Controls Automation Engineer

Location: Austin, TX

Position: Controls Automation Engineer
Location: Austin, TX 
Reports To: Solutions Architect, 5K Automation and Controls 
Employment Type: Full-Time 

5K Automation and Controls is a newly established building automation and energy management company affiliated with Hays Electrical Services — a nationally recognized electrical contractor with over 19 years of experience delivering safe, high-quality electrical solutions across commercial, industrial, and specialty markets. Built on the same foundation of safety, excellence, drive, communication, and client focus that defines Hays, 5K was created to meet the growing demand for intelligent, scalable BAS/EMS solutions across enterprise and multi-site portfolios nationwide. Our mission is simple: to make ourselves indispensable to our clients by delivering technically sound, commercially smart building automation solutions that perform.

Position Summary
The Controls Automation Engineer supports the sales and solutions functions at 5K by providing technical expertise throughout the sales cycle. This role works closely with the BDM and Solutions Architect to respond to client inquiries, develop technical proposals, and ensure that proposed BAS/EMS solutions are accurately scoped, priced, and feasible for deployment. The Controls Automation Engineer is a key bridge between the commercial and engineering teams — someone who understands both what clients need and how 5K can deliver it. This is an individual contributor role that grows with the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the BDM and Solutions Architect in qualifying technical requirements and developing solution designs for new opportunities across national account and construction-channel clients
• Prepare and review technical proposals, system architecture summaries, equipment specifications, and scope-of-work documents for BAS/EMS projects
• Conduct technical presentations and product demonstrations for prospective clients at the direction of the BDM or Solutions Architect
• Assist in developing GC bid packages, including controls drawings, sequences of operations, and equipment schedules for construction-channel opportunities
• Respond to RFIs and RFPs requiring technical controls content, ensuring accuracy and completeness of submitted documentation
• Support estimating by providing input on controls labor hours, material quantities, and system integration complexity
• Coordinate with manufacturer partners including Lynxspring, Distech, Delta Controls, and others to obtain technical specifications, submittals, and pricing
• Maintain technical knowledge of 5K’s platform offerings, keeping current on product updates, open-protocol standards, and competitive alternatives
• Assist with technical onboarding of new clients, including system design review and coordination handoff to the project delivery team
• Represent 5K professionally in client-facing technical interactions; serve as a reliable resource to both sales and engineering teams

Qualifications & Skills
Required:

• 3–7 years of experience in building automation, BAS/EMS, or HVAC controls with demonstrated technical proficiency in system design and application
• Working knowledge of BACnet, Niagara/Tridium, or comparable open-protocol BAS platforms
• Experience preparing technical proposals, equipment schedules, or controls submittals for commercial BAS/EMS projects
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM or project management tools
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, building systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience

Preferred:

• Experience with Tridium-Niagara, Distech Controls, or Delta Controls platforms
• Familiarity with multi-site BAS/EMS deployment programs in retail, QSR, data center, or healthcare verticals
• Experience supporting a GC-channel sales and estimating process
• Exposure to energy management principles including demand response, scheduling optimization, and building performance benchmarking

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This is primarily an office-based role. The employee is regularly required to operate a computer and related tools, communicate frequently with internal and external contacts, and exchange accurate information in written and verbal form. Travel to project sites, client locations, or partner facilities may be required. The employee must be able to detect, determine, distinguish, inspect, assess, and adjust focus as needed.

Why Join 5K Automation and Controls?
At 5K Automation and Controls, you’re joining a ground-floor opportunity with the backing of an established, financially strong parent organization. You’ll have the resources to do your best work, a team invested in your success, and a culture built on accountability, collaboration, and excellence. If you’re ready to grow with a company that is redefining what a controls company can be — we want to hear from you.