Sr Controls Manager (Building Automation) - Austin
Controls Manager - Building Automation Systems
Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid / On-site as required)
Employment Type: Full-time
Position Overview
The Controls Manager will lead, coordinate, and oversee all building automation systems (BAS) projects from design through commissioning. This role is responsible for technical leadership, project execution, team development, and ensuring delivered solutions meet customer requirements, quality standards, schedules, and budgets. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on BAS experience combined with proven people and project leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Technical Leadership
- Oversee the design, engineering, programming, installation, commissioning, and closeout of BAS projects.
- Provide technical guidance and review of control system architectures, sequences of operation, and network designs.
- Ensure compliance with project specifications, local codes, and industry standards.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex system or field issues.
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of controls engineers, programmers, and field technicians.
- Assign resources across projects to balance workloads and meet delivery commitments.
- Conduct performance reviews, training plans, and skills development initiatives.
Project Execution & Financial Oversight
- Partner with Project Managers to track schedules, budgets, and labor utilization.
- Review and approve project change orders, estimates, and scope adjustments.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, and technical execution.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a technical point of contact for customers, contractors, and consulting engineers.
- Participate in project meetings, design reviews, and customer presentations.
- Support pre-sales activities including solution development and estimating when needed.
Process Improvement & Standards
- Develop and maintain engineering standards, templates, and best practices.
- Drive continuous improvement efforts in engineering quality, efficiency, and documentation.
- Ensure consistent use of company tools, naming conventions, and programming standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, HVAC, Controls, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- 7+ years of experience in Building Automation / HVAC controls.
- 3+ years of experience leading technical teams or managing controls projects.
- Strong knowledge of BAS platforms (e.g., Tridium Niagara, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, or similar).
- Solid understanding of HVAC systems, networking (BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks), and system integration.
- Ability to read and develop control drawings, sequences of operations, and submittals.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience delivering medium to large commercial projects (healthcare, higher education, labs, data centers, Class A office).
- Niagara N4 certification or platform-specific certifications.
- PMP or formal project management experience.
- Familiarity with energy optimization, analytics, and smart building technologies.
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Customer-focused mindset
- Ability to balance technical depth with strategic oversight
- Organized, adaptable, and deadline-driven
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and certification support
- Opportunity to lead projects in Austin's rapidly growing commercial market
FAQs
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