Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Smart Tech Contracting delivers turnkey building automation and EPMS solutions for mission-critical colocation and hyperscale data centers. The Engineering Manager leads the Building Automation hardware engineering function, overseeing DDC/Niagara-based engineering standards, technical quality, project setup, resource alignment, team development, and complex project execution.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior hardware engineering leader for the Building Automation department, with primary accountability for DDC / Niagara-based engineering execution across BAS projects
- Establish, maintain, and improve department standards, design practices, workflows, and deliverable expectations for mission critical control systems, industrial control panels, field integration, and related hardware engineering
- Provide technical leadership for complex control system applications supporting central utility plants, airside systems, heat rejection systems, EPMS integrations, and other HVAC applications
- Partner with software engineering leadership to ensure alignment between hardware design and software implementation, while maintaining clear ownership of hardware engineering standards and deliverables
- Provide senior engineering leadership to ensure BAS projects are set up for success, including technical strategy, review structure, resource alignment, and early identification of engineering risk
- Lead or support engineering strategy for first-of-a-kind programs, new client standards, and highly complex projects where execution depends on development of new frameworks, technical approaches, and repeatable delivery methods
- Maintain accountability for the overall quality, consistency, and completeness of hardware engineering deliverables across the BA department
- Ensure quality control processes and technical reviews are clearly defined and executed by Level 5 lead engineers and other designated reviewers
- Intervene as needed on high-risk, technically complex, or strategically important projects requiring senior-level engineering leadership
- Assign engineering resources based on project size, technical complexity, client requirements, schedule demands, and staff development needs
- Partner with the Associate Director - Engineering and Associate Director of Building Automation on hiring, staffing strategy, organizational planning, and capability development for the BA engineering team
- Develop technical leaders within the department and establish training priorities related to DDC platforms, Niagara systems, industrial control panels, mission critical applications, engineering standards, and review practices
- Build department capability through standardization, mentoring, and continuous improvement to support large-scale and BA growth
- Support business development, preconstruction, and department leadership on upcoming opportunities by providing technical input on control architecture, engineering risk, staffing, and delivery approach
- Participate in client-facing discussions for major pursuits, first-of-a-kind opportunities, and strategic programs requiring deep DDC / Niagara and mission critical engineering expertise
- Coordinate with project management, construction leadership, BIM / VDC, procurement, commissioning, software leadership, and executive leadership to align engineering priorities with project and business objectives
- Communicate engineering risks, quality concerns, staffing needs, and technical priorities clearly across the organization
- Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget
- Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned
Skills
- Expert knowledge of DDC and Niagara systems used in Building Automation applications, including industrial-grade sensors and best practices
- Expert knowledge of hardware engineering for BAS and EPMS solutions in complex mission critical environments
- Expert knowledge of industrial control panel design practices, component selection, layout considerations, panel integration, and constructability
- Skilled in developing and enforcing engineering standards, review processes, and quality expectations across multiple concurrent projects
- Skilled in leading engineering teams responsible for complex control system deliverables
- Skilled in assigning resources and matching technical talent to project complexity and delivery needs
- Skilled in navigating clients through BAS / EPMS project designs including identification of standards, needs, options, and tradeoffs
- Skilled in evaluating first-of-a-kind project requirements and establishing engineering strategies that reduce execution risk
- Knowledge of construction design process, stakeholders, deliverables, and mission critical project execution workflows
- Knowledge of data center HVAC applications, chilled water plants, heat rejection systems, airside systems, and associated control strategies
- Knowledge of instrumentation, sensors, actuators, valves, and field devices used in industrial and mission critical control systems
- Knowledge of control system networking including addressing, VLANs, LANs, switches, routers, firewalls, and IT / OT interface requirements
- Knowledge of OT protocols including BACnet, Modbus, SNMP, MQTT, and related industrial / building systems integrations
- Knowledge of EPMS integration requirements and the relationship between BAS, PLC, SCADA, and power monitoring systems
- Knowledge of code requirements, safety considerations, and energy guidelines relevant to controls engineering designs
- Working knowledge of Revit and AutoCAD and the engineering coordination required with BIM / VDC resources
- Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
- Ability to analyze engineering organizations, identify capability gaps, and implement improvements in staffing, process, and training
- Ability to mentor Level 5 lead engineers and build technical leadership capacity across the department
- Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to communicate directly with clients and represent the department in strategic and high-visibility discussions
- Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication, self-motivation, proactiveness, and resourcefulness in a distraction-free workspace
- Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, improve quality, optimize engineering operations, and contribute to company-wide innovation
- Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
- Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines
- Ability to achieve certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required
- Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
- Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
- Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
- Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
- On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
- On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
- Up to 15%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
- Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction, or related discipline
- Eight years of experience with hands-on installation, testing, validation, troubleshooting, or field leadership of controls infrastructure
- Minimum ten years of additional experience with BAS, EPMS, DDC, and / or Niagara controls engineering
- Significant experience leading engineering execution for large-scale mission critical, industrial, or hyperscale data center projects
- At least half of this experience should be with mission critical or other Building Automation markets
- Controls design and design project management experience
- Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States
- Prior experience leading engineering teams, technical standards, staffing decisions, and quality oversight across multiple concurrent projects is strongly preferred
Benefits
- Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States
- Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
- Dental and vision plans
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
- 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
- PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
- Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
- Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
- Paid parental leave after one year of employment
Company Overview