Assistant Building Automation Programmer Jobs in Newton, NC

Position Summary

Green New Energy Materials (GNEM) is seeking a skilled HVAC Engineer to support the design, operation, optimization, and reliability of HVAC systems that serve our advanced lithium-ion battery separator manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring stable environmental conditions throughout production areas, cleanrooms, utilities, and support spaces while improving energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and regulatory compliance. The HVAC Engineer will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Facilities, Quality, EHS, and equipment suppliers to maintain critical manufacturing environments and support facility expansion projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. HVAC System Operations & Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues involving HVAC equipment, including air handling units (AHUs), chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, exhaust systems, compressors, and building automation systems (BAS).
• Support installation, startup, commissioning, qualification, and modification of HVAC systems throughout the facility.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring HVAC and utility equipment failures.
• Monitor environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, pressure differentials, and airflow to ensure production requirements are consistently met.

2. System Design & Improvement

• Design, review, and update HVAC system layouts, ductwork, piping, airflow balancing, and utility infrastructure.
• Recommend and implement improvements that enhance equipment reliability, energy efficiency, system capacity, and operational performance.
• Support facility expansion and manufacturing line projects by developing HVAC solutions for new production areas and clean environments.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, contractors, and engineering consultants during project execution.

3. Building Automation & Controls

• Support and troubleshoot Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC control systems, sensors, VFDs, and programmable controllers.
• Coordinate with automation and controls engineers to optimize HVAC control strategies.
• Monitor HVAC performance trends and implement control improvements to reduce downtime and energy consumption.
• Assist with integration of HVAC systems into facility monitoring platforms.

4. Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance (PM) programs for HVAC and utility equipment.
• Perform inspections and performance testing on chillers, air handlers, compressors, pumps, filtration systems, and environmental controls.
• Monitor equipment performance using predictive maintenance techniques and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain critical spare parts inventory and equipment maintenance records.

5. Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure HVAC systems comply with OSHA, EPA, ASHRAE, local building codes, and company safety standards.
• Support environmental monitoring and ventilation systems required for manufacturing operations.
• Participate in risk assessments and support Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for HVAC equipment.
• Assist EHS with indoor air quality, ventilation, and environmental compliance initiatives.

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain HVAC drawings, system layouts, P&IDs, equipment documentation, and maintenance records.
• Prepare technical reports, equipment evaluations, energy studies, and improvement proposals.
• Document equipment modifications, upgrades, commissioning activities, and engineering changes.
• Support development and revision of HVAC SOPs and maintenance procedures.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Facilities, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and EHS teams to support manufacturing operations.
• Support new equipment installations, production line expansions, and facility improvement projects.
• Coordinate with external contractors, equipment suppliers, and service providers.
• Provide technical guidance during troubleshooting and major maintenance activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Facilities Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant industrial experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3–5 years of HVAC engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial, semiconductor, battery, chemical, pharmaceutical, or similar production environment.
• Experience supporting industrial HVAC systems, cleanroom environments, process ventilation, chilled water systems, and building utilities.
• Experience with manufacturing facility expansion or commissioning projects is preferred.

Skills

• Bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese is required.
• Strong knowledge of industrial HVAC systems, refrigeration, chilled water systems, air distribution, ventilation, humidity control, and building automation systems.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE standards, OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, and applicable building codes.
• Experience reading and updating HVAC drawings, P&IDs, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication, project coordination, and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CMMS software; experience with AutoCAD or Revit is preferred.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to production equipment, utility systems, and industrial mechanical equipment.
• Work may include cleanroom areas, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and utility spaces.
• Occasional evening or weekend support may be required during critical equipment outages or project commissioning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and perform inspections throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to access mechanical equipment located in elevated or confined spaces while following all safety procedures.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Plan

Work Location: In person