Senior Controls Engineer

Description

The Controls Engineer IV position resides in the Performance Group and reports to the Director of Controls. This senior-level role focuses on applying control systems to mechanical HVAC designs, ensuring integration of equipment at both unit and whole-building levels.

The Senior Controls Engineer prepares control documents such as schematics, point lists, sequences of operation, and specifications, and is capable of delivering complete control systems from hardware design through final tuning. The role also includes field assistance, project leadership, collaboration with controls and commissioning teams, and mentorship of junior staff while driving standards and sustainable solutions.

Work may be performed on construction sites with challenging terrain and may require lifting or moving testing equipment.

• Lead junior members in preparing control documents (schematic drawings, point lists, sequences of operation, specification sections).
• Stay current on control strategies, code changes, and programming practices.
• Participate in internal and external training.
• Obtain and maintain required technical certifications.
• Conduct construction administration tasks such as project planning meetings and control submittal reviews.
• Provide field assistance to support control system project delivery.
• Communicate design intent, answer technical questions, and participate in DDC control system construction to completion.
• Collaborate regularly with controls, commissioning teams, and industry peers.
• Challenge traditional practices to develop better, practical, sustainable solutions and define control standards.
• Create control hardware design and installation drawings, select equipment, and generate bill of materials.
• Develop SCADA and/or DDC graphic screens.
• Edit, write, and review specifications.
• Procure control equipment for projects.
• Prepare proposals and pricing for clients.
• Manage subcontractors.
• Deliver high‑quality control projects using expertise.
• Manage large projects from start to finish.
• Participate in business development activities including proposals, client meetings, and interviews.
• Teach and mentor others as a subject‑matter expert.
• Contribute actively to marketing and business development.
• Independent execution of projects within area of expertise.
• Meets commitments to internal and external customers.
• Plans projects, managing last‑minute rushes and disruptions.
• Seeks improvements in delivery, tools, and processes.
• Keeps others adequately informed.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least ten years of relevant experience, proven ability to manage projects from inception to completion, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and proficiency with MS Office. A bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline is preferred, though extensive HVAC automation experience may substitute. Travel may reach up to 25 % domestic.

KFI expects employees to act with accountability, urgency, and persistence, adapt quickly under pressure, balance speed with quality, and continuously seek improvements. Collaboration, respect for diverse perspectives, and sharing expertise are essential to the team culture.

• Program PLC and/or DDC control systems.
• Fine‑tune and troubleshoot control systems.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to manage projects from initiation through completion.
• Capability to meet with customers to define scope and project requirements.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.
• Consistent success in programming and large‑project management.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities.
• Knowledge of computer technology and its applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Experience programming boilers and chillers.
• Proficiency in Tridium Niagara, Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000, Emerson Machine Edition, AVEVA Solutions, or Inductive Automation Ignition.
• Shows agility and adapts well to change.
• Works effectively under pressure.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapts communication style to audience and situation.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, virtual health services, HSA/HRA contributions, flexible spending, 401(k), disability and life insurance, employee assistance, paid time off, volunteer leave, holidays, tuition reimbursement, bereavement leave, and optional voluntary benefits. The salary range is $115,000–$145,000 with eligibility for an annual bonus.

• Up to 25 % domestic travel.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Virtual health services.
• HSA and HRA contributions for HDHP enrollees.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• 401(k) plan.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability, life and AD&D insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Time Off including earned sick and safe time per state laws.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off.
• Company paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Bereavement leave.
• Voluntary benefits such as life, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• Salary range $115,000–$145,000 with annual bonus eligibility.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance