Controls Manager


Houston
Permanent
USD110000 - USD140000
Automation and Controls
PR/579292_1771233443
Controls Manager

Controls Manager - Building Automation

Location: Houston, TX
Employment Type: Full‑time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Controls Manager to lead and oversee building automation projects and service operations within the Houston region. This role will be responsible for managing a team of controls engineers and technicians, driving project execution, and ensuring the successful delivery of Building Automation Systems (BAS) across commercial, industrial, and mission‑critical facilities.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in BAS/Controls Engineering, proven leadership experience, and deep familiarity with systems such as Tridium Niagara, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Honeywell, or similar platforms.


Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of BAS engineers, programmers, and field technicians.
  • Oversee resource planning, workload distribution, and performance evaluations.
  • Establish and enforce engineering standards, programming best practices, and QA processes.

Project & Operations Management

  • Manage the full lifecycle of building automation projects-from design and programming to commissioning and turnover.
  • Support strategic planning and operational execution for regional BAS operations.
  • Coordinate with project managers, construction teams, and external partners to ensure successful delivery.
  • Provide escalation support for technical issues, troubleshooting, and commissioning challenges.

Technical Oversight

  • Guide the design, programming, and implementation of BAS control strategies and sequences of operation.
  • Ensure systems are developed to meet project specifications, code requirements, and client expectations.
  • Oversee integration work (HVAC, lighting, access control, energy management, mechanical systems).
  • Maintain familiarity with relevant industry standards (ASHRAE, BACnet, cybersecurity, commissioning best practices).

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build strong relationships with key customers, contractors, and facility managers.
  • Participate in project review meetings and deliver updates on progress, risks, and timelines.
  • Support proposal development, engineering estimates, and sales strategy when required.

Required Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in building automation, controls engineering, or related fields.
  • 3+ years of leadership or team‑management experience.
  • Strong technical knowledge of BAS platforms (e.g., Niagara N4, JCI Metasys, Siemens Desigo, Honeywell EBI, Schneider SmartStruxure).
  • Experience with HVAC control logic, networking fundamentals, BACnet, Modbus, and related protocols.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical diagrams, and sequences of operation.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Must be based in or willing to relocate to Houston, TX.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation, or similar field.
  • Niagara N4 Certification or OEM‑specific certifications.
  • Experience with large commercial or mission‑critical facilities (data centers, labs, hospitals).
  • Knowledge of energy management strategies and analytics platforms.
  • Experience with construction environments and commissioning processes.

FAQs

Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.

Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.

We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business. 

That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created. 

Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.

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