What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Manager, National Emerging Infectious Disease Lab position at Boston University?
About the Role:
The BAS Controls Manager at the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) is responsible for the continuous, safe, and highly reliable operation of the facility's Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) infrastructure. Operating within a state-of-the-art, high-containment biomedical research facility (comprising Biosafety Level 3 and Level 4 laboratories), this role ensures strict environmental parameters—such as directional airflow, precise pressure cascades, and critical filtration controls—are flawlessly maintained to guarantee regulatory compliance and maximum biological safety.
Reporting directly to the Director of Facilities and Engineering, the Controls Manager serves as the subject matter expert ensuring the alignment of facility automation and control systems with the institution’s research mission and compliance with all applicable biosafety, biosecurity, and environmental regulations. The role is directly responsible for managing, directing and training the controls staff and contractors in daily operations. The Controls Manager provides information and consultation to the Director related to controls and building systems as needed. The Controls Manager interacts with Research, EHS, Lab Operations, ARS, IT and Public Safety to foster a culture of continuous improvement and safety in support of building operations.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in facilities and construction with an understanding of building trades and ability to read construction documents, familiarity with work order systems and building automation systems, strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and follow-up; ability to manage changing priorities and accomplish multiple detailed tasks to meet deadlines. Additionally, candidates will possess excellent written and oral communication skills, good judgment, ability to prioritize work and meet multiple task deadlines, strong problem-solving skills ability to work independently, and be proactive and willing to take initiative.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct and monitor the real-time execution of HVAC and building control sequences to guarantee temperature, humidity, directional airflow and pressure differentials across BSL-3 and BSL-4 suites.
- Oversee the programming, troubleshooting, configuration, and preventative maintenance of Siemens and other integrated automation platforms controlling critical infrastructure (including exhaust fans, HEPA filtration units, effluent decontamination systems, and breathing air systems).
- Analyze system trends to proactively identify mechanical drift or impending component failure. Work closely with the Bio-Containment Team to execute plans for scheduled facility shutdowns and lab decontaminations.
- Lead the structural validation and mechanical testing (pressure decay) required to safely restart the containment envelope post-maintenance.
- Lead immediate technical response to control system alarms, anomalies, or hardware failures. Manage software upgrades, patches, and system security protocols to defend against cyber threats and ensure 24/7 system redundancy.
- Partner with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and quality assurance teams to execute routine validation testing, calibrations, annual facility re-certifications, and precise sequence-of-operations documentation required by federal agencies (CDC, USDA, NIH).
- Supervise internal controls technicians and manage specialized third-party automation contractors. Oversee performance, safety protocols, and technical execution for all controls-related projects and modifications. Plan, coordinate, and run minor or low-complexity projects to ensure they finish on time and within budget and do not impact biosafety. Manage contractor responsible for maintenance of direct expansion cooling systems.
Required Skills
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or a closely related technical field. Equivalent extensive experience in critical facilities may be considered.
- 5 years of progressive experience in Building Automation Systems (BAS/DDC), with at least 2–3 years managing controls in critical environments (e.g., BSL-3/4 laboratories, vivariums, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, or high-tech healthcare facilities).
- Expert knowledge of airflow control systems, variable air volume (VAV) systems, and specialized high-containment controls logic. Advanced competency with Siemens Desigo CC, Apogee, or equivalent enterprise-level BAS architectures is highly preferred.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders including senior leadership, scientific staff, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
- Strong communicator skilled at translating complex technical and operational information to diverse audiences. Adept at mentoring teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering an inclusive, safety-focused organizational culture. Maintains calm, decisive leadership in high-pressure or emergency situations.
- Must be able to successfully pass a rigorous background check, including the Federal Select Agent Program Select Agent Security Risk Assessment (SRA). Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in high-containment environments if required.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Sick Leave