Question:
I'm hvac tech in the NY area. I am looking to move on to the controls
industry. I have alot of exp. w/ boiller controls, writing schematics,
wiring to codes, installations of DDC controls, designing
electromechanical, electronics controls by engineers specified control
sequences, review other controls companies submittals......etc. You're
probably thinking by now " what is this guy talking about, he's already
in the industry!" It may seem that way, but I'm not. The co. that I
currently work for, bids alot of hvac/ mech.jobs in my area. Whenever a
awarded job comes our way, my responsibilities are refrig. piping,
hydronics, controls, supervision of equipment installs....etc.
As I mentioned above, I install ddc controls, but I do not program. The
subcontractor that provides the control package, comes in to program
after the installation is completed.because of this, I feel that I 'm
missing out. I've suggested to my superiors that they should enroll me
in to a controls course, such as Johnsons Controls. My employer feels
that since most engineers want an independent control co. w/ ten yrs. in
the business, it may not be practical for that ave. at this time. So the
only solution is to move on. I'm wiiling to move anywhere on the east
coast. I tried the hvac job search directory, but there was not that
many controls co. listed. Anybody looking for someone w/ my
qualifications, or can give advice.
Answer:
FWIW most of the major control manufacturers such as Honeywell,
Johnson, etc. have tech reps to do the job your looking for. They are
usually non-union and make around $16 an hr in my area. Although in some
areas they are union depending on the region you live in. They get
usually a minimum amount of benefits and the Co charges a $100 + an hour
for them. You can work on any controls fire system, ddc, etc., any
controls except pneumatics. This is were the controls manufacturers make
all the money. Top $$$$ with a low operating cost.
Usually you end up working with the union people who make more than
double your pay and you get disgusted. Unfortunately its a underpaid
area of our business. The only manufacturers controls reps who make any
decent money are usually union.
Have you tried Trane? They have a BAS division with work like you
looking for. Here is there job search URL
