Application Engineer (Building Automation / BAS / HVAC / Networked Controls)

UrBench

White Bear Lake, MN, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Manufacturing

Full Time

Job Description

This job is top priority for us right now. I've provided A LOT of info about this need below. PLEASE pay attention to what I have highlighted in YELLOW especially. Fyi I have 1 person interviewing now, but definitely want to submit 2-3 more people.

Please confirm if you feel that you can provide at least 1 candidate for this need. If so, please pay attention to what I have highlighted (below). IF you have any questions, please let me know. Local (Minnesota) candidates are preferred, as any candidate will need to do an on-site meeting in Citizens Bear Lake, Minnesota, as part of the interview process. HOWEVER, IF you have a great candidate in another state, I will promote that person, as long as the person is serious about moving to Minnesota. The selected person will need to work on-site in Citizens Bear Lake, MN on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and can work remote from home on Mondays and Fridays.

We are an approved vendor for TRANE (BAS / HVAC company). We have 1 person interviewing for this Application (Controls) Engineer (BAS / HVAC / Networked Controls) position, but just recently has health issues. So, we need to provide 1-2 more candidates for consideration. PLEASE NEVER POST THE COMPANY NAME ANYWHERE, IF YOU DO A POST.

I have provided an example of the candidate who has been submitted, so that you can see that person's resume. I've highlighted key words / phrases in his resume. Also, of course, I provided the job description and a job matrix form. IF you have anyone interested, please have any interested candidates provide answers to the JOB MATRIX form (attached) to confirm their strengths and that person is a good fit. PLEASE do not forget to do this.

THIS IS KEY: Bottom line, management wants someone who started his/her career in IT doing networking TCP/IP, switches & routers, etc., AND has transitioned into BAS (Building Automation Systems) Engineering Automation Controls / Networked Controls & HVAC work. Be able to implement / connect systems, so that they can work intelligently on the customer's networks in the most efficient manner. Design, develop and implement control systems (BAS). Analyze and document control system performance and recommend improvements. Communicate with team members and leadership. Champion the TRANE (BAS / HVAC) product line. Document best practices / recommendations. This person may have a possible background in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

Job: Application Engineer (Building Automation / BAS / HVAC / Networked Controls)

Type of position: Contract / Contract-to-hire (PREFER U.S. Citizen / GREEN CARD)

Location: Hybrid (Mondays & Fridays can work from home; Tuesdays Thursdays work on-site at TRANE in Citizens Bear Lake, MN)

Length: 9-12 months (then contract can be extended OR offer the person full-time employment, if interested)

Start Date: ASAP

LOCAL (MINNESOTA) candidates are GREATLY PREFERRED.

Interview process: 2 TEAMS meetings, then MUST do a final ON-SITE at TRANE in Citizens Bear Lake, Minnesota to meet with people in-person. The candidate will meet with people in the System Controls group / Controls Product Management team. This person will be part of the hardware CONTROLS GROUP.

Besides having the BAS Engineering & HVAC & past IT experience, this person needs to have strong communication skills (be able to communicate well with their team & clients).

To confirm that someone is a good fit for this job, please have someone COMPLETE THE JOB MATRIX FORM (attached). This person should include info, such as: job size, controls solutions-which vendors, which controllers, which network designs that were used, etc.) from past jobs that included BAS controls. The key that the team at Trane is looking for is: that someone understands the commercial building construction lifecycle and the role networked building automation systems play. They'll want to hear about specific examples where someone has designed an IP network building automation system. They will want a candidate to tell them which controllers (brand and unit/model numbers) you use selected and how the process went. They will also want to understand the person's experience in troubleshooting and maintenance of these systems post install. When someone writes down some examples of where he/she has done these things AND review those examples before the interview, then we feel that person will do well in the TEAMS interview.

Here are some BAS Project examples that a candidate who has interviewed has given:

BAS Project for Company A:

My Role: Senior Automation Engineer
The Objective: To enhance the reliability of the BAS systems in a broadcasting facility by implementing a redundant network architecture.
Client Location/Building Type & Size: Saint Louis, MO / Broadcasting Facility / 120,000 sq. ft.
Controllers: Configured BACnet/IP controllers for HVAC systems and Modbus for energy meters.
Network Configuration: I designed a dual-layer switch and router architecture that ensured failover mechanisms, minimizing latency through optimized TCP/IP configurations. This setup allowed for seamless communication and real-time monitoring, significantly increasing the system's reliability.

BAS Project for Company B:

My Role: Senior Automation Engineer
The Objective: To design and implement a secure BAS network that complies with HIPAA regulations for a healthcare campus.
Client Location/Building Type & Size: Saint Louis, MO / Healthcare Campus / 250,000 sq. ft.
Controllers: Implemented BACnet/IP controllers and Modbus for energy management.
Network Configuration: I configured layer-3 routing and VLAN segmentation to isolate BAS traffic from corporate networks. Firewalls were deployed for access control, and IPsec VPNs were established for secure remote management, ensuring that all data flows adhered to stringent security standards.

BAS Project for Company C:

My Role: Senior Automation Engineer
The Objective: To design and implement a comprehensive BAS network that integrates HVAC systems across a large manufacturing facility.
Client Location/Building Type & Size: East Peoria, IL / Manufacturing Facility / 500,000 sq. ft.
Controllers: Deployed over 200 BACnet/IP and LON controllers for HVAC, lighting, and energy systems.
Network Configuration: I utilized VLAN segmentation and hierarchical IP addressing to optimize performance. Enhanced security was achieved through the implementation of firewalls, VPNs, and advanced network monitoring tools, which ensured reliable and secure operations for critical HVAC functions.

What OEM Brands that someone has used for BAS Controllers:

Here are examples:

1. Trane: I integrated Trane's BACnet/IP controllers to manage HVAC systems in the broadcasting facility. These controllers were instrumental in providing real-time data and ensuring efficient climate control, which was crucial for maintaining optimal broadcasting conditions.
2. Johnson Controls: In the healthcare campus project, I utilized Johnson Controls' controllers for their robust BACnet/IP support. Their controllers facilitated seamless communication between various building systems, enabling efficient energy management and compliance with healthcare regulations.
3. Honeywell: Honeywell's controllers were employed to manage lighting and HVAC systems within the manufacturing facility. Their advanced features allowed for effective integration with other building automation systems, optimizing energy efficiency and operational reliability.
4. Schneider Electric: I used Schneider Electric's controllers in various projects for their strong capabilities in energy management and monitoring. They provided essential data analytics that aided in optimizing system performance and energy consumption.
5. Siemens: Siemens controllers were integrated into the BAS network to support HVAC systems. Their interoperability with BACnet/IP ensured that all building systems communicated effectively, enhancing the overall efficiency and security of the network.
6. Lutron: I incorporated Lutron's lighting control systems to optimize energy usage in the manufacturing facility. Their integration with the BAS allowed for automated lighting adjustments based on occupancy and natural light levels, contributing to energy savings.
7. KMC Controls: KMC Controls' BACnet/IP controllers were utilized for their flexibility in managing various building systems. Their ability to interface with multiple protocols allowed for a cohesive integration of HVAC and energy monitoring systems, enhancing the overall functionality of the BAS.

All of this info will be important & helpful to any interested candidate, and ensure that we have the right candidate for the job. IF someone cannot provide this info, then that person is not a good fit for this job opportunity.

UrBench is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, status as a parent, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics as defined by federal, state or local laws.