Senior Control Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) relies on an extensive network of Energy Management and Control Systems (EMCS) to operate its campus-supporting building and energy management, lighting and safety, HVAC control, and critical alarm notifications essential to scientific programs.

As part of LBNL's Facilities Engineering Team, the Control Systems Engineer (CSE) will design, manage, and maintain these systems to ensure reliability, availability, and security. Responsibilities include troubleshooting controllers and networks, performing IT and database maintenance, and managing energy and facility monitoring systems. The CSE will also support capital projects through design review, oversight, and contractor coordination.

The CSE 3 will lead energy management, HVAC, and control system retrofit projects across multiple occupied facilities, requiring sound judgment in implementing complex process control modifications with minimal supervision. Duties include planning and executing independent work, overseeing system design and commissioning, managing system life cycles, and training users. The role demands technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and a focus on reliable, maintainable, and energy-efficient designs that ensure long-term value.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

You will, at Level 3:

• Identify and implement strategies using building automation and lighting controls to enhance energy efficiency and building operability.

• Develop and implement detailed control sequences and engineering solutions across multiple concurrent projects.

• Prepare analyses, designs, construction documents, cost estimates, and maintenance plans aligned with institutional requirements.

• Support construction activities through controls programming, commissioning, and system performance verification.

• Maintain equipment documentation, databases, and preventive maintenance procedures for HVAC and control systems.

• Review and provide feedback on control drawings, design documents, and RFIs related to building and energy management systems.

• Conduct facility studies, including field measurements, retrofit cost and life-cycle analyses, and project reporting.

• Inspect HVAC and control installations; participate in functional performance testing and commissioning.

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate engineering work to meet project scope, budget, and performance goals.

• Ensure design compliance with Federal, DOE, State, and industry codes and standards.

• Use AutoCAD and related software to update, verify, and generate control system drawings, specifications, and documentation.

• Provide direction to internal crafts for system installation and modifications; review HVAC and controls submittals.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners (e.g., EH&S, Sustainable Berkeley Lab, UC, DOE) and attend meetings throughout design, construction, commissioning, and closeout phases.

In Additional to Above, at Level 4:

• Identify and implement strategies using building automation and lighting controls to improve energy efficiency and building operability.

• Performs, oversees, or leads the production of studies in existing facilities including;

  • preparation of project proposals

  • developing project performance methodologies

  • conducting field measurements of variables

  • developing proposed modifications; retrofit cost estimation; life-cycle cost analysis; and preparation of project reports.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Participates in other related activities as directed by the Lead Energy Management Engineer or Matrix Supervisor.

• May include complex tasks such as resolving conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, difficult coordination requirements, and value engineering.

Minimum Qualifications Level 3:

• A Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical, or control systems engineering or related discipline from an accredited college or university and a minimum of five (5) years experience, or 9 years minimum for a combination of education and/or experience.

• Demonstrated experience working on control system retrofit projects from design through completion.

• Experience interfacing with electrical, mechanical, and/or control systems contractors.

• Proven relevant experience designing automatic control systems as applied to wet/dry laboratories, clean rooms, cold rooms, shops, office facilities, manufacturing, or similar.

• Experience in HVAC and lighting control system design and construction, preferably with experience in existing building retrofit projects.

• Experience coordinating the work of other engineering/design disciplines and trades personnel.

• Proficient in Automated Logic (ALC) WebCTRL, Johnson Controls, Inc. Metasys, computer-aided drafting software, latest generation lighting controls, and data analysis.

• Proven relevant experience designing automatic control systems as applied to wet/dry laboratories, clean rooms, cold rooms, shops, office facilities, manufacturing, or similar.

• Proven experience in HVAC and lighting control system design and construction, preferably with experience in existing building retrofit projects.

• Proven substantial relevant experience coordinating the work of other engineering/design disciplines and trades personnel.

• Demonstrates the ability to accurately translate written sequences of operation into the program languages of the Automated Logic (ALC) or Johnson Controls Metasys controls systems or other industry standard systems.

• Possesses a working knowledge of computerized planning and control methods.

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of:

  • Engineering concepts, systems, calculations, applications, energy measurement, and construction methods, materials and economics.

  • Applicable regulatory and industry safety codes and environmental regulations pertinent to controls engineering and construction.

  • Federal, Department of Energy, and State of California energy-efficiency codes.

  • BACnet building automation system architecture, communications and operating sequences.

  • HVAC system and energy management fundamentals.

• Demonstrates a specialized knowledge in automatic controls design, programming; construction support; and system performance verification.

• Familiar with reviewing MEP Design drawings to correlate design to the space, ability to understand sheet/general notes and how they affect the design.

• Demonstrated experience and ability in applying analytical and problem solving skills to complex problems.

• Demonstrates the ability to portray construction work on drawings that meet functional requirements, are complete, well organized, technically correct, require minimal rework to obtain supervisory signoff, and result in a minimum of construction craft requests for information and change orders.

• Familiar with some of the industry wide energy management and control systems such as Automated Logic Corporation (ALC) and Johnson Controls Metasys or other industry standard systems.

• Familiar with navigating through front end lighting controls and their integration with other systems.

• Demonstrates the ability to commission and troubleshoot controls systems software programming, communications networks, controllers, and devices.

• Excellent planning, prioritization, and organizational skills to manage multiple projects at once.

• Excellent proposal development, presentation, and client relationship skills.

• Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with a wide range of groups and individuals.

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills with a customer focused and ability to effectively interact with people at all levels, internal and external to the organization.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with various professional and educational backgrounds.

Additional Minimum Qualifications Level 4:

• A Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical, or control systems engineering or related discipline from an accredited college or university and a minimum of eight (8) years experience, or a minimum 12 years combination of education and/or experience.

• Proven substantial relevant experience designing automatic control systems as applied to wet/dry laboratories, clean rooms, cold rooms, shops, office facilities, manufacturing, or similar.

• Proven substantial relevant experience designing automatic control systems as applied to wet/dry laboratories, clean rooms, cold rooms, shops, office facilities, manufacturing, or similar.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Advanced degree in related area(s).

• Experience with Automated Logic WebCTRL building automation systems.

• Experience in electrical systems sufficient to meet pre-requisite of LBNL Qualified Electrical Worker 1 training

• PE license in mechanical, electrical, or control system engineering.

• Professional certification in energy management or related area(s).

Additional information:

• Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, Career appointment 

• Salary range: 

  • Level 3: The expected salary for this position is $126,000 - $140,000, which fits into the full salary of $123,084 - $207,672 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

  • Level 4: The expected salary for this position is $177,000 - $198,000, which fits into the full salary of $147,720 - $249,276 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: This position is eligible for a hybrid work, a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Work must be performed within the United States. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

• Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Berkeley Lab does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

• Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program 

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! 

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

• Pet insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.