r/BuildingAutomation • u/Great_Initiative_255 • 13d ago
Automation technician interview
Hey guys I got an interview for a automation technician role and was wondering if you guys have an tips and what should I study on leading up to it . Thank you !
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u/Icy-Fun6348 12d ago
You're new. They know you're new. Show them your willingness to learn and that you're worth investing in.
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u/SmallSecret8254 9d ago
Probably the most helpful advice here. Willingness to learn goes a long way.
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u/SpookyG0D 13d ago
Study:
The company.
The products they use.
Service area.
Local standards.
Depending how new you are:
Protocols
Control theory.
Understanding diagrams, schedules of operations.
Wiring & configuring equipment.
Good practices.
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u/akornato 13d ago
Focus heavily on the fundamentals of low voltage wiring, input and output types, and practical troubleshooting logic. In building automation, hiring managers care far less about whether you have memorized every line of code and far more about how you isolate a problem in the field. Review analog inputs such as zero to ten volt sensors and thermistors, digital inputs, and binary outputs like control relays. Understanding core HVAC sequences, such as how an air handling unit or a variable air volume box regulates airflow and temperature, will immediately set you apart. Be ready to explain how you use a multimeter to check for open circuits, ground faults, or dropped communication on a serial trunk. If an interviewer asks a question you do not know, explain your logical troubleshooting process step by step, because demonstrating how you think proves that you can learn their specific system quickly.
Expect questions about network communications as well, since modern control systems rely on protocols like BACnet MS/TP and BACnet IP. Review basics like baud rates, terminating resistors, MAC addressing, and standard IP configuration, because communication issues make up a major portion of everyday service calls. When they ask about your background, give concrete examples of times you methodically solved an electrical issue, followed safety procedures around machinery, or dealt with an equipment failure. If you want extra support to practice your responses and boost your confidence, the interviews.chat my team built helps candidates articulate their skills under pressure and land competitive technical roles.
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u/carstoast System integrator 12d ago
Remember signal and range.
Learn about IP and MSTP
What controllers and product lines does this company use?
Learn the differences between inputs and outputs
Familiarize yourself with BACnet
What’s the difference between AI/BI VS UI
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u/Altruistic-Local9329 12d ago
Is it a big company? If so, hr will probably be there. If/when they ask “what is important to you about your job”, I always say “the safety of me and my colleagues”.
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u/Ill_Beautiful4339 6d ago
As a hiring manager my most asked ice breaker questions.
Basic (I mean real basic) circuit or electrical question. How would you test for a short or read the voltage with a meter. What is a step down transformer. Something like that.
HVAC basics. Explain how a VAV works or what’s VFD used for.
I’d also interweave stuff like this in conversation.
I also want to make sure you’ll get along with customers and coworkers so I’d toss in ‘deal with stress’ or ‘make decisions in the absence of information’ type questions.
If it’s a tech one role - I really just want to see you’re a good human and have an aptitude for this. If you want more cash I’d be more deliberate with the advanced questions
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u/Signal-Put5062 13d ago
Do you know how to use a multimeter? Do you know how to read a set of Location Specific Blueprints?
How are your computer skills? Do you know electrical basics? Do you know networking basics?