What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Controls System Engineer position at External Opportunities?
OVERVIEW:
The Building Controls and Systems Engineer is a member of the Master Campus Planning Team, responsible for coordinating, implementing, maintaining, and commissioning new building controls and mechanical projects for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The engineer provides oversight of the daily operations, maintenance, and optimization of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems and building automation controls. The incumbent facilitates the museum’s infrastructure renewal and related initiatives while ensuring the reliable, efficient, and safe performance of building systems. The engineer provides technical and supervisorial leadership for in-house staff and external contractors, ensuring that MEP systems, infrastructure assets, and building controls are operated and maintained at the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and reliability.
REPORTS TO: Director, Master Campus Planning and Construction
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. In cooperation with the Director of Master Campus Planning and Construction and colleagues, assists with planning and provides technical oversight for installation of new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control systems identified for updates and renewal. Ensures new systems meet operational requirements, performance expectations, code compliance, and sustainability goals from the design phase through project commissioning.
2. Develops and manages preventive maintenance and predictive failure programs to assist in the identification of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and controls projects for inclusion in Capital and Renewal plans. Works with vendors and contractors to obtain accurate cost estimates and technical data to support budget development and forecasting. When eligible, they administer credit and rebate opportunities tied to energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades.
3. Manages MEP and building controls service contracts, including vendors for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS, BDX, elevators, life safety systems, and fire suppression. Ensures contracted work meets Museum standards, performance expectations, environmental requirements, and all applicable codes and safety policies. Oversees procurement activities, vendor performance tracking, maintenance documentation, and compliance reporting for identified systems.
4. Supervises and mentors HVAC/electrical staff and contractors. Works with individuals to develop and oversee work plans that ensure accountability and professional growth. Works in concert with department colleagues to provide on-the-job training across teams that strengthens technical capabilities and staff development. Fosters a culture of safety, collaboration, and operational excellence across facility teams and leads by example.
5. Oversees the daily operations of the HVAC system through the Building Automation Controls System, analyzes maintenance/performance data, and makes timely system adjustments. Through proactive collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the use of BDX or other analytical tools, optimizes building systems, improves performance, reduces downtime, and enhances system reliability to support the museum’s mission, visitor experience, and operational reliability.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
2. OSHA 10 certification (or ability to complete within one year). OSHA 30 is preferred.
3. Three (3) years’ experience in HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, or Building Automation Controls in a facility of comparable size and complexity.
4. One (1) year of supervisory experience in general building or MEP maintenance and scheduling.
5. Knowledge of Johnson Controls Niagara Tridium and DSC systems preferred.
6. Demonstrated broad understanding of boilers, chillers, electrical distribution, and plumbing systems.
7. Appreciation and respect for diversity of perspective, background, and thought.
8. High attention to detail and ability to perform a variety of tasks from light to heavy manual labor.
ADA REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must be able to perform extensive work in indoor environments, to perceive space, to read documents and diagrams, and to view a computer monitor.
2. Must be able to communicate in planning and execution of projects verbally and through written communication. Team and group dialog required for communication of plans and concepts.
3. Must be able to safely use equipment and materials, sit, stand, kneel and crawl.
4. Must be able to lift objects up to 50 pounds of weight. Must tolerate dust in the environment and capacity to work in hot and cold working conditions.
5. Required ability to traverse the physical plant and visit and work at multiple locations. Must possess the ability to negotiate local travel via conventional transportation.