Project Engineer – Building Automation Controls

Automated Controls , a division of The Comfort Group , is seeking a Project Engineer – Building Automation Controls to join our Nashville team. Automated Controls has been an Automated Logic Corporation dealer since 1986, making us one of the longest-standing independent ALC dealers in the country. We design, program, commission, and support commercial and institutional building automation systems throughout Middle Tennessee.

We are especially interested in candidates with Automated Logic / WebCTRL experience, as well as experienced BAS technicians, programmers, systems specialists, startup technicians, or commissioning technicians who are ready to transition into a Project Engineering role.

Position Overview

The Project Engineer is responsible for the technical engineering and implementation of building automation projects from project turnover through design, programming, installation support, commissioning, and closeout. This position combines HVAC controls engineering, system design, programming, networking, field support, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

Review project specifications, mechanical and electrical drawings, equipment schedules, points lists, scopes of work, and sequences of operation. Develop BAS engineering packages, controls submittals, network risers, controller diagrams, wiring details, bills of material, valve schedules, and damper schedules. Select DDC controllers, I/O modules, sensors, actuators, valves, dampers, integration hardware, and related control devices.

Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, missing information, and technical risks and develop RFIs as required. Develop and maintain Automated Logic WebCTRL databases using Site. Builder. Configure system architecture, controller relationships, BACnet device instances, network numbers, MAC addresses, and IP addressing. Develop, modify, and troubleshoot HVAC control programs using EIKON.

Configure WebCTRL alarms, trends, schedules, network points, setpoints, and operating parameters. Develop programming for AHUs, RTUs, VAVs, fan-powered boxes, FCUs, pumps, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, central plants, and other HVAC systems. Develop PID control, equipment staging, lead/lag, reset strategies, safeties, interlocks, alarms, and failure logic.

Design and troubleshoot BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Ethernet, Modbus RTU/TCP, and BAS communication networks. Develop and support third-party integrations including VFDs, chillers, boilers, meters, packaged HVAC equipment, lighting systems, and third-party controllers. Provide technical support to field technicians during installation, startup, point-to-point checkout, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

Verify system operation against approved sequences of operation. Review trends and system data to identify programming, networking, installation, balancing, equipment, or mechanical issues. Support functional performance testing, customer training, project turnover, as-built documentation, and closeout. Coordinate with Project Managers, technicians, electricians, contractors, engineers, commissioning agents, equipment vendors, and customers.

Manage engineering responsibilities for multiple projects simultaneously. Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience in building automation, HVAC controls, DDC systems, controls engineering, programming, startup, commissioning, or a related technical field. Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems and control applications.

Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings. Ability to understand and implement HVAC sequences of operation. Experience programming, commissioning, starting up, or troubleshooting building automation systems. Working knowledge of BACnet and BAS communication networks. Understanding of sensors, actuators, control valves, dampers, VFDs, and common HVAC control devices.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with field technicians, contractors, engineers, Project Managers, and customers. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable: Automated Logic WebCTRL EIKON Site. Builder Automated Logic Opti. Flex hardware BACnet/IP and BACnet MS/TP Modbus RTU/TCP Third-party BAS integrations IP networking AHUs, RTUs, VAVs, FCUs, and fan-powered boxes Chilled-water and hot-water plants Boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps Variable Frequency Drives PID control and tuning Functional performance testing and commissioning Large campus or multi-building BAS systems Experience with other major BAS platforms such as Niagara, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Trane, Schneider Electric, Distech Controls, or Honeywell will also be considered.

Training on the Automated Logic platform may be provided for candidates with strong BAS fundamentals and demonstrated technical ability. Field Experience Matters A four-year engineering degree is not required for candidates who can demonstrate equivalent professional experience in building automation, HVAC controls, or a closely related field.

Some of the strongest candidates for this position may currently be working as a senior controls technician, systems specialist, BAS programmer, startup technician, or commissioning technician and are ready to take the next step into Project Engineering. If you have a strong practical understanding of how commercial HVAC systems operate, can take ownership of and troubleshoot complex building automation systems and networks, can confidently interpret construction drawings and sequences of operation, and are ready to expand into project engineering, system design, and technical project ownership, we encourage you to apply.

Education

A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Building Automation, or a related technical field is preferred. However, equivalent professional experience in building automation, HVAC controls, programming, startup, commissioning, or system troubleshooting will be considered in place of a four-year degree.

Benefits

Competitive salary Medical insurance Dental insurance Life insurance Disability insurance Paid vacation Paid holidays 401(k) with company matching Training and professional development opportunities Partial tuition reimbursement Relocation assistance available Candidates must be able to successfully complete required background screening and drug testing.