Associate Controls Engineer
Energy Management - Facilities Management
University of Minnesota 

Description of Position


This position provides technical support, DDC programming installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair for Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, networking and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration systems (HVAC&R).  The position will help develop, document, and program control strategies for optimizing mechanical systems performance, prepare specifications and serve as a technical support resource for the Facilities Management Team.   The position will also assist with equipment startup commissioning/re-commissioning to validate and document/report that building system performance meets the design intent.

Essential Functions of Position

35%  Provide operational support for Direct Digital Control (DDC), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R), Building Automation and electro-mechanical systems.  The position tests, maintains, calibrates, repairs, and operates DDC systems for mechanical, electrical, and fire/life safety systems to optimize system performance, maintain building comfort levels, and monitor critical alarms such as fire, mechanical/electrical equipment failure, clean rooms, critical research equipment and hazardous materials.  Design dynamic graphics per technical specifications and support the feature set of the DDC application to improve reporting and monitoring for various groups of personnel. Work with district engineering staff to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.  

25%   Provide technical consulting for multi-platform automation systems and building automation systems networks. Implement energy savings programming strategies in DDC (Johnson, Siemens, Honeywell, Tridium, Trane, etc.) controllers at the direction of district engineering staff. Assist in the development of procedures and policy guidelines for operational use. Assist with commissioning process. 

20%   Coordinate Engineering staff and support projects by preparing labor and material estimates, providing guidance, scheduling work, ordering equipment, and providing advice and instruction to technicians, trades and mechanics from the University, as well as outside vendors.  Work with vendors to maintain system integrity and keep estimated project costs within budget. 

10%   Assure equipment is performance tested; verifying that performance of the systems meets the requirements of the building. Design and implement various on-going commissioning strategies for multiple mainstream DDC systems for use in all campus buildings.

10%   Serve as a systems expert and a training resource for DDC systems.  Work with building operations personnel to ensure that all required building systems and equipment training is delivered and completed.  



Work Environment


70-80% of work is performed in the field including University facilities and construction/remodeling sites.  20-30% of work is performed in a general office setting.  This position may be exposed to equipment and machine areas, hot/cold areas, extreme weather conditions, tunnels and confined spaces.


 

Minimum Qualifications

BA/BS in electronics, HVAC, or building maintenance  plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years. 
A minimum of five years of experience working with building systems including pneumatic/direct digital controls service work.   

Experience installing and maintaining one or more of the following DDC systems is required: Siemens, Johnson Controls, Trane, Honeywell, or equivalent product line.  Must be knowledgeable of PC based software for energy efficient HVAC control strategies and monitoring. Must maintain low voltage electrician certification. Skill and experience using electronic testing equipment is required. 



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities


⢠Ability to troubleshoot DDC hardware and software problems, network and communication concerns for Siemens, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Trane and similar systems.
⢠Knowledge of programming languages used in Direct Digital Controls systems such as PPCL, LCT and Supervisory Controller Programming.
⢠Ability to apply newly developed technologies in HVAC&R and DDC.
⢠Ability to think independently, be self-motivated, and perform under minimal supervision.
⢠Strong organization, analytical, problem solving, and technical skills.
⢠Excellent customer service skills including responding to questions and inquiries from other employees and customers in a helpful, timely and courteous manner.
⢠Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple assigned tasks to keep projects on schedule.
⢠Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
⢠Ability to gather and analyze information.
⢠Knowledge of computer networks and building automation networks.
⢠Knowledge and skill using a personal computer
⢠Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
⢠Excellent oral and written communication skills.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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