Automation Systems Specialist (Building Automation)

About Athena Engineering

We're a building systems contractor specializing in design-build Mechanical HVAC & Building Automation systems. We typically work directly with building owners and end-users, but also work with a select group of General Contractors. We've been around since 1984 and have won multiple national awards including Kaiser Permanente's Partner of the Year, National Minority Supplier Development Council's Minority Business of the Year, Woman-Owned Business of the Year, and have top ratings from Glassdoor. You'll work with clients like Kaiser, Disneyland Resort, PCL Construction, McCarthy Construction, and the County of Los Angeles.

Who's a Fit?

This is an entry-level position. Want to get started at the ground-level of Building Automation & Intelligence? This is the job to start with. We currently have positions open for entry level candidates, giving people with either experience or a technical education in computer science, mechanical, or electrical an opportunity to start a career in Building Automation. This team member will work within the Building Automation Department performing a variety of duties related to the design, development, and improvement of building automation systems (BAS). Experience in construction, electrical or mechanical principles, and general tool knowledge is required. 

The best fit for this position is organized, hard working, personable, and a fast-learner.  They know they are smart, but that there is a lot for them to learn, and are always working towards bettering themselves. 

Where do you go after you've been serving in this role for a bit? Once you fully develop your skills, this position continues up multiple levels and into field leadership.

Learn more about our awesome work culture here: https://athenaengineering.com/join/life-at-athena/

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

This position requires the individual to apply their basic technical knowledge of mechanical and electrical, as well as any prior experience for the support of building automation system engineering, programming, graphics, and closeout documentation activities for each project. A Building Automation Specialist (Level 1) performs a variety of duties related to the design, development, integration and improvement of building intelligence systems. They inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain BAS, as well as provide direction to trades or contract personnel when necessary to make repairs or adjustments. The position is primarily project/field-based on projects throughout Southern California.

• Have the ability to operate building automation software and controls.
• Interpret control drawings, plan and specifications to test programs.
• Point to point checkout, startup, and commissioning on assigned projects.
• Utilize hand tools, laptop, and test equipment on site.
• Analyze problems and resolve issues to ensure overall system functions properly.
• Responds to customer service calls (emergency, on-site, or on-line), check indicated points of trouble, analyzes requirement of system involved and checks and tests systems components.
• Perform software diagnostics on automation system, process controls, mechanical devices, electrical systems and components.
• Perform calibrations, on temperature sensors, flow meters and pressure devices
• Tests and verify system readings ensuring optimal system operation.
• Completes service repairs, replacements, upgrades, adjustments and calibration on automation systems and components.
• Completes and submits written service orders and reports covering all aspects of each assignment and activity.
• Provides technical support, and direction to end-users and employees when applicable.

Qualifications:

• Technical Certification and/or Associates degree in a technical field or 1 years of related work experience in building automation or electrical systems.
• Valid California Drivers License
• Strong mechanical aptitude and any technical school training. 
• Organized, independent, and a great communicator
• Basic knowledge of MS Office, Windows, File Structure. Basic TCP/IP network structure and web navigation
• Basic knowledge of blueprints, specifications, sketches, and building plans
• Basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical principles
• Knowledge of HVAC controls, DDC systems, electrical controls, programming of DDC systems, network integration, commissioning of DDC systems, and control system design / implementation is desired but not required
  

Physical Activities & Requirements of this Position

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Climbing:Including ladders, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.

• Physical Strength: Medium Work; Exerts up to 30 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 20 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 5lbs. constantly to move objects
• Balancing: May involve walking, standing, and/or crouching on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces.
• Stooping: Bending downward and forward at the waist. Requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.
• Kneeling: Resting on knee or knees.
• Crouching: Bending downward and forward at the leg and spine.
• Crawling: Moving on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: For extended time periods on unstable ground
• Walking: Especially for long distances on construction jobsites with uneven ground
• Pushing: Using upper body to press against something with steady force.
• Pulling: Using upper body to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects.
• Repetitive Motions: Movements frequently and regularly required using the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Talking: Especially where one must frequently convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Average Hearing: Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
• Average Visual Abilities: Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents products

Salary : $20 - $25