Controls Application Engineer

Description

CMS CONTROLS ATLANTA

Applications Engineer

Building Automation Systems | Marietta, GA | Full-Time

Compensation: $80,000-$95,000 base salary + quarterly profitability bonus (0-12.5% of base)

ABOUT CMS CONTROLS

CMS Controls Atlanta brings Maxair/Service Logic's building automation and controls expertise to the Atlanta market as a vendor-neutral BAS integrator. We design, install, and service multiple platforms and solutions, always guided by what makes the most sense for the customer rather than a single manufacturer's product line. That flexibility is core to how we compete in the mid-market retrofit, data center, healthcare, and higher education verticals.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Applications Engineer is the technical bridge between sales, estimating, and field execution. This is a mid-level role with full design authority on assigned projects - you own the design and product selection for BAS projects, turning specifications, drawings, and sequences of operation into a buildable, competitively priced solution with minimal oversight. You'll estimate projects, choose the applications and products that best fit each job, and build the documentation (bill of materials, panel layouts, network architecture, points lists) that our foremen and technicians rely on in the field. You'll work closely with our Account Managers on proposals and with our Project Executive on handoff to execution, making sure what we sell is what we can install with confidence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review project specifications, drawings, and RFQs to develop scope, take-offs, and cost estimates for BAS projects.
• Select the applications, controllers, and products - primarily Distech Controls on Niagara N4 - that best meet each project's technical requirements and budget.
• Design BAS solutions including network architecture, DDC panel layouts, points lists, and sequences of operation.
• Develop bills of materials and exception documentation for bid submittals and change orders.
• Author RFIs requiring design-team input during the submittal review phase.
• Order, track, and coordinate receipt of major project equipment, keeping the Project Executive and field teams updated on status.
• Prepare as-built record drawings and complete full project closeout documentation.
• Partner with Account Managers to provide technical input on proposals, respond to RFQ questions, and support client-facing presentations.
• Hand off completed designs to the Project Executive and field foremen with documentation that's clear enough to build from without rework.
• Support open-platform and third-party integration efforts, including BACnet and other protocol coordination with outside vendors.
• Stay current on Distech and Niagara N4 product releases, and serve as a technical resource for the sales and operations teams.
• Flag pipeline opportunities that lack sufficient design detail or confirmed scope before they're counted toward forecast.
• Assist in resolving field application issues that require design-level troubleshooting, in coordination with the Service Manager and foremen.
• Contribute to and maintain CMS Controls' standard design and estimating templates as part of the broader CMS Way documentation effort.

COMPENSATION

$80,000-$95,000 base salary, depending on experience. Existing Niagara N4 certification or equivalent Distech Controls experience may support an offer toward the top of this range. This position is eligible for quarterly bonuses based on company profitability, calculated as a percentage of base salary at a 10% bonus plan level; exceptional performance may increase the bonus to 12.5% of base salary, while poor performance may reduce it to 0%. Posted in accordance with CMS Controls' pay transparency practice.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-7 years of experience in HVAC controls, building automation, or a related applications engineering role, with demonstrated ability to own project designs independently.
• Working knowledge of DDC programming and BAS design; Niagara N4 and Distech Controls experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with BACnet and open-protocol integration concepts.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Estimating experience - comfortable building take-offs and pricing from bid documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working directly with sales, clients, and field teams.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical/electrical engineering, engineering technology, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
• Niagara N4 certification a plus, or willingness to obtain within the first year.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Judgment & Technical Insight

• Customer Focus - recommends the solution that best serves the client, not the easiest or most familiar one to sell.
• Financial Acumen - understands cost drivers well enough to protect margin at the estimating stage.
• Tech Savvy - stays current across multiple BAS platforms and product lines, not just one manufacturer.
• Manages Complexity - makes sense of incomplete or conflicting specs, drawings, and site conditions.
• Decision Quality - chooses the right application and product mix quickly, even with incomplete information.

Execution & Ownership

• Ensures Accountability - owns designs and estimates end to end, with minimal oversight.
• Optimizes Work Processes - improves and standardizes design and estimating templates over time.
• Drives Results - delivers accurate, on-time bids and designs through deadline-driven cycles.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicates Effectively - translates technical detail appropriately for clients, sales, and field teams.
• Collaborates - works smoothly across Account Management, Project Execution, and field foremen on handoffs.

Adaptability & Growth

• Nimble Learning - learns from mistakes on designs and estimates and adjusts approach going forward.
• Situational Adaptability - adjusts approach across verticals - data centers, healthcare, higher education, and mid-market retrofit.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position works cross-functionally with the Account Management and Project Execution teams and reports to the General Manager, CMS Controls Atlanta.

WHAT WE VALUE

CMS Controls operates under the Maxair core values: Accountability, Drive, Humility, Integrity, and being People Focused. We're looking for someone who takes ownership of their designs, brings a strong work ethic to deadline-driven bid cycles, and genuinely enjoys being the technical glue between sales and the field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the primary duties of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.

• This is primarily an office-based design and estimating role, with periodic on-site walk-throughs and site visits required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., drawings, laptop equipment, small tools) during occasional site visits.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CMS Controls Atlanta, part of the Maxair/Service Logic family of companies, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.