Senior Mechanical Engineering Designer - Building Automation & ControlsDepartment: Engineering / Controls Design
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Nashville
Position SummaryThe Senior Mechanical Engineering Designer leads the design and documentation of building automation and HVAC control systems from submittal through startup. This role owns hardware submittals, controls drawings, controller programming, operator graphics, and database creation for commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. The ideal candidate combines a strong grasp of mechanical (HVAC) systems with hands-on controls experience and serves as a technical resource and mentor to engineers, designers, and field technicians.
Key ResponsibilitiesHardware Submittals- Prepare complete, accurate hardware submittal packages, including bills of material, product data sheets, valve and damper schedules, sequences of operation, and network riser diagrams.
- Review mechanical plans and specifications to select controllers, sensors, valves, actuators, dampers, and related devices.
- Respond to engineer and owner review comments and manage resubmittals to approval on schedule.
Controls Drawings- Develop controls drawings using AutoCAD, Visio, or the company's standard design tools: system schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, point lists, and network architecture.
- Write and refine sequences of operation that meet specification, code, and energy requirements (e.g., ASHRAE 90.1, Guideline 36).
- Maintain drawing standards, revision control, and as-built documentation.
Programming- Create, test, and debug controller programs for air handlers, VAV systems, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling towers, and other HVAC equipment.
- Integrate third-party equipment over BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks, and other open protocols.
- Bench-test programs before deployment and support field commissioning and troubleshooting.
Graphics- Design clear, user-friendly operator workstation graphics, including floor plans, equipment graphics, navigation, alarm displays, and dashboards.
- Keep graphics consistent with company and customer standards.
Database Creation- Build and configure system databases: point naming, device addressing, trends, alarms, schedules, and histories.
- Set up network configuration, user access, and backups for front-end servers and supervisory controllers.
Leadership & Collaboration- Act as the senior technical resource on assigned projects and coordinate with project managers, mechanical contractors, consulting engineers, and field technicians.
- Mentor junior designers and engineers; perform peer reviews of drawings, programs, and graphics.
- Estimate design hours, track deliverables against the project schedule, and recommend process improvements and standards.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent technical experience.
- 7+ years of experience in building automation, HVAC controls design, or mechanical systems engineering, including at least 3 years at a senior or lead level.
- Proven experience preparing hardware submittals and controls drawings for commercial HVAC projects.
- Hands-on programming, graphics, and database experience on one or more BAS platforms (e.g., Johnson Controls Metasys, Honeywell, Siemens Desigo, Tridium Niagara, Distech, Automated Logic, Trane).
- Solid understanding of HVAC equipment, psychrometrics, and control loops (PID).
- Working knowledge of BACnet, Modbus, and IP networking.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Visio and Microsoft Office.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred- Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT certification.
- Tridium Niagara 4 certification or manufacturer platform certifications.
- Experience with energy management, analytics, or commissioning (Cx) processes.
- Familiarity with ASHRAE standards and Guideline 36 sequences.
- Experience in mission-critical, healthcare, higher-education, or industrial facilities.
Working Conditions- Mainly office-based design work, with occasional job-site visits for surveys, startup, and commissioning.
- Some travel may be required; valid driver's license required.
- Occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines.
What We Offer- Competitive salary based on experience: [salary range]
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Paid training, certifications, and professional development
- Career growth in a collaborative engineering team
Hoffman Building Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
