
Principal Controls Application Engineer
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At a glance
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Job overview
The Principal Controls Application Engineer helps deliver building automation solutions for HVAC systems by programming, testing, and troubleshooting controls to support building performance and energy efficiency. The role works across office and field environments and involves system commissioning, integration with project teams, customer training, documentation, and technical support for service and warranty issues.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Description
The Principal Controls Application Engineer would help deliver high-performing Building Automation Solutions (BAS) for HVAC systems. This role involves programming, testing, and troubleshooting BAS controls to ensure optimal building performance and energy efficiency. Ideal candidates will have a hands-on technical mindset and a passion for smart building technology.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Program and configure Building Automation Systems (BAS) for HVAC controls.
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Install, test, and commission control systems to ensure proper functionality.
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Troubleshoot system issues and perform technical diagnostics onsite (if required ) and remotely.
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Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field technicians to ensure successful system integration.
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Maintain and update project documentation including control drawings, programming files, and operation manuals.
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Assist with customer training in BAS system usage and maintenance.
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Ensure compliance with company, industry, and safety standards.
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Provide technical support for ongoing service and warranty-related issues.
MINIMUM AND/OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION :
- Associate’s degree in Applied Science or HVAC/R, or technical training in : HVAC, Controls, Electrical Systems or related field preferred.
EXPERIENCE : 7 or more years of experience in HVAC controls, BAS programming, or related technical field.
- Must have s trong knowledge of HVAC systems, sequences of operation, and energy management principles.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :
- None
SKILL REQUIREMENTS :
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Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, sequences of operation, and energy management principles.
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Familiarity with major BAS platforms such as Tridium, Niagara, Siemens, Johnson Controls, or Honeywell.
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Experience with networking and communication protocols.
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Proficient with software tools for programming and diagnostics.
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Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical documents.
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Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
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Ability to work independently in the field and manage time across multiple projects.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in both an office and a field environment. Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time .
REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions unless doing so presents an undue hardship on the Company’s business operations .
OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice . Employees understand the above job description and agree to comply with and be subject to its conditions. Employee further agrees this job description does not alter his/her at-will employment status. Employees understand the Company reserves the right to delegate, remove, expand or change all responsibilities. Employees acknowledge that he/ she can fulfill the above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
How this job compares
Set against the 2,293 open Controls Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 27, 2026.
- Pay
- This postingNot listed
- Tennessee median$106–160K/yr26 salary ranges
- US median$39–50/hr152 hourly ranges
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 46 open Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee and 2,293 across the US. 2% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Tennessee
- Amazon8 open
- Sargent & Lundy7 open
- Oracle4 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 7 years of experience — more than three in four Controls Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 1,949 postings).
- Education
- 1,185 of the 2,293 open Controls Engineer jobs (52%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 27, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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