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Freelance Building Automation Programmer Jobs in Lancaster, PA

Johnson Controls

Automation Engineer

York, PA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

About Us Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems ... What you will do The Automation Engineer position has a high degree of visibility and opportunity ...

Johnson Controls

Automation Engineer

York, PA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

About Us Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems ... What you will do The Automation Engineer position has a high degree of visibility and opportunity ...

The Home Depot

Automation Engineer

York, PA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

About Us Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems ... What you will do The Automation Engineer position has a high degree of visibility and opportunity ...

NAPA

Engineering & Automation Manager

Manheim, PA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

SummaryThe Facilities Engineering & Automation Manager will serve as the on-site engineering and ... This applies to automation, forklift, and building systems.Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft ...

LanceSoft Inc

Facilities Engineer I

Lancaster, PA

... building automation systems, etc. Ensure projects meet all critical -to -quality commitments in the areas of quality, schedule, and cost. Interface with the plant maintenance and engineering ...

Tandem Living

HVAC Technician

Lancaster, PA · On-site

The technician also operates the building automation system, including programming system times, cycles, and related controls to ensure proper building performance. This position is performed in ...

Cushman & Wakefield

HVAC Engineer

York, PA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Job Title HVAC Engineer Summary Job Type: 100% Reimbursed Job Posting : HVAC Engineer Location ... Monitor building automation systems (BAS) and adjust HVAC controls to optimize performance and ...

Dart Container

Automation Specialist

Leola, PA · On-site

Dart's Leola Campus is expanding, and Building 12 is bringing new thermoforming technology ... Partner with engineering, maintenance, production, and other teams to improve equipment reliability ...

Dart Container

Automation Specialist

Leola, PA · On-site

Dart's Leola Campus is expanding, and Building 12 is bringing new thermoforming technology ... Partner with engineering, maintenance, production, and other teams to improve equipment reliability ...

Dart Container

Automation Specialist

Leola, PA · On-site

Dart's Leola Campus is expanding, and Building 12 is bringing new thermoforming technology ... Partner with engineering, maintenance, production, and other teams to improve equipment reliability ...

Mhs PA

Supervisor, Commercial Operations

Hershey, PA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Partner with building automation, residential operations, mechanical trades, and energy-management ... Associate degree in science, engineering, or a related field. Minimum of five years of directly ...

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All JobsBuilding Automation Programmer JobsFreelance Building Automation Programmer JobsFreelance Building Automation Programmer Jobs in Lancaster, PA

Freelance Building Automation Programmer information

See Lancaster, PA salary details

$39.4K

$78.4K

$108.8K

How much do freelance building automation programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance building automation programmer in Lancaster, PA is $78,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $89,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance building automation programmer?

A Freelance Building Automation Programmer is a professional who specializes in designing, programming, and troubleshooting automated control systems for buildings on a contract or project basis. They work with systems such as HVAC, lighting, security, and energy management to ensure buildings operate efficiently and comfortably. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers are typically hired for specific projects or timeframes and may work with multiple clients. Their expertise helps optimize building performance, reduce operational costs, and integrate new technologies into existing infrastructure.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance building automation programmer?

To thrive as a Freelance Building Automation Programmer, you need expertise in HVAC systems, controls programming, and a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, often supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with industry-standard platforms such as BACnet, LonWorks, Tridium Niagara, and tools like AutoCAD and PLC programming software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, self-management, and effective client communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate system integration, client satisfaction, and the successful delivery of complex automation projects.

What are common challenges faced by freelance building automation programmers and how can they be overcome?

Freelance building automation programmers often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse systems from multiple manufacturers and keeping up with frequent updates in automation protocols. Managing client expectations and project timelines can also be demanding, especially when working remotely or with limited onsite access. To overcome these obstacles, it's important to stay current with industry certifications, develop strong communication skills for client coordination, and build a reliable network of contacts for technical support. Efficient project management tools and regular professional development can also help freelancers succeed in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Freelance Building Automation Programmer vs Building Automation Technician?

AspectFreelance Building Automation ProgrammerBuilding Automation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in programming, networking, and building automation systemsOften holds technical certifications or trade licenses related to system installation and maintenance
Work EnvironmentWorks independently or with clients, often remotely or on-site for specific projectsPrimarily on-site, maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems
Employer & Industry UsageFreelancers serve multiple clients across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectorsEmployed by facilities or service companies to perform routine system upkeep

While both roles involve building automation systems, Freelance Building Automation Programmers focus on designing and customizing control software, often working independently. Building Automation Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of these systems on-site. The roles complement each other but differ mainly in scope and work setting.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Lancaster, PA?

For Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Lancaster, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Lancaster, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Lancaster, PA are:

What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs?

Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most Freelance Building Automation Programmer job openings:

Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Building Automation Programmer job openings in Lancaster, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,393 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Johnson Controls

York, PA • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 415 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 545 rated manufacturers

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 you will do
The Automation Engineer position has a high degree of visibility and opportunity within JCI. This individual will use their technical knowledge and expertise to assist manufacturing in the development of new manufacturing processes and standards using a variety of automation and mechanical engineering concepts. The engineer will have a full range of responsibility from concept to production including but not limited to: project management, VOC, capital justification, wiring sketches, exploded view assembly procedures, test fixture creation, automated assembly, and documentation support. This position requires a creative problem solver that understands Design for Manufacturing, automation, product/process flow, and lean manufacturing technology.
How you will do it
  • Work with manufacturing and engineering teams to determine the requirements of the machine and develop specifications for machine functions, user interface, and quality control for high reliability.
  • Design automated assembly line equipment and programming.
  • Design automated test fixtures and maintenance.
  • Bill of materials creation and maintenance.
  • Test procedure creation and maintenance.
  • Work closely with manufacturing to monitor and improve efficiency and output.
  • Machine vision systems.
  • Develop new software and hardware designs to meet machine requirements.
  • Research components and technology available from suppliers, determine ways to increase reliability of controls and reduce costs.
  • Train and mentor peer group on automation concepts and skills
  • Work with manufacturing and maintenance teams to troubleshoot existing automation to improve reliability.
  • Understand and implement customer standards for dedicated equipment and participate in design reviews. Guide startup of machines and perform troubleshooting with mechanical and electrical technicians. Configure drives, network communications, and other intelligent machine devices. Calibrate machines for position accuracy and dynamic response. Assist with remote customer support and troubleshooting. Update documentation and prepare portions of machine operation and service manuals.

What we look for
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical and/or Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field
  • 3+ years practical experience in an automation manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of product/process flow, Design for high volume manufacture including robotic automation.
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor /AutoCAD, RSLogix 5000 PLC programming, Fanuc robotics.
  • Excellent problem solver with a high degree of engineering curiosity.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in the operation and use of Microsoft based communications, including Microsoft Project.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $85,000-$120,000(Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) 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
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

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