Building Automation Systems Specialist

Employee Type: exempt full-time | Division: Facilities, Maintenance & Engineering | Location: Frederick, MD, USA

About the Role

The Building Automation System (BAS) Specialist serves as the technical authority for the operation, programming, integration, optimization, and lifecycle support of the Building Automation System (BAS) and Energy Management Control System (EMCS) serving research laboratories, vivariums, biopharmaceutical manufacturing areas, administrative facilities, and central utility infrastructure throughout the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research.

Responsibilities

• Lead Building Automation System (BAS) projects, ensuring project planning, scope development, contractor coordination, and successful implementation of system upgrades and repairs.
• Design, configure, program, modify, and optimize BAS control sequences supporting laboratories, vivariums, GMP facilities, and administrative buildings.
• Develop advanced control logic, graphics, trend logs, alarm strategies, schedules, and analytics.
• Analyze system performance data and implement control improvements to maximize system reliability and energy efficiency.
• Maintain BAS databases, controller programming, and system documentation.
• Analyze HVAC system performance using trend analysis, fault detection diagnostics, and operational analytics.
• Evaluate pressure relationships, airflow, temperature, humidity, and critical environmental parameters.
• Recommend operational improvements supporting research continuity, energy conservation, and regulatory compliance.
• Investigate recurring system deficiencies and develop long-term corrective strategies.
• Lead BAS optimization initiatives and facility improvement projects.
• Evaluate emerging BAS technologies and recommend system enhancements.
• Coordinate contractor activities during system upgrades and maintenance outages.
• Mentor maintenance personnel on BAS functionality and operational best practices.
• Provide technical consultation to Facilities Management, Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety, Quality Assurance, and research personnel.
• Assist with investigations related to environmental excursions affecting laboratory operations.
• Ensure BAS operations support applicable NIH, NCI, OSHA, NFPA, ASHRAE, GMP, and FDA facility requirements.
• Develop technical reports, standard operating procedures, and lifecycle replacement recommendations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and functional testing of controllers, sensors, actuators, valves, dampers, and field devices.
• Verify proper operation following repairs or programming modifications.
• Respond to emergency service calls affecting critical research environments.
• Participate in after-hours support and planned maintenance outages as required.

Requirements

• Possession of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience with Building Automation Systems such as Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Trane, or Schneider platforms.
• Technical knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, electrical controls, critical environmental controls, central utility plan operations, building pressurization strategies, and/or mechanical equipment.
• Experience with HVAC commissioning, fault detection and diagnostics, facility operations, and facility infrastructure.
• Experience troubleshooting control systems, sensors, and network communication protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks).
• Ability to read and interpret control schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to routinely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; climb stairs and ladders; work involves bending, stooping, and working in confined areas; potential exposure to particulates, vapors, or noisy environment.
• Familiarity with IP networking and control system integration.
• This position is considered safety-sensitive and will be subject to random drug testing per the Leidos Biomedical Research Drug-Free Workplace Program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Schneider platform (e.g., Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building Operation).
• Certification in HVAC controls, building automation, energy management, vendor-neutral, or manufacturer-specific system platforms.

Job Hazards

This position is subject to working with or has the potential for exposure to animal(s) and/or animal material(s).

Pay

87,200.00 - 128,293.00 USD

The posted pay range for this job is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include, but are not limited to, responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement.