We are a San Diego, CA building‑technology and engineering staffing agency specializing in recruiting Building Automation Specialists for high‑performance commercial buildings, healthcare campuses, biotech laboratories, universities, and mission‑critical environments.
San Diego’s rapidly expanding smart‑building ecosystem driven by major BAS manufacturers, controls integrators, energy‑efficiency initiatives, and advanced HVAC modernization projects creates one of the strongest hiring markets in the country for BAS professionals.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Install, configure, program, and troubleshoot Building Automation Systems (BAS) including DDC controllers, supervisory front‑ends, field devices, and networked building‑controls architectures.
- Perform advanced diagnostics on BAS networks, controllers, and field devices; resolve communication issues across BACnet/IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus TCP/RTU, LonWorks, and proprietary control protocols.
- Execute full system startups, commissioning, functional performance testing, and verification of sequences of operation for HVAC, chilled water, hot water, VAV systems, AHUs, RTUs, boilers, and central plant equipment.
- Develop and modify BAS graphics, alarm logic, trend logs, schedules, and energy dashboards within platforms such as Siemens Desigo CC, Johnson Controls Metasys, Trane Tracer, Honeywell EBI, Distech EC‑Net, and Niagara N4.
- Integrate third‑party systems including lighting controls, access control, fire alarm interfaces, energy‑management systems, submeters, and IoT smart‑building devices.
- Perform preventive maintenance on BAS components, HVAC equipment, control panels, sensors, actuators, and network infrastructure.
- Support retro‑commissioning, energy‑optimization projects, demand‑response strategies, and California Title 24 compliance initiatives.
- Collaborate with facility engineers, HVAC technicians, commissioning agents, project managers, and IT/network teams to ensure system reliability and peak building performance.
- Document system changes, configuration updates, firmware revisions, and service activities in CMMS platforms and BAS logs.
- Provide technical support and training to operations teams on BAS functionality, alarm management, and energy‑efficiency best practices.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, ASHRAE, California building codes, and local energy‑efficiency standards.
Education
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Technical training in HVAC Controls, Building Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5–10+ years of hands‑on experience installing, servicing, programming, or commissioning BAS/DDC systems.
- Strong understanding of HVAC fundamentals, control theory, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and building‑operations workflows.
- Proficiency with major BAS platforms (Siemens, Johnson Controls, Trane, Honeywell, Distech, Schneider Electric, or Niagara‑based systems).
- Experience with BACnet/IP network architecture, Modbus integration, device addressing, MSTP trunk troubleshooting, and network segmentation.
- Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, control schematics, mechanical drawings, and sequences of operation.
- Strong troubleshooting skills with sensors, actuators, controllers, relays, VFDs, and network devices.
- Excellent communication, documentation, customer‑support, and cross‑discipline coordination skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to work independently across multiple job sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in hospitals, biotech labs, universities, or mission‑critical facilities (common in San Diego).
- Certifications such as Niagara N4, ASHRAE, NICET, Cisco networking, or manufacturer‑specific BAS credentials.
- Experience with energy‑management systems, analytics platforms, fault‑detection diagnostics (FDD), and smart‑building optimization tools.
- Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA, industrial controls integration, or OT/IT convergence.
- Experience with retrofits, recommissioning, and large‑scale BAS modernization projects.
