Lead Systems Engineer - Design

Smart Tech Contracting delivers turnkey BAS & EPMS solutions for mission-critical colocation and hyperscale data centers operating at national program scale. As a Master Systems Integrator (MSI), we unify controls construction (DDC, PLC, SCADA) with software engineering, optimized graphics / UI standards, and program-level governance.

Complex integrations are delivered cleanly, consistently, and fast. Our teams thrive in high-stakes environments where quality control and uptime matters, schedules are compressed, and coordination is everything.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

Position Title: Lead Systems Engineer - Design

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Systems Engineer provides leadership, expertise, and delegates work for design document deliverables for building automation system (BAS), electrical power monitoring system (EPMS), and software integration design projects in hyperscale data center and similar mission critical / technology sectors.

The Lead Systems Engineer will work with internal and external MEP/FP trade engineers, equipment representatives, product vendors, and BIM / Revit / AutoCAD production resources.

The Lead Systems Engineer will be self-directed on day-to-day work and receive high level instruction on new projects, tasks or assignments. Will execute and lead teams and projects, tasks or assignments of complex scope. This role also will coordinate activities of other personnel and serve as a people manager.

This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals / values, and departmental objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop and Execute Building Automation Systems Engineering Solutions (55%)

• Serve as client program lead, project trade lead, and SME for the BAS and EPMS scope for one or more projects and / or programs.
• Develop client standards, basis of design (BOD), perform feasibility studies, and assist clients with building automation roadmaps
• Lead designs for DDC and PLC based BAS and EPMS systems
• Design controls network / system architecture including IT / OT requirements
• Select instrumentation, sensors, actuators, valves and other field devices
• Coordinate with equipment, system, and product vendors for building automation interface requirements
• Create and review project book and sheet specifications
• Create and review sequence of operations
• Create and review system diagrams and point / alarm lists
• Work closely with client IT departments for network design, interface details, and security requirements
• Provide direction on engineering production aspects with internal and external Revit / BIM resources

Construction Related Process, Deliverables and Submissions (15%)

• Accountable for design document deliverables for design phases including Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Issue For Permit (IFP), Issue For Construction (IFC)
• Lead planning and execution of Construction Administration (CA) phase activities remote and on site
• Lead building automation focused design reviews and page turns
• Participate in internal and external quality control and peer reviews
• Lead internal and external project meeting discussions on engineering scope

Reporting and Communication (15%)

• Manage project communication and reporting
• Prepare project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Manage personal hours using company tools

People Manager (15%)

• Implement and monitor team objectives to meet set goals.
• Manage and execute departmental or organizational projects, ensuring alignment with departmental focus.
• Ensure employee adherence to company policies and procedures, serve as the first stop for employee questions on workplace rules and practices.
• Direct team members clearly, maintaining consistency with organizational objectives.
• Develop team efficiency and prioritization strategies.
• Facilitate team member development through targeted coaching.
• Resolve conflicts within the team, promoting a collaborative atmosphere.
• Perform routine performance evaluations and 1:1 meetings, offering feedback and defining objectives.
• Participate in organizational strategy discussions to synchronize departmental and company goals.
• Foster interdepartmental communication to enhance organizational understanding.
• Align team efforts with overarching company strategies.
• Communicate details effectively to all stakeholders.
• Optimize resource management and task assignments within the team.
• Adapt resource allocation in response to project demands and departmental needs.
• Cultivate a team environment that encourages cooperation and collective problem-solving.
• Assist with team and departmental hiring and recruiting processes.

Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency

• Leverage AI-enabled and digital tools to enhance efficiency, reduce manual effort, and support consistent, high-quality work output.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and demonstrate a continuous learning mindset, seeking out new technologies, skills, and methods that elevate individual and team performance.
• Adapt to emerging technologies and evolving digital workflows, actively supporting the integration and adoption of innovative tools across the organization.

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)

• Skilled in navigating clients through BAS project designs including identification of standards, needs, and option evaluation
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
• Skilled in designing BAS and EPMS packages
• Knowledge of construction design process, stakeholders, deliverables
• Knowledge of code requirements and energy guidelines related to BAS designs
• Knowledge of data center HVAC applications and BAS control strategies including chilled water plants
• Knowledge of IoT and smart building solutions
• Knowledge of Networking including Addressing, VLANs, LANs, Switches and Routers
• Knowledge of open-source protocols (BACnet, Modbus and SNMP)
• Knowledge of DDC systems used in building automation designs
• Knowledge of PLC systems used in building automation designs
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact
• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
• Ability to mentor and train junior engineers

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 15%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need.
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction or related discipline

OR

• Two years of experience with hands-on installation, testing, validation and troubleshooting of controls infrastructure

PLUS

• Minimum eight years of additional experience with BAS and EPMS design
• At least half of this experience should be with hyperscale or colocation data center projects

BENEFITS

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participate in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce. Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. This includes any resumes or candidate profiles submitted without a signed agreement in place and without a specific request for assistance with a particular role. Any such submissions-including those sent directly to our team members-will be considered property of our company, and we reserve the right to hire the candidate without any obligation for payment or fees.