Building Automation System Controls Engineer 1/2

What You Will Do

Are you a talented and driven engineer looking to develop, maintain, and apply a diverse set of engineering capabilities to provide innovative engineering solutions? Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Controls Engineer to join our Automation and Predictive Technologies team within Maintenance and Site Services (MSS-APT). MSS-APT consists of a small, dynamic team of engineers and technicians that solve HVAC quandaries using data analysis, field investigations, analytic tools, and creativity. Our goal is to track down failed equipment and find opportunities to optimize controls in the service of comfort, productivity, and sustainability. We work directly with Operations and Maintenance by providing technological solutions and support for data collection, analysis, dashboarding, controls programming, design modifications, and small project execution and commissioning.

The BAS Controls Engineer position resides within Engineering Services Division Office (ES-DO) and will be deployed to MSS-APT. If you're eager to support the Laboratory's scientific and national security mission, this opportunity is for you!

This position will be filled at either the Engineering 1/2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Engineer 1 ($94,500 - $154,600)


The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties of this position, but are not necessarily limited to:
  • Assist in the design, programming, and implementation of building automation systems (BAS) for HVAC, lighting, and other building systems
  • Aid in system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance to ensure optimal system performance
  • Support the integration of various building systems to a central control platform
  • Participate in the configuration and commissioning of building automation systems on new and retrofit projects
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to develop system solutions and improve building efficiency
  • Provide technical support and system training to building operators and facility managers
  • Ensure all work complies with local codes, safety regulations, and industry best practices
  • Maintain detailed records of system designs, modifications, and service reports

Engineer 2 ($104,100 - $172,200)

In addition to Engineer 1 requirements, the candidate will also be required to carry out the following:
  • System Design & Implementation: Collaborate with project teams to design, configure, and implement building automation systems for new construction and retrofit projects
  • Programming & Configuration: Program and configure building automation software and controllers (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks)
  • System Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues with BAS systems, including HVAC control, lighting, security, and energy management
  • Project Coordination: Assist with the planning and coordination of BAS installation projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
  • Commissioning & Testing: Perform system commissioning, functional testing, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance
  • Client Support: Provide technical support to clients and other team members, offering solutions to system-related problems
  • Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and maintain system documentation, including control diagrams, wiring schematics, and operation manuals
  • Training & Mentorship: Mentor junior engineers and assist with training initiatives for staff or clients
  • Energy Management: Analyze system performance and recommend improvements to reduce energy consumption and operational costs


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Technical Skills
  • Knowledge of building automation systems (e.g., Automated Logic (WebCTRL), Alerton, Trane, Johnson Controls, or similar systems)
  • Familiarity with programming languages such as BACnet, Modbus, or similar protocols
  • Understanding of HVAC systems, HVAC sequences, and basic electrical concepts
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic CAD software
Soft Skills
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative environment
  • A passion for sustainability and energy efficiency
Additional Job Requirements for Engineer 2:
  • 3 years of experience in building automation, HVAC systems, or related field
  • Hands-on experience with building automation software and controllers (e.g., Automated Logic (WebCTRL), Alerton, Trane, Johnson Controls)
  • Strong understanding of communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, etc.)
  • Experience with energy management systems and optimization techniques
Skills & Abilities
  • Proficient in troubleshooting and resolving BAS system issues
  • Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical circuits, and building mechanical systems
  • Ability to read and interpret control diagrams, wiring schematics, and specifications
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and BAS programming tools
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Education/Experience Engineer 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and 2 years of practical work experience. Experience in building automation, HVAC systems, or electrical engineering is preferred.

Education/Experience Engineer 2:
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years practical work experience to the degree necessary to perform the responsibilities outlined above. Advanced engineering or technical degree is highly desired.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with industrial control systems, and metering devices, and remote monitoring
  • Knowledge of information technology architecture and communications networks for industrial control systems, including familiarity with BACnet, LonWorks, Modbus, ARCNET protocols
  • Experience either with energy and HVAC audits or commissioning work
  • CEM or LEED certification
  • Experience with Test and Balance

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

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