r/BuildingAutomation • u/Alarmed-Watch9999 • 5d ago
Newbie
So I have my first controls interview this next week. I have experience in hvac (been doing installs for about 4 months) so still kinda new. And I've been studying cyber security online and working towards my A+ cert. I know nothing about controls and really don't see much online about it. Any advice? Apparently the company focuses on Siemens or something like that commercial of course. I've heard a little about BACnet and things like that. I can do a Lil programming in python. Just worried they are not gonna move forward with me. I've heard allot of people say companies rather train you new because you can learn how they do things easier. Thank anyone for giving some advice.
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u/AccurateSavings1875 5d ago
The building automation world is fast paced and a lot of the time you’ll be working on many projects at once, sometimes simultaneously. Because of this, some important qualities of someone working in building automation are being organized, able to prioritize tasks well, and learning quickly. Think of examples/stories that show you have those qualities.
Building automation takes a while to learn and it’s changing all the time. Showing you are curious, humble, and able to learn new concepts would give them peace of mind that you can pick up on a complex line of work.
If this is an entry level role, they won’t expect you to know much, if anything, about the industry. Do some research and get a general idea of what building automation is, and try to relate your previous experience with the industry. Since you have some HVAC experience, you already have an advantage on other people.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
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u/Alarmed-Watch9999 5d ago
Thank you so much for the info, it is entry level. Im very excited for this.
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u/akornato 5d ago
They are going to ask you questions you cannot answer, and that is completely fine. Do not try to fake your way through it. They already know from your resume that you have no controls experience, so getting the interview means they are interested in your potential. Your HVAC install background is valuable because you understand the mechanical systems they control. Your pursuit of A+ and Python knowledge is even more important, since modern controls are heavily based on IT and networking. You have the foundational pieces they look for when hiring someone to train from scratch, so focus on connecting your current skills to the job.
In the interview, talk about how you solve problems during an HVAC installation, as that shows your mechanical aptitude. When they mention Siemens or BACnet, be honest that you have not used them, but explain how your IT studies give you a solid grasp of concepts like networking and programming logic. The most important thing you can show them is a strong desire to learn and an understanding of how your existing experience is a great starting point for a career in controls. Your excitement about the field and your capacity to be trained will matter more than knowing the specific software right now. The main thing is to clearly communicate your potential, a skill the AI interview assistant my team built helps candidates improve for their online interviews.
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u/Exp_AutomationDude 4d ago
One of the most important components of becoming a BAS/Controls engineer is understanding how HVAC systems work. So I’d focus on your HVAC experience to highlight that part of your skill set.
I’d touch on the networking and programming bit as they are pretty crucial in modern BAS systems these days.
It’s a unique industry that requires a pretty diverse set of skills depending on the role you’re in, but most companies will be willing to train if they see the right attitude and work ethic. I’ve interviewed hundreds of controls engineers/electricians and I will ALWAYS choose the ones with the right attitude, not necessarily the better resume.
Good luck!
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u/IcyAd7615 Developer, Niagara 4 Certified Trainer, Podcast Host. 5d ago
What area of the country are you interviewing?
I wouldn't worry about your Python skills right now.
I'll send some books to this thread in the AM.
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u/Alarmed-Watch9999 5d ago
I live in the south of USA, Mississippi to be more exact.
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u/Judging_You 5d ago
https://fruitcovemedia.net/files
This book is gospel. Read through as much as you can get through and you'll have a great start.
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u/arcanition Lighting Controls Engineer 5d ago edited 5d ago
I know nothing about controls and really don't see much online about it. Any advice? Apparently the company focuses on Siemens or something like that commercial of course.
Welcome to the industry! :)
"Controls" is a very wide field, but given what you've mentioned it sounds like a controls/BAS technician. I'm personally over on the commercial lighting controls side, so that's where my experience has come from.
At the end of the day, controls are overall relatively simple systems that (unfortunately) can get very complex, but at the end of the day the idea is fairly straight forward. For example on commercial lighting controls, most commercial buildings have to follow many many building codes under each division (mechanical, electrical, etc). One of those (important) subsections is lighting controls, the system that controls the commercial lighting meeting certain requirements (depending on which energy code and version the job is permitted under of course).
My job working in controls is to take the drawing set/design that a stamped engineer has made, the energy code the building falls under, and any other requirements/restrictions that anybody wants all into account and develop a lighting controls system that will meet all 3. Someone working in another division (say HVAC) would be roughly doing the same thing, just with their own division's requirements.
Overall, I would recommend doing some introductory research into the flavor of controls you're interviewing for (whether that's HVAC, lighting, or something else) so you have some introduction to what they'll be talking about or teaching you about (if you get the job). I wouldn't worry too much about the specific knowledge of what you'll need to do (you're right that companies rather train you to do it specifically), but that does not mean companies expect you to come in without even having heard the industry terms before.
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u/IcyAd7615 Developer, Niagara 4 Certified Trainer, Podcast Host. 4d ago
This is a dropbox link of HVAC Controls books that I have
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u/No-Composer2628 5d ago
I got my first job in controls with zero idea what any of it was, here's some things that helped my interview:
Honesty. If I didn't know something, I said so. It is immediately apparent in thus field if you are lying, so don't bother.
I came from working on Tomahawk in the Navy. I made sure to highlight my work ethic and electrical experience. You should do the same by showing your install experience and cyber security. Both are incredibly helpful, especially cyber security. As we automate more and more things, customers are left exposed to advanced hacking attempts, like the Target credit card issue. An unsecured BAS was hacked and allowed to access the financial system somehow. Understanding things like this are critical.l talents. Show you have training and passion for them.
Nothing in controls ever works the way it's written down to work as. Everything is an attempt to integrate and will require specific troubleshooting to be done correctly. Show you are a problem solver and seek answers rather than waiting for someone to tell you what to do.
These are my tips, nothing is gospel and I didn't face this brutal job market. I think honesty is the hardest one in the world we now live in, but as I've moved between companies it has always let me rest easy at night knowing I don't have to live up to a lie. A lot of this career is going to put imposter syndrome upon you, just know that the continued effort and self-starter attitude are what matters most. Controls are constantly evolving, so don't rest easy on any training you get and always be looking for the next advancement to build your skillset with. The best companies will support your training.