Building Automation System Programmer Jobs in California

Position Summary

Join Our Team as a Facilities Control Specialist!

Are you an expert in building automation systems and HVAC? As a Facilities Control Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining and optimizing our complex HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Management: Install, maintain, adjust, and repair electric, electronic, pneumatic, and digitally controlled building automation systems.
• Technical Expertise: Monitor, troubleshoot, design, modify, calibrate, and program system features, responding to technical and mechanical problems both remotely and onsite.
• Advanced Skills: Utilize your journey-level skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain complex HVAC systems and their components.
• Program Development: Fabricate and implement programs or building control strategies for digitally controlled systems.
• Comprehensive Maintenance: Perform major-to-minor overhauls, including disassembling, inspecting, replacing parts, reassembling, and testing equipment.
• Emergency Response: Respond to service requests and emergencies to ensure the safety and functionality of building environments.
• Training & Leadership: Serve as the department specialist on building automation systems and train others on troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.

What We Offer:

• Impactful Role: Play a crucial part in maintaining and optimizing our building automation systems.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your skills in HVAC and building automation technologies.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to excellence.

Apply today and bring your expertise to our team, helping us maintain a safe and efficient campus environment!

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

SDSU Facilities services is a customer service-based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process.  It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. 

For more information regarding the Facilities Services Department, click here.

Education and Experience

Knowledge: The Facilities Control Specialist must possess a thorough understanding of electric, electronic, pneumatic and digitally controlled building automation systems, including a thorough knowledge of assigned building automation systems.

Abilities: The Facilities Control Specialist must be able to use of the building automation system's programming features to design, modify and implement programs to achieve facilities management's goals, as well as to perform remote and hands-on troubleshooting, intervention and repair, as needed. 

Experience: The abilities of a Facilities Control Specialist normally would be acquired through four or more years of experience in the following areas:

• Progressively responsible skilled journey-level experience diagnosing, repairing and maintaining large, complex and sophisticated heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning and water treatment systems.
• Experience installing, inspecting, servicing, repairing, replacing and calibrating building automation and control systems. 
• Experience using programming features of building automation systems.

Key Qualifications

• Relevant work experience, within the previous five years, in a similar role and demonstrated experience with current building automated controls is preferred.
• Five years of experience in facilities operations and maintenance in a large multi-building facilities environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS), and/or Energy Management System (EMS). 
• Experience with multiple controls systems integration and BAS/EMS programming.
• Working knowledge familiarity with various controls protocols, for example; LEED AP with Specialty.
• Building Operator Certification, Level 2 is preferred.
• Niagara N4 framework certification is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:

Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 10 ($8,014 per month) for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,705 - $9,768 per month (Step 1 - Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by April 22, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu.