Field Service Engineer

Field Service Engineer Building Automation & Data Centers

The Field Service Engineer will play a key role in commissioning and supporting building automation systems for large data centers in LaPorte, IN and Elkhart, IN. This role focuses on startup, diagnostics, and optimization of direct digital control (DDC) systems for HVAC and related building systems, ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operation. You will use mobile tools and software to verify settings, perform point-to-point checks, and support commissioning activities, while collaborating closely with customers, contractors, and internal teams. The position offers significant growth potential, structured training, and long-term project stability.

Responsibilities:

• Initiate, install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems that utilize advanced Direct Digital Control (DDC) technology for data center environments.
• Perform site startups for DDC equipment and provide commissioning support for new construction projects, including point-to-point checks of controls and field devices.
• Use an iPad and other tools to access system settings and controls, run diagnostics, and verify that systems are configured and operating correctly.
• Work with chiller plant controls, fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), HVAC systems, energy monitoring, demand response, lighting, indoor air quality, humidity, temperature, elevator performance, and related building systems.
• Follow building automation and mechanical drawing packages, implement system configurations, and update documentation and drawings as needed.
• Serve as the local technical contact and leader in the field, addressing system issues and coordinating with customers and contractors.
• Offer effective solutions for increasingly complex system and controls issues, escalating and collaborating as appropriate.
• Provide turnkey project delivery on small to medium projects, ensuring scope, schedule, and quality expectations are met.
• Ensure that all systems operate properly, including controls, sensors, actuators, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and associated software.
• Load and configure building automation software, including trends, alarms, and reports, to support system monitoring and performance analysis.
• Implement effective time management strategies to complete tasks efficiently and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Communicate clearly with customers and project stakeholders, documenting project status, configuration details, and system changes.
• Deliver site-specific training to owners and operators on the complete building automation system and its operation.
• Assist in the training and development of less experienced Field Engineers by sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Travel to other customer sites for the initial training period and participate in classroom and field-based training sessions.
• Use electrical test equipment, such as a multimeter, to perform electrical troubleshooting and verification of system wiring and devices.
• Read and interpret HVAC mechanical prints and controls drawings to understand system design and verify installation.
• Check out and commission common HVAC controls devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, relays, and associated field hardware.

Essential Skills:

• Bachelors degree, associate degree, technical or business school certificate, or diploma in HVAC controls or a closely related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience with building automation, HVAC controls, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with point-to-point checks and startup/commissioning of new construction projects involving building automation systems.
• Technical knowledge of HVAC systems and controls, including exposure to chillers, boilers, pressure systems, temperature control, and building energy systems.
• Ability to perform electrical troubleshooting and a strong understanding of basic electrical principles.
• Proficiency in using an electrical multimeter and the ability to explain its use in troubleshooting and verification.
• Understanding of common control components, including actuators and their function in HVAC and automation systems.
• Knowledge of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their role in controlling motors and optimizing system performance.
• Ability to step into customer sites and get systems up and running, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Strong self-drive and motivation to learn, investigate issues, and work through technical challenges independently.
• Valid and current drivers license and the ability to be insurable under company vehicle insurance requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree, associate degree, technical or business school certificate, or diploma in HVAC, controls, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• 0 to 2 years of experience in mechanical construction or related fields for entry-level consideration, including building construction, solar, power plant, or building energy roles.
• 6 to 8 years or more of experience in building automation and HVAC controls for advanced and master-level consideration.
• Experience with building automation software such as WebCTRL, including installation and configuration of increasingly complex control systems.
• Basic knowledge of navigating and integrating into a variety of building automation systems and platforms.
• Good understanding of common HVAC systems such as rooftop units (RTUs), air handlers, VAV boxes, chillers, and boilers.
• Ability to read and understand HVAC mechanical prints and controls schematics.
• Ability to check out and commission HVAC controls devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, and relays.
• Experience working with building management systems (BMS) and building automation technologies.
• Experience or education in mechanical engineering combined with interest in field construction or commissioning.
• Strong customer focus, communication skills, and ability to work effectively with contractors and site personnel.
• Desire for career growth with the ability to progress through Field Engineer levels and into supervisory or project management roles.

Work Environment:

This role is primarily focused on large data center projects located in LaPorte, IN and Elkhart, IN. The position is tied to two data centers, with an initial period of approximately 3 to 5 months of travel to other customer sites for training and shadowing, followed by ongoing work onsite in Indiana. During the training phase, you will typically work a standard 5-day workweek. Once the data centers are fully active, work hours may increase to 6 or 7 days per week depending on project needs. The environment is highly technical, involving chiller plant controls, HVAC systems, building automation, energy monitoring, demand response, lighting, indoor air quality, humidity, temperature, and elevator performance monitoring. You will work with modern tools, including an iPad, company laptop, and test equipment such as multimeters, and you will interact regularly with a variety of contractors, offering strong networking opportunities within the industry. The organization provides a long-term project commitment (minimum of 2 years, with potential for 3 to 5 years), structured field and classroom training, and investment in state-of-the-art technology and training resources. Benefits include paid time off and holiday pay, overtime compensation at 1.5x, company-provided laptop and equipment, mileage reimbursement for use of your personal vehicle, meal reimbursement, and company-booked lodging and airfare for training and occasional travel.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Muncie, IN.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $55.00/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)

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Muncie,IN.

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