Controls Specialist

Job Title: Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Controls Specialist supports complex capital projects by commissioning and optimizing basebuild utility and control systems in advanced technology and data center environments. In this role, you work both independently and as part of cross‑functional teams to integrate construction, design, and commissioning activities, troubleshoot system issues, and implement control solutions that improve performance and reliability. You collaborate closely with operations technicians, engineering design teams, and suppliers to ensure systems are delivered safely, on schedule, and to the required quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations technicians' work schedules and develop manpower forecasts to support commissioning and construction 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 project stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports and updates on schedule progress, commissioning status, and quality metrics.
• Conduct system and facility engineering walk‑through assessments to evaluate readiness, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot control systems and equipment issues and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects to prevent recurrence.
• Train suppliers in the use of the owner's commissioning software systems and ensure they follow established processes and standards.
• Provide, manage, and monitor suppliers' access to the owner's commissioning software systems to maintain data integrity and security.
• Interface effectively with engineering design team members, contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to resolve technical and scheduling challenges.
• Program, configure, and validate control systems, including PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Conduct I/O checkouts and functional testing of control systems to verify correct installation, integration, and operation.
• Review, interpret, and apply technical drawings, P&IDs, data sheets, and schematics in support of design, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support and optimize building automation, HVAC, electrical, and environmental control systems in data centers or similar industrial facilities.
• Participate in group presentations and technical discussions, clearly communicating findings, recommendations, and project status.
• Maintain a proactive, detail‑oriented approach to identifying risks, improving processes, and enhancing overall system performance.

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 PLC‑5 and ControlLogix hardware and software.
• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLC and HMI programming.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in large industrial or data center environments.
• Experience working on multi‑discipline large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.
• Good understanding of design/build processes for engineering and construction projects.
• Solid knowledge 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.
• 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.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and analytical skills applied to electrical and automation systems.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to collaborate across disciplines.
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering or a related field, or equivalent direct experience in lieu of a degree.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical field is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Familiarity with building management systems (BMS) and SCADA platforms.
• Background in commissioning, construction, and building automation systems for advanced technology or data center facilities.
• Experience with HMI configuration and programming for industrial control applications.
• Exposure to data center operations and control strategies for critical infrastructure.
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic project environments with multiple stakeholders and changing priorities.
• Demonstrated capability to train and support suppliers and project partners on commissioning tools and processes.

Work Environment

This role is project‑based and requires travel to a site in El Paso, TX, with a per diem provided while on assignment. You can expect to work approximately 40-50 hours per week, with schedules aligned to project needs and commissioning milestones. The work takes place in advanced technology and data center environments that include large industrial systems such as HVAC, electrical distribution, gas and chemical distribution, and clean room or controlled environmental areas. You will work closely with engineering teams, operations technicians, contractors, and system integrators, using a range of control system technologies including PLCs, building automation systems, BMS, and SCADA platforms. The environment is fast‑paced and technically demanding, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and reliable operation of critical infrastructure.

Job Type & Location

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

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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

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 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.