Job Title: Field HVAC Controls Technician β Entry Level (Job Number: 1299) Company: Johnson Controls Federal Systems Location: Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD (serving nearby military installations in the region)
Pay: $23β$32/hr, based on experience and qualifications Schedule: Full-time, day shift (typically 7:00 a.m.β3:30 p.m., MondayβFriday) Benefits: Eligible for full benefits on day one (including health, leave, holidays) with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 5 sick days, and 3 floating holidays annuallyβapproximately 6.5 weeks off total
Job Overview & Responsibilities:
Install, commission, and maintain HVAC controls systems, particularly Johnson Controls Metasys BAS systems
Perform system diagnostics, troubleshoot electrical or mechanical faults in HVAC controls, and calibrate devices using test equipment
Create user interface graphics, support project closeouts, and provide hands-on documentation and training to clients and contractors
Qualifications:
At least 2 years of experience working with HVAC, electrical, or mechanical systems (troubleshooting or installation)
Proficient with Microsoft Office and general Windows environments
Must be able to obtain and maintain required government security clearances (background, character, criminal history, etc.)
Preferred experience: working with BAS protocols (BACnet, Modbus, N2), Metasys or Niagara DDC systemsβbut training is available on the job
View the full job details and apply here: Use the official Johnson Controls job portal for Field HVAC Controls Technician β Entry Level (Job Number: 1299) to review requirements and apply online.
Why Itβs Worth Considering
Pros:
Entry-level access to federal projects and high-tech HVAC controls systems
Paid training and hands-on exposure to BAS systems including troubleshooting and commissioning
Competitive pay range with immediate benefits and generous leave
Company vehicle provided for field assignmentsβminimal travel required
Cons:
Requires government clearance, which includes background and credit checks
Work is primarily βin-personβ at Aberdeen Proving Groundsβnot remote
Basic experience required; may not suit complete beginners without any technical background
Pay looks fair for entry; the big thing on APG is badging - plan a couple weeks for clearance and ask if youβre paid while waiting. On my first base job I burned a day at the visitor center, so I now block an extra 30-45 minutes for the gate every morning. Also ask if theyβll sponsor Niagara N4 training and if inter-site drive time is on the clock.
For entry, $23β$32/hr at APG seems fair, and the 7:00β3:30 day shift is a nice change from on-call. Biggest gotcha is base badging; ask if Johnson Controls pays you during the clearance wait and covers the time for security briefings. If theyβll train on basic controls and cover mileage between installations, Iβd take it.
If you take it, ask for your own USBβtoβRS485 adapter and a spare serial cable on day one; on my first controls gig at a base I wasted hours waiting on a shared dongle and couldnβt hop on the MS/TP trunk to sort chattery VAVs. That $30 tool made me look way faster, no joke.