Systems Specialist

Job Title: Systems Specialist - Installation

Job Description

The Systems Specialist - Installation role focuses on setting up, commissioning, and recommissioning customer building automation systems that utilize direct digital control (DDC) technology. You will deliver turnkey projects on small installations, ensure reliable operation of HVAC and building automation equipment, and provide technical training and support to building owners and operators. This position offers strong growth opportunities, particularly in software engineering and design engineering, for technicians who enjoy working with and modifying control software.

Responsibilities

• Install, start up, commission, and recommission customer systems that utilize DDC technology for building automation and HVAC control.

• Provide solutions to mid-level systems problems by troubleshooting issues directly or guiding others on how to resolve them.

• Deliver turnkey project execution on small projects, typically those with 80 or fewer budgeted hours, ensuring on-time and quality completion.

• Work with subcontractors and other trades on-site to ensure proper operation and integration of all system components.

• Install, configure, and support unitary HVAC systems including VAV, FPB, and FCU units, as well as small air handling units, basic chilled water/hot water systems, and front-end interfaces.

• Complete all required commissioning documentation accurately and on time, including functional tests, checklists, and system verification records.

• Maintain accurate as-built drawing packages, marking and recording all changes made during installation and commissioning.

• Complete all required paperwork on time, including time sheets, expense reports, work order postings, on-site documentation, and detailed project status reports.

• Take responsibility for total system operation from controllers to sensors, including loading software, setting up trends, alarms, and reports, and coordinating with customer IT personnel as needed.

• Calibrate systems using basic electronic test equipment such as multimeters, network terminals, and laptop computers to ensure proper sensor and device operation.

• Perform mid-level static (stand-alone) commissioning of software programming to validate control logic and system performance.

• Conduct site-specific training for building owners and operators on the total system, including system navigation, alarms, and basic troubleshooting.

• Set up operator workstations with all associated software, ensuring proper configuration, connectivity, and user access.

• Perform job database backups on a daily basis or as advised, maintaining data integrity and system restore capability.

• Assist with project turnover to the Service Department, ensuring a smooth transition with complete documentation and system information.

• Communicate with customers upon arrival and before leaving the work site, providing updates on progress and any issues encountered.

• Track and record personal job progress, keeping project management informed of status, challenges, and any changes to scope.

• Review customer systems and identify areas of improvement or scope issues, reporting these to project management for follow-up.

• Maintain a daily log of pertinent job-related activities to support accurate reporting and project documentation.

• Adhere strictly to safety standards, demonstrating a high degree of regard for personal, employee, and subcontractor safety on all job sites.

• Maintain and troubleshoot laptops and mobile devices, leveraging computer and networking skills to ensure reliable field operation.

• Apply a solid understanding of mechanical equipment operation and control sequences to validate system performance and troubleshoot issues.

• Climb ladders when necessary to access building automation units and field devices, and safely lift items up to 50 pounds as required by the job.

Essential Skills

• Experience with HVAC systems and building automation systems, including installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

• Strong understanding of DDC technology and building automation controls, including controllers, sensors, and field devices.

• Ability to work with unitary systems such as VAV, FPB, and FCU units, small air handling units, and basic chilled water/hot water systems.

• Proficiency in computer and networking skills sufficient to maintain and troubleshoot laptops, mobile devices, and network-connected control systems.

• Ability to load, configure, and verify control software, including setting up trends, alarms, reports, and operator workstations.

• Skill in using basic electronic test equipment such as multimeters, network terminals, and laptop-based diagnostic tools.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for mid-level system problems, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues independently.

• Good understanding of mechanical equipment operation and control sequences for HVAC systems.

• Capability to manage multiple simultaneous challenges that require knowledge across several technical disciplines.

• Ability to communicate clearly with customers, project managers, subcontractors, and other trades, both verbally and in writing.

• Attention to detail in documentation, including commissioning records, as-built drawings, daily logs, and project status reports.

• Commitment to following safety standards and practices on job sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in building HVAC with a focus on building automation controls (3- or 4-year program).

• Field experience and an understanding of the installation and operation of Automated Logic Controls, with the ability to understand and navigate third-party control systems and integrations.

• Some experience with Automated Logic and Phoenix software, including tools such as WebCtrl, SiteBuilder, ViewBuilder, LogicBuilder, InterOp 3.02, Alert, Draw, EDB, Eikon, Supervision, and Accel Works.

• Background in field service, electrical or electronic technology, or building automation systems is beneficial.

• An engineering degree such as BSME or any other bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical, or Automation is an advantage.

• Experience working in HVAC, building automation, or related technical fields.

• Ability to grow into software engineering or design engineering roles by modifying, manipulating, and creating new control sequences.

• Comfort working with TCP/IP networks and basic IT concepts related to building automation systems.

• Strong organizational skills to manage documentation, scheduling, and multiple project tasks.

• Willingness to travel within the assigned territory and work independently at various customer sites.

Work Environment

This role covers a territory that includes both New York and New Jersey, with current projects along the I-78 corridor and in areas such as Princeton, Asbury Park, Newark, and various university and commercial sites. You will typically drive your own vehicle directly from home to job sites rather than reporting to a central office each day. Daily mileage and certain travel-related expenses such as gas, tolls, parking, and up to 56 miles per day of reimbursement are provided for contractors, with additional benefits such as a company car, toll pass, and company credit card available upon transition to a full-time role. Work is primarily performed on customer premises, including universities, commercial buildings, and large multi-year projects, where you will interact with building automation units, HVAC equipment, and control systems. Typical working hours are approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with no on-call shifts in the installation group, though there may be opportunities to support other teams. The position involves regular use of laptops, mobile devices, electronic test equipment, and building automation software tools. You must be comfortable climbing ladders to access equipment, working in mechanical rooms and above-ceiling spaces, and lifting items up to 50 pounds. The environment encourages professional growth, particularly in software engineering and design engineering, with technicians frequently engaging in software modification, sequence development, and collaboration with engineering teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clifton, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $40.86/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 Clifton,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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.