Automation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Our global network of 80+ laboratories is constantly evolving, because the world around us is always changing. We embrace this - we invest in improving our equipment and our skills so we're one step ahead of the market. One day we could be setting up a burn test and the next, simulating a tornado. And because we're always evolving, your career will evolve alongside us, whether you're working on brand new technology or connecting with experts around the globe. Join our team, drive the growth of our organization and deliver real change - in a changing world.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Building Automation, Controls Engineering, Computer Science, Facilities Management, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in building automation systems, controls engineering, smart buildings, facilities engineering, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 2 years of people leadership experience, including direct management of technical personnel.
• Demonstrated experience with modern BAS platforms such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara, Automated Logic, or equivalent systems.
• Strong understanding of HVAC controls, electrical systems, energy management, lighting controls, and industrial networking principles.
• Experience with system integrations, data analytics, enterprise applications, and cloud-connected building technologies.
• Knowledge of OT/IT convergence, cybersecurity principles, and connected building architectures.
• Demonstrated English language proficiency, including the ability to communicate effectively with global stakeholders, vendors, and technical teams.
• Willingness and ability to support global operations and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Building Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM) designation from IFMA.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Niagara, Siemens Desigo, Schneider EcoStruxure, Johnson Controls Metasys, or similar platform certifications.
• Experience implementing AI-enabled building technologies, predictive maintenance solutions, digital twins, autonomous building systems, or advanced analytics platforms.
• Experience supporting laboratory, testing, manufacturing, or mission-critical environments.
• Knowledge of ISO 41001, smart building standards, energy regulations, and sustainability frameworks.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $97,200- $129,500 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days), and sick time off (72 hours). 

#LI-Hybrid

Global BAS Strategy & Governance

• Develop and maintain the global roadmap for building automation and smart building technologies.
• Establish standards, design criteria, architecture requirements, and governance for BAS platforms across the global portfolio.
• Drive standardization of controls systems, integration methodologies, data structures, and operating procedures.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments that support operational excellence and business objectives.

Smart Buildings & Digital Transformation

• Lead the deployment of next-generation smart building technologies and connected infrastructure.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through AI, machine learning, fault detection diagnostics (FDD), digital twins, predictive analytics, and advanced building controls.
• Develop strategies for leveraging operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms to improve building performance.
• Partner with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure integration of building systems into enterprise architecture.

Operations & System Performance

• Support regional facilities teams in maintaining reliable BAS operations across all facilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize energy, comfort, maintenance effectiveness, and equipment reliability.
• Develop performance dashboards, KPI reporting, alarm management standards, and system analytics.
• Provide technical leadership during troubleshooting of complex building system issues.

Capital Projects & System Integration

• Support planning, design, and implementation of BAS-related capital projects.
• Review engineering designs, controls sequences, and integration requirements for new construction and infrastructure modernization projects.
• Ensure compatibility and interoperability among BAS, lighting controls, metering systems, energy management platforms, security systems, and other smart building technologies.
• Collaborate with vendors, consultants, and systems integrators to deliver scalable solutions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4-5 building automation professionals.
• Establish team objectives, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Build technical capabilities that position the organization to leverage emerging technologies and evolving industry best practices.