Entry Level Controls Specialist Jobs
New grad controls specialist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship or hands-on project portfolio can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Staffing & Recruiting, Construction & Real Estate, and Manufacturing, with employers like Jobot, Michels, and Flowserve hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Entry Level Controls Specialist jobs
Job Summary
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
- To perform work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of Direct Digital Control (DDC), pneumatic, and electrical control systems.
- Assist with re-commissioning efforts that partner our team with utility providers and our campus peers to optimize building equipment function.
- Partner with Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation (OCSI) energy team to ensure alignment on initiatives as well as to explore project funding options.
- Report out areas of opportunity to conserve energy and successes with the Michigan Medicine Facilities Team. Articulate the University of Michigan Health mission and goals in the area of energy management and the University of Michigan goal of carbon neutrality by the year 2040 for global communication.
-
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install, repair, and maintain DDC equipment related to HVAC systems.
- Use a workstation or portable terminal to command points, evaluate programs, back up databases, and update changes or additions to the databases.
- Interpret, modify and write software to control HVAC systems and equipment.
- Evaluate sequences of operation and assess the probability of the sequences functioning properly with DDC, pneumatic, and electric control systems when applied to HVAC equipment.
- Read and interpret blueprints and schematic diagrams related to HVAC control systems. Diagnose HVAC system problems, including verifying the operation of dampers, valves, actuators, coils, fans, pumps, heat exchangers, VAV boxes, airflow devices, water flow devices, thermostats, and other HVAC components. Prepare reports indicating findings after troubleshooting HVAC and DDC control systems.
-
RELATED DUTIES
- Install, repair, and maintain pneumatic controls, including receiver controllers, relays, switches, and other pneumatic devices used for control of HVAC systems.
- Install, repair, and maintain electric controls, including freezestats, relays, electric pneumatic and pressure electric switches.
- Access motor control centers and motor starters to wire control and status circuits.
- Install control cabinets, mount control equipment, and cut, bind, and route conduit lines for control wire and pneumatic tubing.
- Install, repair, and maintain other field devices, including sensors, airflow stations, water flow stations, freezestats, and other field devices to make a complete control system.
- Inspect, test, and analyze malfunctions of equipment, using an ammeter, voltmeter, ohmmeter, flowmeter, oscilloscope, and computers.
- Make cables for computers.
- Dismantle and repair equipment, replacing defective electronic and pneumatic components. Perform preventive maintenance activities on DDC and other related control equipment.
Required Qualifications*
- Graduation from high school and specialized training in HVAC systems and DDC technology is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge of the tools, equipment, methods, and materials related to HVAC and DDC systems is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge and experience installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC and DDC equipment is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge and experience servicing DDC equipment at the component level is necessary.
- Some experience writing software for DDC systems related to HVAC systems is necessary.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
Work schedule Tuesday - Saturday 6:00am - 2:30pm
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the U-M Skilled Trades Union, Inc., which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
285653
Working Title
HVAC CONTROLS SPECIALIST
Job Title
HVAC CONTROLS SPECIALIST
Work Location
Troy Medical Campus
Troy, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Um Hospital
Department
MM Maintenance
Posting Begin/End Date
11/12/2026 - 12/12/2026
Salary
$108,492.80 - $109,532.80
Career Interest
Skilled Trades (Skilled Trades Union)
Job Summary
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
- To perform work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of Direct Digital Control (DDC), pneumatic, and electrical control systems.
- Assist with re-commissioning efforts that partner our team with utility providers and our campus peers to optimize building equipment function.
- Partner with Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation (OCSI) energy team to ensure alignment on initiatives as well as to explore project funding options.
- Report out areas of opportunity to conserve energy and successes with the Michigan Medicine Facilities Team. Articulate the University of Michigan Health mission and goals in the area of energy management and the University of Michigan goal of carbon neutrality by the year 2040 for global communication.
-
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install, repair, and maintain DDC equipment related to HVAC systems.
- Use a workstation or portable terminal to command points, evaluate programs, back up databases, and update changes or additions to the databases.
- Interpret, modify and write software to control HVAC systems and equipment.
- Evaluate sequences of operation and assess the probability of the sequences functioning properly with DDC, pneumatic, and electric control systems when applied to HVAC equipment.
- Read and interpret blueprints and schematic diagrams related to HVAC control systems. Diagnose HVAC system problems, including verifying the operation of dampers, valves, actuators, coils, fans, pumps, heat exchangers, VAV boxes, airflow devices, water flow devices, thermostats, and other HVAC components. Prepare reports indicating findings after troubleshooting HVAC and DDC control systems.
-
RELATED DUTIES
- Install, repair, and maintain pneumatic controls, including receiver controllers, relays, switches, and other pneumatic devices used for control of HVAC systems.
- Install, repair, and maintain electric controls, including freezestats, relays, electric pneumatic and pressure electric switches.
- Access motor control centers and motor starters to wire control and status circuits.
- Install control cabinets, mount control equipment, and cut, bind, and route conduit lines for control wire and pneumatic tubing.
- Install, repair, and maintain other field devices, including sensors, airflow stations, water flow stations, freezestats, and other field devices to make a complete control system.
- Inspect, test, and analyze malfunctions of equipment, using an ammeter, voltmeter, ohmmeter, flowmeter, oscilloscope, and computers.
- Make cables for computers.
- Dismantle and repair equipment, replacing defective electronic and pneumatic components. Perform preventive maintenance activities on DDC and other related control equipment.
Required Qualifications*
- Graduation from high school and specialized training in HVAC systems and DDC technology is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge of the tools, equipment, methods, and materials related to HVAC and DDC systems is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge and experience installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC and DDC equipment is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge and experience servicing DDC equipment at the component level is necessary.
- Some experience writing software for DDC systems related to HVAC systems is necessary.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
Work schedule Tuesday - Saturday 6:00am - 2:30pm
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the U-M Skilled Trades Union, Inc., which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
285653
Working Title
HVAC CONTROLS SPECIALIST
Job Title
HVAC CONTROLS SPECIALIST
Work Location
Troy Medical Campus
Troy, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Um Hospital
Department
MM Maintenance
Posting Begin/End Date
11/12/2026 - 12/12/2026
Salary
$108,492.80 - $109,532.80
Career Interest
Skilled Trades (Skilled Trades Union)
See All 16 Entry Level Controls Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Controls Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
Entry Level Controls Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level controls specialist job?
Start by building hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, or academic lab work with PLCs, SCADA systems, or industrial control hardware. Employers at the entry level look for familiarity with common platforms like Allen-Bradley or Siemens, a relevant degree in electrical engineering, automation, or controls technology, and the ability to read ladder logic or electrical schematics. A project portfolio demonstrating any of these skills gives candidates a clear edge.
Which companies hire entry level controls specialists?
Companies hiring entry level controls specialists right now include Jobot, Michels, and Flowserve, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from manufacturers, systems integrators, and industrial automation firms that bring on junior engineers to support experienced controls teams.
Are there remote entry level controls specialist jobs?
Yes, though most controls specialist roles at the entry level involve hands-on equipment work. About 0% of entry level controls specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in software-focused controls, simulation, or engineering support roles rather than field or plant positions.
Are these new grad controls specialist jobs?
Yes, many of these postings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates with little or no professional experience. A new grad-friendly posting typically accepts zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-op rotations toward that threshold, or lists a relevant degree as a substitute for work history. Look for language like "new grad," "junior engineer," or "0-2 years" in the job description.
Which industries hire the most entry level controls specialists?
Entry Level controls specialist roles concentrate in Staffing & Recruiting, Construction & Real Estate, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors rely heavily on automated systems and ongoing equipment upgrades, which creates steady demand for junior controls engineers who can support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting work.