Sr. Principal Controls Optimization Engineer

*3 days in, 2 days remote hybrid work schedule!
A premier net-zero energy engineering firm local to Philadelphia, PA is searching for a Principal Controls Optimization Engineer to join their growing team. The Principal Controls Optimization Engineer will have extensive experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing HVAC Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Energy Management Systems. In this senior-level role, you will assess existing systems, identify improvement opportunities, and execute strategies to maximize energy efficiency and system performance. You will also manage the development of scope, pricing, and energy savings for clients. Success in this role requires a goal-driven mindset, innovative solutions, and a team-oriented approach, balancing engineering expertise with creative problem-solving abilities. You will help develop efficient ASHRAE controls strategies and sequences of operation.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct on-site assessments of prospective buildings.
- Collaborate with solutions engineers, BAS Technicians, and Smart Buildings Groups to evaluate controls ECMs for total energy savings.
- Develop engineering solutions to help clients achieve financial, technical, operational, and environmental goals.
- Apply ASHRAE Level III and preconstruction experience.
- Perform and manage assessments from inception to contract.
- Define scopes and pricing for BAS-driven energy conservation measures.
- Assist in client-facing sales presentations.
- Design and develop comprehensive building automation strategies to optimize HVAC systems and energy consumption.
- Evaluate existing building automation systems, including controls, components, and sequences of operation.
- Work with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, develop specifications, and implement system enhancements.
- Lead system commissioning efforts, ensuring proper installation, configuration, and functionality of building automation controls.
- Analyze system performance data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement control modifications to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in building automation and energy management.
- Collaborate with clients to understand their unique requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
- Act as a subject matter expert on building automation systems and energy management controls, offering insights and recommendations.
- Continuously develop professional skills and mentor the engineering team in subject matter expertise.
- Manage service, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs over the BAS lifecycle.
- Conduct strategic financial planning over the BAS lifecycle.
Job Requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor"s degree in mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or equivalent related field experience, training, and education.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing building automation systems and energy management controls.
- Proficiency in industry-standard building automation protocols: Haystack, BACnet, Modbus.
- Strong understanding of HVAC systems, including chillers, boilers, air handling units, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Demonstrated experience in system commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Experience:
- Defining scopes of energy conservation measures.
- Determining installation estimates for projects.
- Estimating annual energy savings.
- High-level proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Proficiency in Salesforce.
- Advanced knowledge of energy best practices and codes (ASHRAE, IESNA, NEC, etc.).
- Experience in seeing projects through to implementation.
- Technical experience with energy efficiency technologies.
- Ability to visualize multiple building components as part of a larger efficiency plan.
- Operational experience with electrical installations - low voltage, power sources, panel build/install, and communications trunks.
- Knowledge of controls construction documentation and processes: RFIs, submittals, specifications, and testing.
- Operational experience with various HVAC system types: VAVs, VVTs, Dual Duct, four/two-pipe FCU, Heat Pumps, chillers, and boilers.
- Experience developing controls solutions, including writing scopes and sequences for bid.
Skills:
- Familiarity with older controls and devices (pneumatics, inlet vanes) and upgrading to DDC.
- Knowledge of integration methods and data extraction from third-party equipment.
- Familiarity with ALC product line and other platforms.
- Proficiency with BAS systems - sensors and instrumentation for system architecture.
- Ability to read drawings, schedules, common control loops, and optimization strategies for valves, meters, and airflow stations.
- Understanding of control theory and tuning PID loops.
- Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced computer skills.
- Project management fundamentals.
- Ability to work effectively across a large geographic and diverse customer portfolio.
- Effective interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships.
- Proven ability to source and implement new technology.
- Up-to-date knowledge of energy efficiency technologies.
- Demonstrated performance working with solution providers to improve energy/utility performance in commercial, industrial, and healthcare facilities.
- In-depth knowledge of building services such as mechanical, HVAC, Building Automation System, electrical, and lighting.
- Willingness to travel and perform after-hours work occasionally when needed.