Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer (travel required)

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, configures, and supports control systems within data center and advanced technology environments. This role focuses on programming and commissioning HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems, troubleshooting complex process architectures, and integrating construction, design, and commissioning activities to ensure reliable and efficient facility operations. The Controls Engineer works both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver capital projects, implement automation solutions, and help clients improve performance and achieve critical operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and support control systems for data center and industrial facility applications, including HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems.
• Coordinate operations technicians’ work schedules and manpower forecasts to support commissioning and ongoing system activities.
• Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that affect schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems after construction installation.
• Integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities to maintain alignment across project phases.
• Provide regular reports and updates on schedule status and quality metrics related to control systems and basebuild utilities.
• Conduct system and facility engineering job walk assessments to evaluate installation quality, operational readiness, and compliance with design intent.
• Troubleshoot control system issues and perform root cause failure analyses on assigned projects to prevent recurrence and improve reliability.
• Conduct I/O checkouts to verify proper installation, configuration, and operation of instrumentation, devices, and control hardware.
• Train suppliers in the use of commissioning software systems and ensure they understand required procedures and documentation standards.
• Provide and manage access for suppliers in commissioning software systems, maintaining appropriate permissions and data integrity.
• Interface smoothly with engineering design team members, contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to resolve technical issues and coordinate project activities.
• Support multi-discipline large capital projects, ensuring effective collaboration among owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.
• Apply a strong 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.
• Generate clear technical documentation and reports, and deliver group presentations on system performance, issues, and recommendations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance system reliability, performance, and maintainability.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with control systems in a data center or similar environment.
• At least 2 years of experience in commissioning or construction for instrumentation and controls (I&C) or electrical basebuild systems in the advanced technology sector.
• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLC programming and automation solutions.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in large industrial or data center applications.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, P&IDs, data sheets, and related engineering documentation.
• Hands-on experience conducting I/O checkouts and validating instrumentation and device functionality.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley PLCs, PLC5, and ControlLogix hardware and software.
• Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) and SCADA platforms and their integration into facility control architectures.
• Good understanding of Design/Build processes, including engineering and construction workflows for large capital projects.
• Solid grasp of complex process systems architecture and design, instrumentation, device selection, networking, PLC and I/O architectures, and SCADA.
• 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.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to perform root cause failure analysis on complex systems.
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills, including generating detailed reports and conducting group presentations.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration abilities, with the capacity to work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary project teams.
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, control systems engineering, or a related technical field; direct relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical discipline is preferred.
• Experience supporting capital projects and implementing automation and control solutions for complex facilities.
• Experience in multi-discipline large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation ecosystems, including troubleshooting and optimization.
• Experience with ignition or similar industrial automation and SCADA platforms is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, manage commissioning constraints, and track quality metrics.
• Comfort working in dynamic project environments with evolving priorities and multiple stakeholders.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily within data centers and advanced technology industrial facilities that rely on complex HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems. You will work with technologies such as Rockwell Automation and Allen-Bradley PLCs, ControlLogix and PLC5 hardware and software, BMS and SCADA platforms, and a range of instrumentation and networking architectures. The environment includes dry and wet mechanical systems, AWN, gas and chemical distribution, HVAC systems, and clean room environmental controls. Work involves a mix of office-based tasks, such as programming, documentation, and reporting, and field-based activities, including job walk assessments, I/O checkouts, and on-site troubleshooting. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams, operations technicians, contractors, and system integrators on large capital projects. Standard business hours typically apply, with flexibility required during commissioning phases or critical project milestones. Attire should be professional and appropriate for both office and industrial settings, with additional safety gear used as required by facility conditions.

This is a Contract position based out of El Paso, TX.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in El Paso,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

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

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.