), including tight and confined spaces.
• Frequently descending/ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment.
• On occasion, the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment.
• On occasion, the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Travel

• Travel up to 75% to assigned key project location(s). Must be located near a major US airport.
• Effective May 7, 2025, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for domestic air travel associated with this position.
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need.

Project locations include multiple opportunities in: Atlanta, GA; IAD (priority locations); Denver, CO; Texas; Northeast USA; and Central USA.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $99,750 - $120,225 USD per year.

Benefits

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP with HSA option).
• Dental and vision plans.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits extended to spouse/domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26.
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option.
• PTO, including additional paid time off during the last week of the year.
• Company-paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Short- and long-term disability, AD&D coverage.
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional licensing assistance.
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment.