Building Automation Systems Technician

What's the role?

Reporting to the Manager of Facility Services, the Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician's primary objective is to ensure the safety and security of personnel and property at Northwestern Mutual. Day-to-day responsibilities include testing, installing, maintaining, and repairing the electronic security, surveillance, automation, and life safety systems within the building complex. The BAS Technician writes and inputs programs for the building automation control systems and actively participates in special projects, from design to installation.

Your experience with fire alarm systems or controllers, technically savvy nature, effective problem-solving skills, and customer service mentality will be critical as you partner cross-departmentally and immerse yourself in a variety of areas and opportunities. We look forward to hearing about your motivation to contribute to a broader purpose with a team that encourages individual and professional development.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• (40%) Performs ongoing preventive maintenance of the automation systems, BMCS (building management & control systems), life safety systems, security systems and surveillance systems. Maintains Building Automation System's LAN network, including but not limited to workstations, networking cables, servers and access points. Tests these systems for proper operation, diagnoses and analyzes test results and makes appropriate adjustments, modifications or replacement of electronic or electromechanical and related hardware as required. Uses technical and working knowledge of electricity, electronics and software programming to troubleshoot and repair the above-mentioned systems. Assists in the planning sequence and/or method in which the electronic maintenance and repair is completed. Responsible for ordering electronic equipment and maintaining an inventory of parts.
• (30%) Creates changes, reevaluates programming language for building automation system and other equipment using software. Maintains complete and current documentation for all changes to the systems and informs the system's users of changes and how they affect daily operations. Maintains software back up of automated building system processors. Recommends system enhancements and expedites their implementation. Programs automation systems to fulfill the operational needs of the facility staff and assists them in understanding programming options.
• (15%) Installs electronic equipment and associated hardware in accordance with various codes such as National Safety Code, NFPA Joint Industrial Conference standards, NICET and National, State and Local electrical codes. Designs, builds and installs control circuits used to enhance existing security, surveillance, life safety, HVAC and automation systems. Serves as a resource to building services and security staff in the operations of said equipment. Performs maintenance and installation on other electronic equipment i.e. two-way radios, fitness equipment and digital recording systems. Creates updates and builds schematics and wiring diagrams as required. Disables and removes obsolete electronic equipment and support wiring.
• (15%) Plays an integral role in the development and implementation of various building projects. Responsible for researching best practices while incorporating safety and regulatory issues involving building automation, life safety and security systems. Responsible for scheduling, collaboration and supervising service contractors and expediting progress and completion of projects. Responsible for the maintenance of the building automation database in respect to the ongoing needs of the organization. Instrumental in development of related databases and the importing/exporting of data to other company software systems.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

Requirements:

• Associate's degree in Electronics with 3+ years of proven experience with installation, programming and maintenance of building automation systems (preferably Honeywell and Johnson Controls) or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Ability to read building blueprints and schematics, along with advanced knowledge of relevant state and local building codes and standards.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and have a proven track record of effective independent decision-making.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong customer focus, initiative, accuracy, and effective organizational and communication skills. Responsiveness to customer requests and effective communication.
• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a team and to adapt to changing priorities; a track record of consistently good attendance.
• Ability to work at heights, on ladders, scaffolding and lifts.
• Must be able to work overtime when required.

Technical Requirements:

• Working knowledge of the hardware and software components of a PC, as well as basic data networking concepts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in common PC functions and applications, such as Microsoft Windows file systems, Outlook, Office, Internet Explorer, etc.

Certification Requirements:

• Strongly Preferred: NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems Level 1 (required to be obtained within 1 year of employment)
• Preferred: NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems Level 2 (required to be obtained within 2 years of employment).
• Member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) must maintain CPR/1st Aid/AED (defibrillator) certification; may be obtained within first 6 months on the job.

Physical Demands:

• Up to 66% of the day: Lift and transfer objects which weigh up to 20 pounds from floor to a 36 height (tools, manuals, computer monitors, small batteries).
• Maximum lift and carry of objects weighing up to 42 pounds from floor to waist height, for a distance of up to 300 feet (10-16-foot ladders).
• Stand and walk 34-66% of the day and sit 0-33% of the day.
• 0-33% of the day: Lift and transfer objects weighing 21-42 pounds from floor to a height of 36 and back to the floor (55amp batteries, TV monitors, ladders).
• 0-33% of the day: Push objects with up to 38 pounds of force for a distance of 20 feet over smooth hard surfaces (Inside lift). Pull objects with up to 52 pounds of force for a distance of 20 feet over smooth hard surfaces (Inside lift).
• 0-33% of the day: Maximum reach and lift of objects weighting up to 21 pounds from chest height to a height of 68 inches. (Remove and replace 12 V 25-amp batteries above shoulder height while standing on a ladder).
• Must be able to balance and walk quickly, climb stairs, ladders and inclines, as well as crawl, squat and kneel.
• Use one or both hands to lift, carry and manipulate small objects, and move trunk forward, backward, and side to side.
• Work involves driving, hearing, the ability to communicate.
• Work involves seeing, including peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Work involves the ability to discriminate colors.

Working Conditions:

• Work is inside and outside, with and around others. May also be required to work alone
• May be required to work in cramped workspaces up to 33% of the day
• Potential environmental hazards in the form of: Dust
• Physical hazard exposures include the potential for: Heat, Cold, Low-level noise (in the penthouse and around the air handling units)
• Mechanical/ergonomic hazard exposures include the potential for: Lifting, pulling, pushing and reaching; Awkward postures
• Biological Hazards: Potential for blood/body fluid exposure related to participation on the Emergency Response Team

#LI-Onsite

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - End:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups