Automation Engineer

AUTO ENGR (004313)

UCPath Position ID: 40987268

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

6/8/2026 10:21:58 AM

Date Last Edited:

6/8/2026 10:21:54 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

5000O

Organization:

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE CHANCELLOR         

Division Code:

5901D

Division:

ADMINISTRATION                         

Department:

343500 - UTILITIES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40987268

Position Description ID

256434

UC Payroll Title:

AUTO ENGR (004313)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

K4: Los Angeles Skilled Craft

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40048410

Reports to Payroll Title:

SKLD CRAFTS AND TRADES SUPV 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40065994

Department Head Payroll Title:

ENERGY MGR 2

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the supervisor, this position provides application engineering and software program development for campus building automation systems (BAS), HAVC and building service systems. This position also coordinates with campus utilities staff to provide BAS engineering support for HVAC maintenance and projects. The Automation Engineer provides troubleshooting and service for the BAS communications network. Coordinates with other engineering disciplines and external consultant engineers to provide complete engineering services. The Automation Engineer also establishes design and application practices that implement energy conversation and sustainable design. This position communicates with staff, management and the campus community in an effective and professional manner.

Maintenance and Repair

1. Maintain the campus Building Automation System (BAS) controllers, server databases, and applications to insure that building primary and secondary control systems effectively perform the functions of environmental control, laboratory safety, energy conservation and alarm notification in coordination with the Operating Engineer.

2. Design and develop controller software programs that comply with University standard sequences of operations for HVAC, laboratory pressurization, central plant systems, utilities metering and critical alarms notifications.

3. Interface with campus IT departments for troubleshooting and resolution of network communication problems. Collaborate with IT for interface of new controllers and user accounts being added to the network.

4. Develop solutions to building control problems utilizing the capabilities of the campus BAS.

5. Respond to trouble calls involving emergency repair or replacement of the BAS major system controllers or unit controllers.

60%

Installation and Modification

1. Install, service, replace, and repair various Facility Automation System communications components such as Ethernet, BACnet and Lonworks network switches, routers and hubs.

2. Install primary system DDC controllers, unitary DDC zone controllers and instrumentation devices to replace an existing system or as part of an alteration project.

3. Install, maintain, service, replace, repair and/or calibrate various types of sensors including temperature, humidity, CO2, VOC, current switches and utility meters.

4. Install, maintain, service, replace, repair and/or adjust various types of actuators including control relays, damper motors, control valves, isolation valves and VFDs.

5. Provide in-house support to contractors.

30%

Administrative Tasks

1. On larger projects and major repairs, analyze problems, extent of repair, and determine appropriate materials and equipment required to complete project.

2. Submit completed work orders for supervisor for closing out project. 3. Request tools and equipment, materials, parts, etc., and submit to supervisor.

4. Maintain automatic control system documentation, e.g. modified control system schematics, operating manuals, parts lists, sequence of operation descriptions, and operator training materials.

5. Orally discuss jobs with supervisor in order to keep apprised of job progress and to resolve any problems related to the job.

6. Coordinate with customer regarding the duration of service interruption; ascertain whether critical departmental operations or service will be negatively impacted by the interruption of service; inform supervisor.

7. Provide technical direction to semi-skilled or unskilled workers.

8. Provide on the job training for apprentice in the maintenance and repair of all equipment and appliances, if required. Provide evaluation/feedback to supervisor regarding progress of apprentice.

9. Make recommendations for modifications and enhancement to the campus standards.

5%

General Tasks

1. Maintain accurate hours worked on each job.

2. Operate and maintain a variety of power and/or hand tools and equipment related to the trade.

3. Ensure and transport materials, equipment and personnel to and from the job site expeditiously.

4. Follow established safety procedures at all times, including inspection tools and equipment for signs of damage, malfunction, or deterioration on a regular basis.

5. Upon completion of work, clean up job site, and return equipment, materials tools, pagers, and Kronos wands to designated storage areas.

6. Respond to off-hour emergencies and overtime as required.

7. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as requested by supervisor.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical

engineering, building systems engineering, or a related field.

Equivalent experience may be considered.

Preferred

10+ years

Installation, configuration, service, troubleshooting, and repair of

building automation control systems, including pneumatic and

electronic controls.

Required

Driver License

•

Must possess, upon hire, and maintain a valid CA noncommercial Class C License in accordance with the California (CA) Department of Motor Vehicles.

Required

Niagara 4 Technical Certification

Required

Working knowledge of Tridium and Niagara framework. Working knowledge of building automation system programming utilizing block coding and/or line coding methodology. Ability to develop a systems control program from a written sequence of operations.

Required

Working knowledge of the control and sequence of operations for various types of building systems, including but not limited to, large and small tonnage chilled water systems, air handling and distribution equipment, steam and hot water equipment, hot and chilled water distribution systems.

Required

Competency in the use of test instrumentation such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, network sniffers, and capture tools.

Required

Skill in analyzing information concerning efficient and economical operation of heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in order to complete reports and/or make recommendations.

Required

Familiarity with OSI model network layers and be able to troubleshoot network related issues.

Required

Ability to modify sequences of operation and modify controller programs and systems to accommodate remodel projects in buildings.

Required

Knowledge of energy management and control strategies.

Required

Ability to select, install, and calibrate meters and instrumentation.

Required

Ability to read and interpret schematic drawings.

Required

Working knowledge of UBC, OSHA, and ADA requirements as it relates to the craft. Ability to recognize discrepancies of ADA and Fire/Life/Safety costs of each job and report to supervisor.

Required

Working knowledge of electronic circuitry and OHMS law.

Required

Ability operate trade-related hands and power tools, including achievement of operational level skills.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Pre-Placement Physical: Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory physical examination.

Driving Record: The position is subject to the California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Campus

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.