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Freelance Building Automation Programmer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Building Engineer The Building Engineer is responsible for comprehensive building maintenance ... Operate HVAC systems and adjust building automation systems (BAS, EMS, or ATC) to maintain optimal ...

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Building Engineer Location: Alexandria, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Monday-Friday (On-call rotation as ... Utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor and optimize building performance.

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Building Engineer Location: Alexandria, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Monday-Friday (On-call rotation as ... Utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor and optimize building performance.

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Building Automation Programmer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$41.9K

$83.4K

$115.8K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance building automation programmer in Silver Spring, MD is $83,389.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $95,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Building Automation Programmer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Building Automation Programmer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,389 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Building Automation Estimator (BAS)

MODERNCONTROLS LLC.

Millersville, MD โ€ข On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description

ModernControls is a rapidly growing company seeks an eager and hard-working professional to join our team as a Building Automation System (BAS) Estimator. As a BAS estimator you will be expected to operate independently, set priorities, and resolve competing needs to provide timely information and solve problems. This position will work closely with our sales team, project management team, engineering team, subcontractors, and suppliers. This position will focus on generating detailed cost estimates, creating bid scopes of work for both plan & spec and design build projects. Estimating tasks include material takeoff, equipment selection, development of cost estimate, development of engineering and field hours, and scope of work. You will read and interpret project plans and specifications and develop a complete estimate. This position combines the application of Controls/HVAC, Electrical/Lighting, Security, technical knowledge with the ability to efficiently develop cost estimates.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other functions may be assigned:


o Review and evaluate invitations to bid, plans, and specifications to analyze project needs and understand scope of work, contract drawings and specifications.

o Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct site visits, to verify existing conditions that inform your cost estimate for the project.

o Provide clear and detailed cost estimates and quantity take offs from controls drawings or points lists.

o Create cost estimates consisting of materials, purchased equipment, and labor to assist in bidding or determining the project price for renovations, retrofits, new installation, upgrades, and change orders.

o Produce cost estimates for a project based on project plans and discussions with clients and engineers.

o Assemble accurate and well-organized cost estimates and provide narratives for in scope items, exclusions, and clarifications for inclusion in proposals.

o Stay up to date on product, supply, and subcontractor prices to ensure accurate estimates.

o Develop and maintain unit pricing and cost estimating database for material, labor and other costs associated with data for products, vendors, and subcontractors.

o Conduct research to determine needs for personnel, materials, and other factors which affect costs.

o Formulate cost break downs to include cost associated with material and all labor categories from estimates as well as for cost breakdown for project progress detailing.

o Meet with potential clients to discuss options for ongoing proposed services.

o Organize vendor and subcontractor quotations, negotiate pricing while ensuring quotes meet contract documents and requirements.

o Must have a thorough understanding and ability to read construction documents, including specifications, schematics, change orders, and submittals.

o Experience interacting with subcontractors and other vendors to solicit proposals.

o Estimated project size would be between $20K and $5M

Requirements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES


This job has no supervisory responsibilities.


QUALIFICATIONS


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE


High School or GED

4-Year degree in mechanical engineering or construction management

Or 2-Year technical degree with work experience in Controls/HVAC 2+ Years

Preferred Knowledge/Skills, Education and Experience:

Understanding of layout, design, fabrication, and installation of Controls/HVAC, Electrical, Security systems

Additional field experience with controls installation and interaction is preferred


Experience in Industrial/Commercial HVAC, Building Automation Systems, Integration, Energy Management, Commissioning is preferred.


Strong ability to review and evaluate prints, drawings, schematics, and written sequences of operation to develop digital takeoffs composed of a point list, controller selection, labor, and materials estimate


Advanced knowledge of computerized estimating techniques and cost control, plus ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems essential


Microsoft Products

OSHA 10 Certified

Valid driver's license and in good standing

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and balance several projects at a time

Thrive in a team environment

Builds trusting relationships to get work done