Building Automation Lead Design Engineer

The Lead Design Engineer provides advanced technical leadership and oversight for the design, documentation, and implementation of complex building automation and control systems across commercial, industrial, and mission-critical environments.

Building on senior-level design engineering experience, this role is responsible for guiding a team of design engineers, ensuring engineering excellence, and driving consistency in design standards, project execution, and technical deliverables.

This position acts as a key liaison between engineering leadership and project teams, ensuring high-quality design output, alignment with internal standards, and continuous improvement of engineering processes. The Lead Design Engineer plays a critical role in advancing building automation capabilities through leadership, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and provide technical oversight to a team of design engineers.
• Deliver ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support.
• Assist engineering leadership with workload planning, project assignments, and resource allocation.
• Review and approve design deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Ensure team adherence to project schedules, milestones, and deliverable timelines.
• Identify technical skill gaps and support training initiatives to improve team capability.
• Drive adoption and enforcement of design standards, templates, and engineering best practices.

Technical Design & Project Execution

• Lead the design and implementation of DDC control systems across all phases of a project, including pre-construction, installation, and closeout.
• Oversee the development of HVAC and building automation control system designs, including schematics, riser diagrams, network diagrams, panel layouts, and wiring details.
• Translate mechanical and electrical plans/specifications into complete automation control designs.
• Develop and review sequences of operation, control narratives, and system logic for complex systems.
• Prepare and review submittals, bills of material, and device specifications.
• Engineer system architectures using protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, and IP-based networks.
• Design and review custom control panels and support factory/site acceptance testing and shop verification activities.
• Apply relevant codes and standards across all design deliverables, including NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, UL, and local energy codes.

Quality, Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct and oversee QA/QC reviews of drawings, submittals, and as-built documentation.
• Generate and review RFIs to resolve design clarifications with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with project managers, construction teams, vendors, and customers to ensure project alignment and successful execution.
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and system startup in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Lead the development and refinement of drawing standards, CAD templates, and design workflows.
• Provide input on engineering tools, product direction, and process improvements.
• Ensure accurate and timely development of O&M and closeout documentation from construction redlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for control system design and documentation.
• Advanced understanding of HVAC systems, control sequences, and DDC integration.
• Strong knowledge of control communication protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, and related technologies.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, UL 508A, and local energy codes.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in building automation, MEP design, HVAC controls, or industrial controls.
• Extensive experience designing DDC architectures, system layouts, network diagrams, and control panels.
• Proven experience reviewing and approving engineering deliverables.
• Experience supporting commissioning, system startup, troubleshooting, or field coordination.
• Prior experience leading teams or overseeing engineering workflows.
• PLC/HMI experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, Siemens, or similar is a plus.
• P.E. or E.I.T. certification preferred but not required.

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Career growth and professional development opportunities.
• Hands-on technical training and exposure to complex building automation projects.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer match.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible PTO.
• Business travel support for eligible roles, including expenses, tools, PPE, and related resources where applicable.

About the Company

Our client is a building automation and controls provider delivering integrated automation solutions across commercial, industrial, and mission-critical environments.

The company supports the design, implementation, and optimization of systems including HVAC controls, lighting controls, power monitoring, SCADA, PLC, and DDC-based automation platforms. With a strong focus on technical execution, scalability, and reliability, the team delivers tailored solutions that improve building performance, energy efficiency, and operational control.