"Controls System Specialist"

Controls System Specialist

The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) is the central coordinating and support organization for a highly regarded cluster of seven independent colleges known as The Claremont Colleges. TCCS, with about 300 staff members, provides exceptional shared services to 9,000 students, and almost 3,600 faculty and staff. TCCS staff work in both student-facing services as well as administrative and operational services. Our numerous departments are located throughout The Claremont Colleges campus in the beautiful city of Claremont, California.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Purpose of Position: Under general supervision, the Controls System Integrator will participate in the designing, programming, maintaining, and optimization of the Building Automation System (BAS) and control infrastructure for The Claremont Colleges Services and the member institutions of The Claremont Colleges. This role will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of HVAC, lighting, and other control systems through advanced automation strategies, system integration, and data-driven performance monitoring.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The incumbent must be able to perform the following duties:

• Participate in the development and maintenance of software solutions and user interfaces for the Building Automation System and other control systems as applicable.
• Create, modify, and commission sequences of operation (SOO), user interfaces, and control functions.
• Develop dashboards, alarms, and trend logs to provide actionable insights on energy consumption and system performance.
• Participate in the creation and implementation of robust fault detection strategies.
• Monitor and operate existing control systems to ensure reliable performance.
• Diagnose and resolve communication faults between PLCs, controllers, field I/O devices, and networks.
• Set up, configure, and program control system components, including HVAC, lighting, and electric meters.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related control issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of control systems, programming logic, and as-built conditions.
• Coordinate with facilities departments at member institutions of The Claremont Colleges to provide BAS and control system services and support.
• Work closely with facilities staff to address notifications, alarms, and operational issues.
• Accompany HVAC technicians and electricians onsite for BAS installations, integrations, retrofits, and meter data extraction.
• Collaborate with technical trades, engineers, and IT personnel to design, implement, and maintain the control system infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians, contractors, and other facilities staff.
• Support training efforts for end-users on system operations and reporting tools.
• Assist with the design, programming, and commissioning of control sequences for HVAC, lighting, and energy management systems.
• Develop solutions for third-party integrations with the control system using various communication protocols (e.g., BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks).
• Prepare control drawings, point lists, and network diagrams to support installation and maintenance.
• Monitor system performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement optimization strategies.
• Support sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives through programming and data analysis.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required to perform the essential functions of this position, or the individual must be able to demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other qualifications not listed below.

Education: At least two (2) years of coursework in building automation systems, energy management and building science, mathematics, computer science, computer information systems, or engineering, OR successful completion of a training program for a major control systems manufacturer. Preference will be given for completion of the two years of coursework and the training program.

Experience: At least two (2) years of experience working with at least one BMS platform (e.g., Schneider Electric EBO, Johnson Controls Metasys, Siemens Desigo, Honeywell, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of proper commissioning of controls logic and input/output (I/O) signals.
• Basic knowledge of networking architectures and troubleshooting principles.
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical theory.
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, technical concepts to non-technical individuals with tact, courtesy, and respect for differing competency levels.
• Proven self-starter with strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Demonstrate openness and responsiveness to new ideas and change.
• Demonstrate follow-through and attention to detail.
• Quickly learn new information, tasks, and systems as needed. Ability and willingness to continually learn and improve skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Strong customer service skills and an ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to present a neat and professional appearance and present self in a manner that reflects positively on the organization.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, electrical systems, and network protocols (BACnet, Modbus, TCP/IP).
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and safety.
• Familiarity with scripting or programming languages (Python, JavaScript, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, environmental science/sustainability, or Mechanical, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering.
• Experience working with Andover Continuum and/or Schneider Electric EcoStruxure systems.
• General knowledge of HVAC, mechanical principles, and sequence of operation (SOO).
• 2-5 years of experience with building automation systems, control system programming, or industrial automation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Experience with SQL databases or advanced analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of energy management practices and sustainability standards (LEED, Title-24, ASHRAE).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, EIT certification, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Engineering certification, or relevant other BMS certification.

Work Schedule: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Will be added to the on-call rotation to include weekends. May be required to work holiday, weekend, and/or evening hours. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the organization or business unit.

Compensation:

Pay: The hourly rate for this position is competitive and commensurate with the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position, between $38-$40.86.

Benefits: This position is eligible for our employment benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision,
• 10% retirement contributions after one year (no matching required),
• group life insurance,
• generous time off,
• professional development funds,
• discounts for mobile plans, software, and entertainment,
• access to fitness facilities,
• and more!

Disclaimer: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, The Claremont Colleges Services will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.