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Building Controls Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Building Controls information

See California salary details

$18

$33

$48

How much do building controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for building controls in California is $33.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are building controls?

Building controls are systems and devices used to manage, monitor, and automate a building’s environment and operations, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. These controls help improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and operational performance by allowing centralized or automated adjustments based on real-time data. Modern building controls often integrate with smart technologies and can be accessed remotely. They play a crucial role in reducing energy costs and maintaining optimal building conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Controls Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Controls Specialist, you need a strong background in HVAC systems, electrical engineering, and building automation, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and software such as Tridium Niagara or Siemens Desigo is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with facility teams and troubleshooting systems. These skills ensure energy-efficient, safe, and reliable building operations that meet occupant and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Building Controls vs HVAC Technician?

AspectBuilding ControlsHVAC Technician
CredentialsCertifications in controls systems, HVAC, or electrical workHVAC certification, EPA license, technical training
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial buildings, control system installationsResidential, commercial buildings, HVAC system maintenance
Industry UsageDesign, install, and troubleshoot building automation systemsInstall, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

Building Controls and HVAC Technicians often work together but focus on different aspects of building systems. Building Controls specialists primarily handle automation and control systems, while HVAC Technicians focus on heating and cooling systems. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in building maintenance and energy efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Building Controls, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Building Controls often encounter challenges such as integrating new systems with existing infrastructure, troubleshooting complex automation issues, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology standards. Effective communication with facility managers and other trades is essential to ensure smooth system operation and timely resolution of issues. Staying current with training and certifications, as well as developing strong problem-solving skills, can help address these challenges and lead to greater success in the role.
What are popular job titles related to Building Controls jobs in California? For Building Controls jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Building Controls job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,737 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Sr Building Controls Technician

Sr Building Controls Technician

Johnson Controls

Merced, CA

$67K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 386 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team

As a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard - your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!

What we offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Paidvacation15 days of vacation first year plus sick time and flex holidays
  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care -Available day one
  • Encouraging and collaborative team environment
  • Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
  • Check us out!:https://youtu.be/pdZMNrDJviY

What you will do

Perform service on the Building Management System (BMS), controls instrumentation and other low voltage building systems in a fast-paced environment at a customer campus. Troubleshoot and repair or replace elements of the controls system. Adjust parameters within the BMS or modify controls programs to resolve automation issues and to satisfy customer requirements.

How you will do it

  • Adhere to all Johnson Controls and customer safety standards.
  • Communicate with the FM team at the start and end of each shift.
  • Respond to requests for support on the BMS. Use critical thinking skills to independently perform root-cause analysis and resolve issues or implement mitigation measures. Communicate findings and solutions to the FM team.
  • Coordinate repairs in the field.
  • Interpret building mechanical schematics, BMS Submittals & Sequences, and electrical line diagrams to resolve BMS-related issues.
  • Conduct extensive self-study (reading, research and practice) to improve and maintain technical proficiency in JCI's product lines. Complete certifications as required by JCI.
  • Continuously optimize the Building Systems for improved operation. Complete a range of recurring preventive maintenance tasks and systems checks to ensure the systems operate optimally.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve network-related issues with the IP layer of the BMS components.
  • Perform audits of the controls, including networked devices, to identify potential cyber-security risks; support the FM team with mitigating these risks.
  • Provide support to JCI's Integrated Operations Centre Support team and to other JCI-operated facilities to reduce operational risk.
  • With the support of the team's energy manager, investigate and implement energy conservation measures in the building automation systems.
  • Support FM team in other low voltage systems (e.g. security, data)
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures and adhere to company standards.
  • Perform other duties as required.

What we look for

4 years - Technical degree in electronics or electrical engineering, instrumentation, computer science, automation engineering or a combination thereof. Or over 10 years' experience in commercial building automation.

5 Years - Industry Experience.

The successful candidate learns quickly, pays attention to detail and possesses excellent communication skills.

The successful candidate will be self-driven and display strong critical thinking skills.

The successful candidate must have strong knowledge and experience in commercial or institutional HVAC mechanical systems and their automation systems.

May be required to participate in an on-call rotation schedule to attend to emergency situations at the facility.

Report to the designated site on a daily basis, adhering to flexible shifts as determined by business requirements.

Will need to pass extensive security/background checks.

Salary Range: HIRING SALARY RANGE: $67k -$93k (Salary to be determined by the education,experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignmentwith market data.)This role also offers a competitive Sales Incentive Plan that will take intoaccount volume and margin on a project, quarterly, and annual basis.This position includes acompetitive benefits package.The posted salary range reflects the target compensation forthis role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills andexperiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrantsconsideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply.To support an efficientand fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence(AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made byhuman reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careerssite athttps://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.


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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US