Controls Application Engineer
About The Position
The Applications Engineer is the technical bridge between sales, estimating, and field execution. This is a mid-level role with full design authority on assigned projects — you own the design and product selection for BAS projects, turning specifications, drawings, and sequences of operation into a buildable, competitively priced solution with minimal oversight. You'll estimate projects, choose the applications and products that best fit each job, and build the documentation (bill of materials, panel layouts, network architecture, points lists) that our foremen and technicians rely on in the field. You'll work closely with our Account Managers on proposals and with our Project Executive on handoff to execution, making sure what we sell is what we can install with confidence.
Requirements
- 3–7 years of experience in HVAC controls, building automation, or a related applications engineering role, with demonstrated ability to own project designs independently.
- Working knowledge of DDC programming and BAS design; Niagara N4 and Distech Controls experience strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with BACnet and open-protocol integration concepts.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation.
- Estimating experience — comfortable building take-offs and pricing from bid documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working directly with sales, clients, and field teams.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical/electrical engineering, engineering technology, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
Nice To Haves
- Niagara N4 certification a plus, or willingness to obtain within the first year.
Responsibilities
- Review project specifications, drawings, and RFQs to develop scope, take-offs, and cost estimates for BAS projects.
- Select the applications, controllers, and products — primarily Distech Controls on Niagara N4 — that best meet each project's technical requirements and budget.
- Design BAS solutions including network architecture, DDC panel layouts, points lists, and sequences of operation.
- Develop bills of materials and exception documentation for bid submittals and change orders.
- Author RFIs requiring design-team input during the submittal review phase.
- Order, track, and coordinate receipt of major project equipment, keeping the Project Executive and field teams updated on status.
- Prepare as-built record drawings and complete full project closeout documentation.
- Partner with Account Managers to provide technical input on proposals, respond to RFQ questions, and support client-facing presentations.
- Hand off completed designs to the Project Executive and field foremen with documentation that's clear enough to build from without rework.
- Support open-platform and third-party integration efforts, including BACnet and other protocol coordination with outside vendors.
- Stay current on Distech and Niagara N4 product releases, and serve as a technical resource for the sales and operations teams.
- Flag pipeline opportunities that lack sufficient design detail or confirmed scope before they're counted toward forecast.
- Assist in resolving field application issues that require design-level troubleshooting, in coordination with the Service Manager and foremen.
- Contribute to and maintain CMS Controls' standard design and estimating templates as part of the broader CMS Way documentation effort.
Benefits
- Quarterly profitability bonus (0–12.5% of base)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
