Controls Specialist

Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Controls Specialist plays a key role in supporting capital projects and implementing advanced control solutions for complex industrial and data center environments. You will work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to help clients improve performance, enhance reliability, and achieve critical operational goals. This role focuses on commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimizing I&C and electrical basebuild systems, while closely integrating construction, design, and commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations technicians work schedules and develop manpower forecasts to ensure adequate support for commissioning and construction activities.

• Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that affect 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 operations teams.

• Provide regular reports and updates on schedule status and quality metrics, clearly communicating progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders.

• Conduct system and facility engineering job walk assessments to evaluate 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 improve system performance and reliability.

• Train suppliers and project partners in the use of the owners commissioning software systems to ensure consistent and accurate documentation of commissioning activities.

• Provide and manage access for suppliers within the owners commissioning software systems, maintaining appropriate permissions and data integrity.

• Interface effectively with engineering design team members, contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to coordinate technical requirements and project milestones.

• Program, configure, and optimize control systems, including PLCs and related hardware and software, to meet project specifications and operational needs.

• Conduct I/O checkouts and functional testing of control systems to verify correct installation, wiring, configuration, and operation.

• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, P&IDs, data sheets, and control system documentation to support design review, installation, and troubleshooting.

• Support and contribute to large, multi-discipline capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators, ensuring smooth integration of controls and automation.

• Generate clear written technical reports and deliver group presentations to communicate findings, recommendations, and project status.

• Apply a proactive, detail-oriented approach to identifying risks, resolving issues, and improving processes throughout the project lifecycle.

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 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 programming.

• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems, including building management systems (BMS).

• Good understanding of complex process systems architecture and design, 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.

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

• Experience conducting I/O checkouts and functional testing of control systems.

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

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to perform root cause failure analysis.

• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to collaborate across multidisciplinary project teams.

• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues in complex technical environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, control systems engineering, or a related technical field; direct, relevant experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

• Bachelors degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical field is preferred.

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

• Good understanding of design/build project delivery, including both engineering and construction aspects.

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.

• Background in commissioning, building automation systems, and SCADA platforms.

• Experience in data center environments, particularly related to controls, automation, PLCs, and electrical systems.

• Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced project settings, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface smoothly with engineering teams, field personnel, suppliers, and client representatives.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in all project activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Atlanta, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Atlanta, GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Atlanta,GA.

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.