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Controls Lead Systems Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Controls Lead Systems Specialist information

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$36K

$68.4K

$116K

How much do controls lead systems specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls lead systems specialist in the United States is $68,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a controls lead systems specialist do?

A Controls Lead Systems Specialist is responsible for designing, programming, and maintaining automated control systems in industrial or commercial settings. They oversee system installations, troubleshoot issues, and ensure efficiency and compliance with industry standards. This role involves working with PLCs, HVAC controls, and building automation systems to optimize performance. Additionally, they collaborate with engineers, project managers, and technicians to implement and improve control solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls lead systems specialist?

A Controls Lead Systems Specialist typically requires expertise in control systems engineering, automation, and electrical systems, supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree and experience in industrial environments. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA/HMI platforms, and industry certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or similar are commonly expected. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, leadership, and strong communication skills help candidates excel in this collaborative and technically demanding role. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring efficient operations, troubleshooting complex control systems, and leading project teams to successful outcomes.

What are common challenges faced by a controls lead systems specialist, and how can they be overcome?

Controls Lead Systems Specialists often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Successfully overcoming these hurdles requires a methodical approach to diagnosing problems, keeping up-to-date with evolving control technologies, and working closely with cross-functional teams like operations, maintenance, and IT. Effective communication and documentation are key for aligning all stakeholders during projects. Continual learning and adopting best practices in controls engineering can help you excel and turn challenges into opportunities for innovation.

More about Controls Lead Systems Specialist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Lead Systems Specialist jobs?

The most popular types of Controls Lead Systems Specialist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Controls Lead Systems Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,438 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

HVAC Controls Lead Systems Specialist

Lubbock, TX • On-site


Johnson Controls
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 412 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 545 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Us:
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
What we offer
  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation/holidays/sick time - 15 days of vacation first year
  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one
  • Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
  • With outstanding resources Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
  • Company vehicle

HVAC Controls Lead Systems Specialist
Build your best future with Johnson Controls. We help customers improve the performance of buildings through smart, healthy, and sustainable solutions that support people, places, and the planet.
Join a team where your ideas matter, your work has visible impact, and you can grow your expertise in HVAC controls and building automation.
Role Overview
Under general direction, the HVAC Controls Lead Systems Specialist serves as the on-site project leader for assigned customers. In this role, you will plan, execute, and complete controls projects in a safe and cost-effective manner while coordinating hardware design, system programming, checkout, installation support, commissioning, and closeout. You will also help maintain financial performance, customer satisfaction, and ethical, safety-first execution throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead assigned controls projects from planning through closeout, ensuring work is delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
  • Perform or delegate hardware design, system programming, system checkout, installation coordination, and system and network commissioning activities.
  • Track project financial results, including scheduling, cost, invoicing, billings, and collections as applicable.
  • Maintain clear communication with customers, subcontractors, and internal team members throughout all project phases.
  • Support customer satisfaction by resolving technical and project issues promptly and professionally.
  • Provide technical guidance to installers, technicians, designers, and subcontractors to keep execution aligned with project requirements.
  • Ensure systems are fully validated and operational before project turnover.
  • Complete project closeout activities and support documentation as required.
How You Will Do It
  • Work as an on-site leader who owns outcomes with accountability, safety, and integrity.
  • Stay close to the work by coordinating directly with customers, technicians, and subcontractors to remove obstacles and keep projects moving.
  • Design and program installation hardware and software using established standards, then translate the work clearly for customers and field teams.
  • Use clear, candid communication and practical problem-solving to manage scope, address technical and business issues, and keep expectations aligned.
  • Improve every day by reviewing project results, capturing lessons learned, and applying them to future execution.
  • Win as one team by collaborating across functions and drawing on diverse perspectives to support strong project outcomes.
  • Plan work carefully, coordinate resources, and maintain the discipline needed for safe, efficient commissioning and turnover.
  • Provide site-specific training so customers can operate their systems with confidence.
Qualifications
  • Technical Associate's Degree with two years of field experience, or equivalent related field experience.
  • Proficiency in Building Automation Systems design, installation, checkout, programming, and commissioning.
  • Appropriate licensing, certifications, and relevant hands-on experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively.
  • Strong personal computer skills and the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
  • Ability to coordinate with customers, staff, and subcontractors in a professional field environment.
Nice to Have
  • Knowledge of project accounting, costing principles, and contracting.
  • Experience in the HVAC industry and with programming controls.
  • Experience managing projects in a controls or building automation environment.
  • Hands-on experience with digital HVAC controls systems design and commissioning.
  • Ability to communicate technical material to a non-technical audience.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $76,000-110,000k (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and 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 by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at
https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
#TechHiring
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


What Johnson Controls employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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