Control Engineer Level 1

Columbia University

Manhattanville, NY

Pay: $50/hr

Shift: Full time

• 560426

• Manhattanville

• Facilities Operations

• Full Time

• Opening on: Oct 30 2026

• Control Engineer 1

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: TWU - B&G
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 40
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday - Friday , 2:00pm - 10:30pm
• Building: Manhattanville
• Salary Range: $50.40 - $50.40

*The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.*

Position Summary

Controls Engineer (CE) is a position in the facilities department providing high quality and effective work that will lead, perform and/or assist in any routine or emergency operations and functions of the District Energy System (DES) and the Distributed Systems throughout the Columbia University-Manhattanville Campus (CUMVC).

Responsibilities

• Perform daily functions as required for the most effective and efficient operation of campus building automation and controls systems and associated auxiliary equipment and controls.
• Independently or under limited/minimal supervision and/or direction; operate, inspect/round, maintain, troubleshoot/diagnosis, and repair equipment, systems, and machinery in good workmanlike manner, while maintaining a high level of safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
• The CE will perform daily controls engineering assignments required by maintenance and/or job orders, by sketch, blueprint illustration, and supervisor's oral directions in operations.
• Maintain, repair and operate system controls equipment, auxiliary systems and computer monitoring systems while working independently or under limited supervision and direction and in accordance with sound engineering practices.
• Oversee, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain building automation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including control of its various pieces of equipment such as; chillers, boilers, air handling units, fan coil units, variable air volume boxes, lighting controls, shade controls.
• May also provide guidance and support in regards to communication controls systems (e.g. power monitoring).
• Understand fundamentals of electrical motors, controls, switches, fusing and wiring, including basic electrical controls troubleshooting.
• Operate, service, and maintain associated equipment such as compressors, driers, controllers, sensors, and network terminals.
• Make daily operating decisions and takes appropriate action in emergencies.
• Remain current on all changes in operating procedures, new equipment, and related systems.
• Perform (assist with) troubleshooting and initial root cause analysis on equipment failures and operational upsets and recommend proper corrective actions.
• Assist and/or direct mechanics and technicians as required to troubleshoot issues, and properly repair, maintain, test, or inspect equipment and/or systems.
• Diagnose operational problems, control, and equipment malfunctions, and initiate corrective action. Notify supervisor for major repairs, or events.
• Conduct job-site inspections to determine compliance to standards and codes.
• Respond to various calls throughout the CUMVC relating to HVAC controls, refrigeration controls, plumbing controls, electrical controls, and other communication controls issues.
• Work alongside and assist other personnel, including licensed personnel, in completing assigned maintenance and service of controls and HVAC&R systems and their associated equipment.
• Provide guidance, direction, and on the job training to all junior personnel in the proper procedures of operations, repair, and maintenance.
• Monitor and respond to the building management system (BMS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) as needed or directed.
• Fully utilize the BMS to operate and maintain systems efficiently and effectively; may include adjusting PID control loops, setpoints, and schedules.
• Use, install, and inspect fire stopping materials.
• Requisitioning of parts and supplies as necessary to maintain equipment and systems.
• Process hot work permits and perform necessary fire watch procedures and inspections.
• Process paperwork including but not limited to work orders, inventory, and preventive maintenance forms.
• Perform work tasks, report deficiencies, and maintain and complete daily records of labor and materials used during work tasks via the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Maintain completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of the work and work orders.
• Continually and urgently communicate with supervisor regarding any apparent -operational deficiencies or system malfunctions.
• Work with other disciplines and management to proactively solve complex,