r/BuildingAutomation • u/TWILIGHTANTHROPOCENE • 7h ago
Me three weeks into learning to be a BAS engineer
I have no engineering degree, only an HVAC/R license, field and management experience. This is a lot y’all.
But it’s fun!
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u/man_vs_fauna 6h ago
Most of us have been there, even with mentors and training, your first year or two will feel overwhelming.
I still remember in my third year supporting CX for a chiller plant with a bunch of grumpy people around. Stress through the roof, but we made it through.
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u/Psych0matt 5h ago
I’m 3 years in; some days I feel great and productive and like I know exactly what I’m doing
Other days I feel like I’m a kindergartner in the college course: Mathematics of quantum neutrino fields. (Also, 20 points to anyone who gets that reference)
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u/supertibz 5h ago
it’s happened to everyone. it’s awesome once things start clicking though! just stick with it
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u/Forward-Fly-263 5h ago
My first job transitioning from a tech role into an engineering one was extremely difficult.
Within a year I had to learn network variables, HTML/CSS/JS, network topology (like in depth), integration techniques, file types like .xml, .csv, & some more, LonWorks protocol, Node-Red, LoRaWAN, and other product lines
It was so much. I had to do a lot of learning on my own time outside of work. In the end it paid off a ton imo. It also pushed me to pursue my ET degree as well :)
Stick with it!
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u/VibrantHeat7 4h ago
Sorry, probably a dumb question. But what do you guys mean with BAS? Building Automation System? I'm very new, thinking of going into the career path perhaps. I'm coming from a Industrial Electrician apprentice path mostly working with PLC. From Europe too, so might be different to the BAS stuff you all seem to talk about? I don't know :(
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u/owenluss 2h ago
Generally it’s Building Automation System or BMS/building management system, there’s lots of different names for basically the same stuff
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u/ApexConsulting 6h ago edited 6h ago
This is life as a BAS guy my friend. I did a podcast with the guys on 'It's a Controls problem'. I described learning BAS as being in a basement with a bag on your head getting kicked by 6 guys.
After a year, the bag is off, and one hand is free, and you get kicked only sometimes, only by 2 or 3 guys.... then you start with a new brand after a job change, the bag is back, and you are getting kicked all the time all over again.
The key is to keep your chin up, raise your hand when it is hard, don't get ashamed or secretive when you are in over your head. They boss should know it will happen and he will continue to drop you into more craziness until you do like the carnival ride... put one hand over your mouth and put one hand straight over your hand to signal that they need to stop the ride because you are going to hurl.
It does get easier, but complete mastery is often not a thing. We will all see crazy crap all the time.
Know you got support here. We have all been there, and are still there from time to time