Job Title: Senior Building Automation Technician/Programmer
Job Location: Greater Hartford, CT Area
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Opportunity
The client is a well-established, growth-focused building automation and energy management firm. This company delivers intelligent building solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional, and healthcare facilities, helping clients reduce energy use, improve comfort, and gain real-time visibility into their building systems.
As a Building Automation Technician/Programmer, you will be a key technical contributor, turning mechanical and electrical designs into fully functioning automation systems. You will program, integrate, and optimize building automation systems using platforms such as Distech, Niagara, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, and/or KMC. This is a high-impact role with direct influence on project success, energy performance, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, configure, and test building automation control programs for HVAC and related systems using one or more of the following platforms: Distech, Niagara (N4/AX), Johnson Controls, Honeywell, and/or KMC.
- Interpret mechanical drawings, control submittals, sequences of operation, and points lists to create accurate and reliable control logic.
- Configure and integrate field devices (sensors, actuators, VFDs, controllers) using industry-standard protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, and LON.
- Build, customize, and refine graphical user interfaces (GUI) and dashboards for operators, facility managers, and owners.
- Perform point-to-point checkout, system start-up, and commissioning activities in coordination with field technicians and project managers.
- Troubleshoot control system issues (both software and hardware), identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and HVAC contractors to ensure the BAS solution aligns with project scope and client expectations.
- Document programs, configurations, network architectures, and as-built changes in an organized and maintainable way.
- Support remote diagnostics, software updates, and optimization of existing systems after project turnover.
- Adhere to company standards, industry best practices, and cybersecurity guidelines for building automation networks.
- Lead or mentor junior programmers or technicians on best practices in building automation programming and commissioning.
- Assist with developing and standardizing programming templates, graphics libraries, and commissioning checklists.
- Participate in project design reviews, providing feedback on control strategies, device selection, and integration approaches.
- Support integration with third-party systems such as lighting controls, access control, metering, and enterprise energy platforms.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting process enhancements and new technologies for the programming team.
- Perform hands-on installation, wiring, and field mounting of BAS controllers, sensors, actuators, and network devices as needed to support project deadlines.
- Conduct on-site device calibration, sensor verification, and equipment testing to ensure accurate BAS operation.
- Utilize multimeters, air-balancing tools, and other diagnostic equipment to support system commissioning.
- Complete field punch lists and document corrective actions for incomplete or deficient installations.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher in electrical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, computer science, controls, HVAC technology, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Hands-on programming experience with at least one of the following building automation platforms:
- Distech
- Niagara (Niagara AX / Niagara 4)
- Johnson Controls
- Honeywell
- KMC
- Strong understanding of HVAC systems (AHUs, VAVs, RTUs, boilers, chillers, pumps, heat exchangers) and how they are controlled.
- Practical experience with BACnet and/or Modbus communications, including device addressing, network setup, and basic troubleshooting.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical plans, electrical one-lines, P&ID diagrams, and control drawings.
- Proficiency with Windows-based PCs and common office tools; comfortable working in multiple vendor programming environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills to work with internal teams, contractors, and end users.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally to job sites as needed.
- Experience programming and commissioning multiple platforms (for example, Distech and Niagara, or Johnson and Honeywell).
- Vendor certifications such as: Niagara N4 Certified, Distech Controls Certification, Johnson FX, Honeywell WEBs, KMC Controls training, or similar.
- Experience integrating building automation with other systems (lighting controls, security, metering, analytics platforms).
- Familiarity with network fundamentals (IP addressing, VLANs, routers/switches, VPNs) in the context of BAS.
- Experience in retro-commissioning, optimization, or energy conservation measure (ECM) implementation.
- Prior work with large commercial, institutional, healthcare, or industrial projects.
- Basic scripting or programming knowledge (e.g., BQL, Java-based Niagara components, or vendor-specific scripting tools).
- Ability to lead small project scopes independently, coordinating with technicians and subcontractors.
- Hands-on experience installing and terminating low-voltage control wiring.
- Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot field-level device issues including power, communication, and sensor accuracy.
- Comfort using hand tools, test equipment, ladders, and performing work in mechanical rooms or rooftop environments.
Work Environment and Team
- Join a collaborative team of building automation professionals including project managers, engineers, programmers, and field technicians.
- Mix of office-based programming and on-site commissioning work, depending on project phase and workload.
- Exposure to a variety of facilities and systems, providing ongoing learning and project diversity.
- Culture focused on technical excellence, customer service, and long-term client relationships.