Controls Technician

Job Title: Controls Technician
Job Description
The Technician installs, starts up, commissions, and recommissions customer building automation systems that utilize direct digital control (DDC) technology across sites in New York and New Jersey. This role combines hands-on field work with software configuration to ensure HVAC and building automation systems operate reliably, efficiently, and according to design. The Systems Specialist also provides customer training, documentation, and ongoing support, while collaborating closely with project management, subcontractors, and other trades. This position offers strong growth opportunities, particularly in software and design engineering, for technicians who enjoy working with both mechanical and control systems.
Responsibilities

• Install, start up, commission, and recommission customer systems that utilize DDC technology, ensuring proper operation and performance.
• Provide turnkey project delivery for small projects of approximately 80 or fewer budgeted hours, managing tasks from installation through commissioning and closeout.
• Troubleshoot mid-level systems issues, diagnose problems, and implement effective solutions, or assist others in resolving system problems.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and other trades on site to coordinate work and ensure integrated system operation.
• Work with unitary systems such as VAV, FPB, and FCU units, as well as small air handling units (AHUs), basic chilled water/hot water (CW/HW) systems, and front-end systems.
• Complete all required commissioning documentation accurately and on time, including test results and system configuration details.
• Maintain accurate as-built drawing packages, marking and documenting all changes made during installation and commissioning.
• Complete all required paperwork on time, including time sheets, expense reports, posting of work orders, on-site documentation, and project status reports.
• Take responsibility for total system operation, from controllers to sensors, including loading software and verifying proper communication and control.
• Set up system trends, alarms, and reports, and coordinate with customer IT personnel to ensure connectivity and proper network configuration.
• Calibrate systems using basic electronic test equipment such as multimeters, network terminals, and laptop computers to verify accurate operation.
• Perform mid-level static (stand-alone) commissioning of software programming to validate control logic and sequences of operation.
• Conduct site-specific training for owners and operators on the total system, including system navigation, alarms, trends, and basic troubleshooting.
• Set up operator workstations with all associated software and ensure users have appropriate access and functionality.
• Perform job database backups on a daily basis or as directed, ensuring system configurations and programs are securely saved.
• Assist with project turnover to the Service Department, providing documentation, system summaries, and support during handoff.
• Communicate with the customer upon arrival and before leaving the work site, providing updates on work performed and next steps.
• Track and record personal job progress, maintaining clear records and keeping the Project Manager informed of status and any issues.
• Review customer systems and identify areas for improvement or scope issues, communicating these to the Project Manager for follow-up.
• Keep project management apprised of customer concerns, issues, and potential risks that may affect schedule or performance.
• Maintain a daily log of pertinent job-related activities, including work performed, issues encountered, and resolutions.
• Adhere to safety standards at all times, demonstrating a high degree of regard for personal, employee, and subcontractor safety.
• Maintain and troubleshoot personal laptops and mobile devices, ensuring they are properly configured for field networking and software use.
• Apply a solid understanding of mechanical equipment operation and control sequences to verify correct system behavior and performance.
• Support a positive, collaborative work environment by working effectively with team members, customers, and partners in the field.

Essential Skills

• 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 with installation and operation of building automation and Automated Logic Controls systems.
• Ability to understand and navigate third-party control systems and integrations.
• Experience troubleshooting HVAC and building automation systems in a field service or commissioning environment.
• Proficiency with building automation software and tools, including Automated Logic and Phoenix software such as WebCtrl, SiteBuilder, ViewBuilder, LogicBuilder, InterOp 3.02, Alert, Draw, EDB, Eikon, Supervision, and Accel Works.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and HVAC operation, including unitary systems (VAV, FPB, FCU), small AHUs, and basic CW/HW systems.
• Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking concepts as they relate to building automation systems.
• Ability to use electronic test equipment, including multimeters, network terminals, and laptop computers, for calibration and diagnostics.
• Competence in software loading, configuration, and commissioning of DDC-based control systems.
• Solid computer and networking skills to maintain and troubleshoot laptops and mobile devices used in the field.
• Strong documentation skills, including as-built drawings, commissioning reports, and daily logs.
• Effective communication skills to interact with customers, project managers, subcontractors, and IT personnel.
• Ability to conduct site-specific training for owners and operators on building automation systems.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to established safety standards on job sites.
• Physical ability to climb ladders when needed to access building automation equipment and lift items up to 50 pounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience dealing with multiple simultaneous challenges that require knowledge across several disciplines (mechanical, electrical, controls, and networking).
• Familiarity with building automation systems and field service work in commercial or institutional environments.
• Exposure to large-scale projects such as university campuses, telecommunications facilities, or multi-year building automation programs.
• Interest in career growth into software engineering or design engineering roles within building automation.
• Ability to modify and manipulate control software, including sequences of operation and logic changes.
• Strong organizational skills to manage travel, scheduling, documentation, and expense reporting.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in the field while remaining aligned with project management direction.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to identify system improvements and communicate value-added recommendations.

Work Environment
This is a field-based role covering territories in both New York and New Jersey, with current and upcoming projects along the I-78 corridor and as far south in New Jersey as areas such as Princeton and Asbury Park. Typical work hours are approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with no on-call shifts required for the installation group, though there may be opportunities to support other teams. Technicians typically travel directly from their homes to job sites rather than reporting daily to a central office. Team members use their own vehicles and receive reimbursement for mileage and out-of-pocket expenses such as fuel, tolls, parking, and related travel costs, subject to defined daily mileage limits. Over time, and upon transition to a full-time internal role, additional tools such as a company vehicle, electronic toll pass, and company credit card may be provided. The work involves regular visits to active construction and operational facilities, including universities and large commercial sites, where coordination with other trades, subcontractors, and customer personnel is essential. The role requires climbing ladders when necessary to access building automation units and lifting equipment or components up to 50 pounds. Technicians regularly use laptops, mobile devices, test instruments, and building automation workstations, and they interact frequently with mechanical equipment, control panels, and networked systems in mechanical rooms, plant spaces, and occupied buildings. The environment emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous learning, with strong opportunities for growth into software and design engineering within building automation.
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 $30.00 - $40.86/hr.
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 Jul 13, 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.


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