Building Automation System Engineer

Hiring range: $98,000 – $120,000

Employment category: Regular Full Time

Location: Hanover, NH | Hybrid remote work eligibility

About the role

The Building Automation Systems (BAS) Engineer applies a high level of knowledge and skill to engineer, design, program, analyze, troubleshoot, optimize, document, and improve campus building automation systems within Dartmouth College facilities. This position focuses on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system controls, including integrations to associated systems such as lighting, laboratory air control systems, air quality monitoring systems, AV, window controls, fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) platform, and others.

As an integral member of Dartmouth’s Energy Management and Integrated Automation teams, this role works to improve campus controls systems performance through design, modifications, and upgrades that optimize HVAC system energy efficiency, stability, speed, durability, and reliability while meeting required environmental conditions. The position also plays a leading role in assisting Dartmouth’s Integrated Automation Program with architecting the evolution of campus controls systems to best position Dartmouth for future technologies.

This position reports to the Energy Program Manager within the Engineering Department of the Campus Services Division and collaborates daily with the Integrated Automation, Campus Services Engineering, Campus Services Technology Services, and multiple College Trades shops, particularly the Building Automation System (BAS) and Electrical (EL) shops. The role also works closely with outside controls and electrical contractors.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, modify, and make complex programming modifications to campus control systems and devices to improve system energy efficiency and performance.
• Develop and program complex sequences of operation, including those provided by the Energy Program Manager, FO&M engineers, and/or outside engineering consultants.
• Work with the Energy Program Manager, IA Program Manager, Campus Services engineers, BAS shop, and contractors to commission controls and adjust as necessary to deliver intended performance.
• Commission and recommission HVAC system controls and other automated building systems.
• Assist the Energy Management Program with tasks such as programming sequences of operation, reverse-engineering existing controls programming, reviewing plans, investigating new technologies, troubleshooting efficiency issues, actioning recommendations from Automatic Fault Detection and Diagnostics (AFDD) software, and assisting with Measurement and Verification (M&V) efforts.
• Design HVAC controls systems for BAS upgrade and renewal projects, providing guidance and documentation for installation by the BAS and Electrical shops and/or outside contractors.
• Program, integrate, and generate graphics for BAS upgrade and renewal projects.
• Utilize available documentation (e.g., design documents, engineered details, wiring diagrams, O&M and As-Built documentation) to design BAS upgrades and modifications. Independently search for missing documentation via the web or manufacturer’s representatives.
• Specify and procure materials and equipment, and provide budget estimates for controls upgrades and installations.
• Produce As-Built documentation and coordinate storage/archiving with the BAS shop.
• Track project timelines to complete tasks on schedule while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
• Provide input to Project Managers and Engineers to define BAS-related project tasks, develop project schedules, and define project budgets.
• Provide engineering oversight for Building Automation Systems on new construction, major renovation, and BAS upgrade projects, including design review and construction administration services (e.g., shop drawing review, field inspections, and commissioning).
• Participate in meetings as required, including IA, engineering, BAS Shop, project, and commissioning meetings.
• Work with FO&M Engineering to maintain and update campus Design and Construction Guidelines associated with Building Automation Systems.
• Support integration of BACnet, Lon, and Modbus controllers and devices and other building control and energy management systems into the BAS, including systems such as Campus Energy Management System (Noda), Trane, Phoenix, Aircuity, Schneider, lighting control systems (Lutron, nLight, Digital Lumens), and automatic fault detection and diagnostic platforms (Skyspark).
• Provide input and recommendations for BAS system troubleshooting and upgrades.
• Advise the BAS shop on required maintenance and repair needs, and generate work orders for maintenance shops as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Dartmouth BAS technicians and vendors/contractors to troubleshoot, repair, install, and modify controls programming.
• Utilize sensors, instrumentation, monitoring systems (including data loggers and trended data), and other diagnostic tools to analyze and troubleshoot system malfunctions and performance issues.
• Create and provide major modifications to BAS graphics, and support BAS shop technicians with minor modifications.
• Make programming changes to control systems, communicate these changes to relevant parties (e.g., BAS shop, engineering staff, contractors), and assist in tracking and documenting changes.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree plus 5+ years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six+ years of relevant experience with Building Automation Systems and controls, with a proven record of successful complex projects.
• Technical school graduate (or relevant Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree) preferred, or equivalent education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license and qualification under Dartmouth College Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• High proficiency with building automation systems (Honeywell, Niagara, Johnson Controls Metasys) and strong working knowledge of their communication protocols, networks, controllers, devices, and programming methods. Familiarity with non-proprietary platforms is a plus.
• Deep knowledge of and aptitude for building mechanical systems, including hydronic, steam, chilled water, air handling systems, and terminal units.
• High competency in programming building automation systems.
• Solid working knowledge of energy management and efficiency techniques for building HVAC systems.
• Ability to follow and understand complex sequences of operation for HVAC and plant equipment and translate them into BAS programming logic.
• Ability to troubleshoot, read, write, update, and specify repairs and upgrades for a wide range of automation systems and devices. Current campus systems include Johnson Controls Metasys, Honeywell CPO, Honeywell Optimizer, Niagara Supervisor, Trane, Phoenix, Aircuity, Schneider, Lutron, nLight, Digital Lumens, and others.
• Ability to program and configure BACnet, Lon, and Modbus controllers and devices.
• Expert knowledge of BAS system architecture, configurations, and terminology.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and control design drawings and schematics.
• Proficiency in editing and drafting controls drawings in CAD and/or Bluebeam.
• Familiarity with equipment testing and calibration, including using digital and analog manometers, air and water differential pressure sensors, temperature calibration for RTD, thermocouple, and thermistor sensors, humidity sensors, CO2 sensors, and thermography.
• Ability to respond to and resolve fault detection diagnostics (FDD), alarms, and analytics.
• Experience with Skyspark FDD software and pneumatic controls.
• Familiarity with air and water balancing equipment and techniques.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and problem-solving skills while relaying information to all impacted parties.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with the FO&M engineering team, trades shops, and Technology Services/IT teams.
• Experience with computers, Windows operating systems, and programming languages.
• Commitment to completing and maintaining all required safety-related course work and certifications as mandated by the College.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours to assist with campus-wide or building-critical emergencies.
• Customer service orientation with a strong commitment to a diverse working environment and serving the needs of a large and diverse community.