Controls Specialist

Job Title: Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Controls Specialist supports complex capital projects by commissioning and optimizing control systems within advanced technology and data center environments. You will work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to integrate construction, design, and commissioning activities, ensuring that basebuild utility and control systems meet performance, reliability, and quality expectations. In this role, you help clients implement critical changes, improve operational performance, and achieve their most important project goals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations technicians' work schedules and manpower forecasts to ensure adequate coverage for commissioning and startup activities.

• Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that impact the schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems after construction installation.

• Integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities to maintain alignment across engineering, construction, and commissioning teams.

• Prepare and deliver regular reports and updates on schedule status, quality metrics, and commissioning progress.

• Conduct system and facility engineering job walk assessments to verify installation quality, system readiness, and compliance with design intent.

• Troubleshoot control systems and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.

• Train suppliers and contractors on the use of the owner's commissioning software systems to ensure accurate and timely documentation.

• Provide and manage access for suppliers within the owner's commissioning software systems, maintaining proper permissions and data integrity.

• Interface closely with engineering design team members, general contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to coordinate technical requirements and resolve issues.

• Program, configure, and test PLC and control systems, including I/O checkouts, to verify correct operation and integration with field devices and higher-level systems.

• Support and oversee building automation, SCADA, and related control platforms to ensure reliable monitoring and control of HVAC, electrical, and utility systems.

• Review and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, data sheets, and schematics to validate system design, support field installation, and guide commissioning activities.

• Participate in multi-discipline large capital project execution, contributing control systems expertise across design, construction, and commissioning phases.

• Prepare technical documentation and reports and conduct group presentations to communicate findings, issues, and recommendations to project stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in commissioning or construction for instrumentation and controls (I&C) or electrical basebuild systems in the advanced technology sector.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with control systems in a data center or similar industrial environment.

• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including PLC5 and ControlLogix hardware and software.

• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLC programming and HMI configuration.

• Experience conducting I/O checkouts and verifying field device and system functionality.

• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in large industrial or data center environments.

• Good understanding of complex process systems architecture and design, including instrumentation, device selection, networking, PLC and I/O architectures, P&IDs, data sheets, and SCADA systems.

• Working knowledge of environments common in large industrial applications such as dry and wet mechanical systems, AWN, gas and chemical distribution, HVAC, and clean room environmental control.

• Experience with multi-discipline large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.

• Good understanding of design/build (engineering and construction) project delivery.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.

• Proficient written and verbal technical communication skills, including the ability to generate detailed reports and conduct group presentations.

• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills applied to control systems and automation issues.

• Associate's degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, control systems engineering, or a related field, or equivalent direct experience in lieu of a formal degree.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.

• Experience with commissioning, construction, electrical systems, automation, and I&C in industrial or data center contexts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical field (preferred).

• Familiarity with various control system platforms, including Building Management Systems (BMS) and SCADA.

• Experience with building automation systems in large facilities or data centers.

• Hands-on experience with HMI configuration and programming.

• data center controls, automation, PLC, and electrical systems.

• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional project teams.

• Strong communication skills to interface effectively with engineering teams, contractors, suppliers, and client representatives.

• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues before they impact project schedules or system performance.

Work Environment

This role is based on project work at a data center and advanced technology facility located in Aldie, VA, and requires regular travel to the project site. You will typically work 40-50 hours per week, supporting construction, commissioning, and operations activities in an industrial environment. The position involves working around HVAC systems, electrical distribution, gas and chemical distribution systems, mechanical equipment, and clean room environmental control systems. You will collaborate closely with engineering design teams, general contractors, system integrators, suppliers, and operations personnel, using tools and platforms such as PLCs, Rockwell Automation systems, building automation systems, and SCADA. A per diem is provided while traveling to the project site, and you can expect a dynamic, project-driven environment where schedules, priorities, and field conditions may change as work progresses

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dallas, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $68.00/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 Dallas,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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.