Controls and Design Engineer

Overview

The Controls & Design Engineer plays a critical role within Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s FMRE division, providing hands-on expertise in control and design engineering to support reliable, compliant operation of clinical, research, and administrative environments. Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the role serves as a technical authority and resource for the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) team and Facilities Operations, establishing and validating sequences of operation, preventive maintenance procedures, and training programs. It reviews and makes design decisions on HVAC control systems, coordinates vendor and contractor activities, and maintains audit-ready documentation to ensure compliance with applicable MEP/FP codes and standards and Institute guidelines. The position safeguards environmental conditions and infrastructure resiliency in occupied, mission-critical spaces while advancing energy efficiency and operational excellence.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Controls engineering and system reliability: Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize DDC, electrical, and pneumatic control systems; establish/validate sequences of operation, points lists, alarm strategies, and setpoints; maintain pressurization hierarchies and environmental conditions for critical spaces; implement configuration backups and change-control practices.
• Standards, compliance, and documentation: Improve preventive maintenance procedures to increase reliability and support Joint Commission compliance; maintain accurate documentation of control systems, energy management programs, change logs, and as-built controls; review project submittals for conformance with DFCI standards and sequences of operation.
• Project support and construction administration: Represent FMRE in project, operational, and design meetings; review project drawings, submittals, and reports; conduct field surveys; oversee construction administration of MEP/FP controls systems; expedite field changes to minimize disruption in occupied areas; provide owner’s engineering oversight for infrastructure-intensive projects.
• Energy management and performance optimization: Partner with the Energy Manager to identify and implement energy conservation measures and efficiency initiatives; support monitoring-based commissioning, retro-commissioning, and utility incentive programs; analyze trend data and KPIs; produce performance reports and dashboards.
• Training and stakeholder coordination: Develop and deliver training programs on BAS/DDC fundamentals, software updates, programming, and mechanical system control strategies; interface with contractors, consulting engineers, and Institute stakeholders (PDC, Clinical Engineering, EHS, Infection Prevention, IT Security) to maintain reliability and expedite issue resolution; ensure strict adherence to safety, infection control, and environmental health standards.
• Vendor/consultant oversight and integration: Provide technical direction to consulting engineers and controls vendors across multiple concurrent projects; review and approve HVAC controls designs; coordinate all trades to ensure systems integration, quality, safety, and timely completion; verify commissioning, TAB coordination, and integrated systems testing outcomes.
• Continuous improvement and readiness: Maintain audit-ready documentation and compliance posture; identify process improvements and standardize SOPs; contribute to capital planning and lifecycle strategies for controls and MEP/FP assets; support hybrid work aligned to project demands and site requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong knowledge of blueprint reading, drafting, estimating, building construction standards, and relevant codes/regulations (e.g., NFPA 99/101, IBC and local/state codes).
• Proficiency with building automation systems, power distribution, and Joint Commission compliance practices.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and use of data/reporting tools; familiarity with CMMS/work order systems and documentation repositories.
• Proficiency with BAS platforms (Siemens Apogee, Johnson Controls Metasys, Schneider EcoStruxure, Tridium Niagara) and open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, LonWorks); capable of controller programming, graphics, alarming, trending, and analytics.
• Deep knowledge of HVAC systems (AHUs, VAV/VVF, terminal units, heat recovery, lab exhaust) and their control strategies in healthcare/research environments.
• Working knowledge of Joint Commission Environment of Care, NFPA 99/101, ASHRAE 170/62.1/90.1/55, FGI guidelines, USP <797>/<800> , IBC, and applicable local/state codes; ability to interpret and apply standards in both design and operations.
• Experience developing sequences of operation, points lists, and functional performance tests; leading commissioning, TAB coordination, and integrated systems testing; rigorous documentation and change-control practices to maintain audit readiness.
• Ability to read and redline MEP/FP drawings and submittals; familiarity with AutoCAD/Revit, P&IDs, and control diagrams; understanding of estimating, building construction standards, and field coordination in occupied spaces.
• Knowledge of infection control and environmental health and safety practices; ability to plan and execute work safely in clinical and research areas; consistent use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills; ability to evaluate initial acquisition vs. lifecycle costs and develop cost justifications and cost-avoidance analyses; sound judgment to prioritize work to minimize downtime and risk.
• Effective written and verbal communication at all levels; ability to translate technical concepts, develop training materials/SOPs, and coordinate stakeholders in a complex, matrixed environment; strong interpersonal skills with contractors, engineers, and Institute professionals.
• Competence in MS Office and data/reporting tools; familiarity with CMMS/work order systems and documentation repositories; ability to maintain accurate records for control systems and energy programs.
• Ability to operate in a hybrid work model with on-site presence dictated by project demands and in-person requirements; supervisory presence on construction sites as needed.
• Self-starter with a high degree of initiative, responsibility, and commitment to safety; able to influence operational and energy management decisions without formal supervisory authority.
• Ability to influence operational and energy management decisions through subject matter expertise, even without direct supervisory authority.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls/Systems Engineering or closely related field required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 7 years of engineering and project management experience in healthcare and/or research environments required.
• 5 years of experience with direct digital control (DDC) and building automation systems (BAS), including pneumatic and electrical control systems required.
• Experience reviewing MEP/FP drawings and submittals; performing construction administration; coordinating field changes; leading commissioning and vendor oversight in occupied facilities required.
• Experience with Siemens Apogee, Johnson Controls Metasys, and Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building Operation preferred.
• Licensed tradesperson preferred.
• Other certifications preferred, such as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE); Tridium Niagara or equivalent BAS platform certification; Siemens Apogee and/or Johnson Controls Metasys training/certification; Certified Energy Manager (CEM); LEED AP; OSHA 30 (Healthcare).

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION REEQUIRED: None

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes, directly oversees consulting engineers and control vendors on 10-12 concurrent projects.

PATIENT CONTACT: May have direct and indirect patient contact.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).