Field Service Engineer

Job Title: Field Service Engineer - Building Automation & HVAC Controls

Job Description

This Field Service Engineer role focuses on supporting and expanding aftermarket services for complex building automation and HVAC control systems. You will work independently in the field, troubleshooting issues on existing automation installations, determining whether problems are related to controls, mechanical, or electrical systems, and coordinating with the appropriate parties to resolve them. The position combines technical diagnosis, commissioning, and maintenance with strong customer-facing communication and service ticket documentation. You will also help train less experienced field engineers and provide site-specific training to owners and operators, representing a well-established controls brand known for high-quality technology and outstanding training.

Responsibilities

• Respond to customer service calls for existing automation systems and determine whether issues are related to controls, mechanical, or electrical components.

• Diagnose and resolve increasingly complex HVAC, controls, and building automation system problems, providing clear solutions and guidance.

• Perform system maintenance on field controllers, servers, workstations, and field hardware to ensure reliable operation.

• Commission systems for new builds and construction projects, as well as perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities.

• Conduct mechanical and controls diagnosis for heating and cooling systems, identifying common control or mechanical issues and implementing corrective actions.

• Communicate directly with customers to understand their problems, explain findings, and describe the work performed and why it was necessary.

• Lead and assist less experienced Field Service Engineers by demonstrating effective troubleshooting techniques and problem-resolution methods.

• Review equipment schedules and system configurations and provide feedback on modifications, enhancements, upgrades, and repairs needed.

• Recommend system enhancements, upgrades, and repairs based on site conditions and customer needs.

• Implement effective time management strategies to complete service tasks efficiently and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Prepare and complete service tickets and related documentation accurately, detailing work performed, parts used, and recommendations for future actions.

• Provide site-specific training to owners, operators, and facility staff on system upgrades, service work, and building automation functionality.

• Navigate and integrate into a variety of building automation systems, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

• Communicate technical information in a way that non-technical audiences can easily understand, especially during tense or time-sensitive situations.

• Identify additional service opportunities while on site and effectively communicate these to customers in a consultative, professional manner.

• Work independently in the field, representing the organization with a trustworthy, confident, and customer-focused presence.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as engineering and facilities management teams at customer sites to coordinate work and resolve issues.

• Participate in limited on-call rotations for night and weekend work for a set number of weeks per year, responding to urgent service needs.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.

• At least 2 years of experience in building automation, HVAC, or a related technical field.

• Hands-on experience with HVAC systems, electrical systems, controls, or mechanical systems in a field technician or similar role.

• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and controls issues in heating and cooling systems.

• Experience with building automation systems in new construction or retrofit environments.

• Capability to climb ladders or use lift equipment over 8 feet above grade.

• Ability to lift items up to 50 pounds as required by field work.

• Valid and current driver's license with the ability to be insurable under company insurance.

• Strong technical troubleshooting skills combined with clear, customer-focused communication abilities.

• Comfort working independently in the field, making decisions on site, and representing the organization professionally.

• Ability to complete accurate service documentation, including service tickets and project status updates.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications for documentation, communication, and reporting.

• Comfort interacting directly with customers, including in tense or time-sensitive situations, while maintaining a professional demeanor.

• Detail-oriented work style with the ability to manage multiple tasks and challenges simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, associate degree, or technical/business school certificate or diploma in HVAC, controls, or a related field.

• Ability to download, interpret, and troubleshoot complex HVAC or building automation system logic.

• Working knowledge of TCP/IP networks, including wireless networking technologies, as they relate to building automation systems.

• Experience navigating and integrating into a variety of building automation systems and platforms.

• Ability to read and understand architectural, mechanical, and electrical blueprints.

• Experience working on service-related roles, even outside of controls or building automation, where customer interaction and troubleshooting were key responsibilities.

• Experience in mechanical or electrical disciplines with an understanding of full system lifecycles in conjunction with controls.

• Experience interacting with a large and diverse number of simultaneous challenges, requiring knowledge of multiple disciplines.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including a confident presence, the ability to build trust quickly, and a professional "bedside manner" with large and high-profile clients.

• Ability to identify additional service needs or opportunities while on site and discuss them with customers in a consultative, solutions-oriented way.

• Comfort handling customer-facing situations that may be tense or high pressure, while clearly explaining issues, actions taken, and next steps.

Work Environment

This is a field-based role working primarily on customer sites, with a focus on new construction and existing facilities such as schools, hospitals, data centers, and biopharmaceutical buildings in the Madison, WI market and surrounding area. Travel is generally within a defined radius of the city. You will work closely with internal stakeholders at customer locations, including engineering and facilities management teams at educational, healthcare, and campus buildings. The role involves regular on-site work with building automation systems, HVAC equipment, controls hardware, servers, workstations, and related field devices. You will use company-provided equipment such as a laptop and other necessary tools to perform diagnostics, maintenance, and commissioning. The organization offers a strong training environment with a mix of in-field and classroom-based learning, emphasizing state-of-the-art technology and high-quality controls solutions. The work schedule includes standard weekday hours with participation in an on-call rotation for night and weekend work for a limited number of weeks per year. Paid time off, holiday pay, mileage reimbursement, and travel expense coverage support the field nature of the role. Dress and presentation are expected to be professional and appropriate for customer-facing work in environments such as schools, hospitals, and corporate or institutional facilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $52.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.