About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts in Amherst (UMA) has a campus wide building automation system (BAS) which consists of Johnson Controls network and field controllers installed in more than 90 buildings. The BAS has gone through multiple upgrades and still has a mix of new and old controllers (pneumatic systems) connected through a network around the campus.

The Maintenance & Controls Engineer will support the Physical Plant engineering and control teams with a primary role of focusing on the oversight, care and maintenance of all University building automation controls and energy management systems (EMS). BAS controls consist of web-based systems and server-based systems, including, but not limited to, ALC WebCTRL, Johnson Controls MetaSys, Trane (Tracer, Tracker), Daikin, Mitsubishi, CentraLite, and Tridium systems, etc.

Essential Functions

The Maintenance & Controls Engineer will be responsible for:

• Maintaining JCI's Metasys Extended Architecture Network Building Automation System including PMI systems, ADX server and any other control software’s to be used in future expansions and upgrades.
• Programming, troubleshooting, and repairing as necessary Supervisory Controllers including NCMs, NCEs and NAEs, field controllers  and any other JCI legacy controllers.
• Coordinating with JCI for control system upgrades, maintenance requirements and JCI Service Contract oversight.
• Using established standard in designing and installing controls hardware and software, and programming HVAC control systems to meet the intent of system requirements.
• Working closely with the University IT department on issues related to BAS software upgrade, controllers network campus wide and network troubleshooting.
• Providing and/ or reviewing detailed HVAC and BAS project information and submittals to communicate design and operation requirements to customers, consultants, UMA DCM, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors.
• Performing Metasys software programming using established standards as a basis of design for graphics development, data-point tagging, and creation of front-end functions for BAS systems in new and existing buildings.
• Directing and mentoring the university maintenance technicians in the installation, repair and replacement of various control components or HVAC systems.
• Performing field work as needed for hardware/software installation; device testing, field points programming, and network troubleshooting.
• Gaining an understanding of complex control sequences, designing documents, and performing HVAC equipment condition assessments within existing buildings; providing project management services as necessary.
• Overseeing ‘in-house’ HVAC controls projects, including budget management and selecting controls hardware from standard design library for flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.
• Coordinating as needed the creation of necessary BAS drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.
• Participating in commissioning of all controls system and network level controllers for major renovation projects or new buildings.
• Validating complete system functionality and troubleshooting problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation of control systems and HVAC equipment.
• Gathering proper documentation and/or manuals for systems operation, including field changes from the project team and, as-built drawings, software and any pertinent information to be used in HVAC operation and maintenance.
• Proactively pursue BAS operational improvement, developing resolution strategies, and implementing/optimizing sequences which maximize efficiency and align with facilities operations goals and priorities.
• Providing BAS technical expertise as necessary in design development for all capital improvement projects.
• Working closely with IT staff on issues related to BAS computers and embedded controllers network.
• Maintaining and regularly inspecting existing control systems and making recommendations intended to improve the efficiency and/or safety of the system’s performance.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering field with 7 years of industry related technical field experience with building automation systems (BAS) -OR- high school or vocational education with 15 years' experience of industry and BAS required.
• Current, valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate, maintain and troubleshoot a variety of DDC, controllers and network integrators associated with a computerized energy management system.
• Understanding of typical HVAC (LON, ModBus, BACnet, etc) systems, water based and refrigerant based, such as boilers, chiller plants, heat pump systems, air handlers, and terminal heating and cooling equipment.
• Experience with BAS programming both on a field controller level (example JCI CCT) and a supervisory controller level (example JCI LCT), as well as creating BAS graphics.
• Excellent knowledge of controls industry protocols: LON, ModBus, BACnet, etc.
• Excellent programming of HVAC network and field controller, preferably JCI.
• Practice and promotion of excellent customer service in the work place, including meeting routinely with customers and Customer Service Representatives to determine their needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees).
• Translate technical requirements into a detailed design for new and existing code.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with integrating equipment of one system into another control system; integration into the JCI Metasys system. 
• Experience in managing and commissioning control projects.
• 5 years of BAS/DDC controls and programming experience, with JCI Metasys experience.
• Familiarity with installed JCI controls on UMass/Amherst campus.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, first shift with requirement to work nights, weekends, and irregular hours during campus emergencies and during start-up and commissioning periods.  Required to support ISO New England Demand Response events.

Salary Information

Level 26 associated to level 31

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references by November 18, 2019 to ensure priority consideration. The position may remain open until filled. 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.