Automation Systems Technician I-IV 637811

Oklahoma State University•Stillwater, OK

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Systems Technician (AST) supports, maintains, and advances campus-wide building automation systems to promote efficient operation, occupant comfort, and energy optimization across university facilities. The role covers progressively complex technical responsibilities across AST I through AST IV, with increasing independence and leadership. ASTs respond to automation system issues, provide customer service, address temperature-control concerns, and manage work orders for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing building automation systems and associated equipment. Systems include HVAC controls, pneumatic and hydronic systems, direct digital controls (DDC), laboratory exhaust and fume hood systems, and networked control devices. The position involves diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and network communication issues; installing and programming hardware and controllers; integrating systems into centralized automation platforms such as Niagara; calibrating sensors, actuators, valves, and controllers; maintaining documentation; and using engineering schematics and software tools. At higher levels, responsibilities include system optimization, control sequence design and modification, graphics and user-interface development, network infrastructure maintenance, and commissioning. Higher-level ASTs also coordinate projects, review engineering designs, implement technologies, collaborate with engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders, mentor and train technicians, and support continuous improvement and the long-term development of campus automation systems. The role requires adaptability, ongoing technical learning, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Overtime and stand-by duty are essential functions and may require work outside business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends. The normal work environment includes mechanical equipment rooms, attics, basements, server rooms, and steam tunnels, as well as some office work. The work is heavy in manual labor and requires frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, occasional lifting of more than 50 pounds, and regular ladder climbing. Required personal protective equipment is provided. Employees must follow safety requirements and promote a safe work environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, conferred on or before the agreed-upon start date.
AST I: Two years of experience in any combination of automated systems, HVAC/R, mechanical/electrical maintenance, large-building temperature controls, information technology systems including network communications, IP-based controllers, or building automation software platforms; related vocational education may qualify.
AST II: Three years of experience working in automated systems, HVAC/R, and large-building temperature controls; related vocational education may qualify.
AST III: Five years of experience working in automated systems, HVAC/R, and large-building temperature controls, including local and network controller administration; alternatively, related vocational education and Tridium Niagara certification. Two years of experience must include time as an OSU Automation Systems Technician I or II.
AST IV: Seven years of experience working in automated systems, HVAC/R, and large-building temperature controls, including local and network controller administration and integration; alternatively, related vocational education and Tridium Niagara certification. Four years of experience must include time as an OSU Automation Systems Technician I, II, or III.
Post-secondary education may substitute for years of required experience; placement in the career development plan depends on years of experience.
Have and maintain a valid driver's license for operation of an OSU vehicle as required by job duties.
AST I skills: foundational knowledge of HVAC systems, building automation systems, and temperature controls; basic troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and low-voltage systems; familiarity with pneumatic, hydronic, and simple control devices; general computer proficiency; ability to read and interpret basic technical documentation and schematics; understanding of safe electrical work practices up to 480V; and strong customer service and communication skills.
AST II skills, in addition to AST I skills: intermediate knowledge of building automation systems and HVAC control strategies; independent troubleshooting and repair; familiarity with basic IP networking; basic controller and control-system programming and configuration; understanding of BACnet and LON; growing proficiency with analytics, alarms, and trend data; and ability to manage assigned buildings with limited oversight.
AST III skills, in addition to AST I and II skills: advanced knowledge of HVAC systems, automation platforms, and integration; strong diagnostics and problem-solving across mechanical, controls, and network systems; programming, graphics development, and configuration in platforms such as Niagara; management of IP, BACnet, MSTP, and LON automation networks and related infrastructure; ability to install, wire, and configure automation equipment; ability to design, modify, and optimize control sequences; ability to interpret engineering designs and contribute to system improvements; and demonstrated mentoring, coordination, and technical guidance.
AST IV skills, in addition to AST I, II, and III skills: expert knowledge of building automation systems, HVAC controls, and system architecture; advanced system design, integration, and optimization, including complex control strategies; expertise in networked automation environments, server infrastructure, and enterprise-level platforms; ability to lead commissioning, major upgrades, and large-scale integration; strategic understanding of energy efficiency, analytics, and long-term performance improvements; strong collaboration with engineers, contractors, and leadership; and leadership in mentoring, training, and setting technical direction.

Responsibilities

Respond to building automation system issues and provide timely customer service, including resolving temperature-control concerns.
Manage work orders for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of building automation systems and associated equipment.
Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and network communication issues.
Install and program system hardware and controllers, and integrate systems within centralized automation platforms such as Niagara.
Calibrate sensors, actuators, valves, and controllers; maintain system documentation and records; and use engineering schematics and software tools to support system functionality and upgrades.
At higher levels, optimize systems; design and modify control sequences; develop graphics and user interfaces; maintain network infrastructure; and commission controllers and building systems.
At higher levels, coordinate projects, review engineering designs, implement new technologies, and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to improve performance and energy efficiency.
Mentor and train less experienced technicians, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of campus automation systems.
Perform overtime and stand-by duty, including work during non-business hours when required.
Use required personal protective equipment and follow safety requirements.