Field Controls Engineer

Job Title: Field Controls Engineer

Job Description

This Field Engineer role supports a large data center project in northern Los Angeles, focusing on the commissioning and qualification of electrical and controls engineering projects. You will work hands-on in the field with electrical and instrumentation systems, contributing to PLC, SCADA, and HMI implementation, as well as building management system installation and verification. This position offers the opportunity to learn directly from a senior engineer and gain extensive experience in industrial and construction environments while supporting a high-urgency project.

Responsibilities

• Support the commissioning and qualification of electrical and controls engineering projects involving electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Coordinate daily activities and technical requirements with electrical subcontractors to ensure proper installation and integration of systems.
• Perform PLC, SCADA, and HMI programming tasks to support system functionality, commissioning, and start-up.
• Provide commissioning support and assist with system start-up, troubleshooting, and optimization of control and instrumentation systems.
• Conduct building management system installation and wiring QA/QC verification, including inspection of control panels and associated instruments.
• Perform point-to-point testing to verify that field devices associated with the control system are installed, wired, and functioning correctly.
• Prepare and submit package shop drawings and documentation for review and approval, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Review and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings to support installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Apply mechanical knowledge of blowers, pumps, air handlers, and pressure and flow systems during field testing and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with a senior engineer to implement best practices in field engineering, commissioning, and control system integration.
• Document test results, commissioning activities, and field observations clearly and accurately for project records and approvals.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety and quality while working in industrial and construction environments.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for field work by actively participating in on-site problem solving, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Automation Engineering (BSEE or BSME preferred).
• Knowledge of or coursework in controls engineering, including control systems theory and applications.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and electrical drawings.
• Experience or training with HMI systems, including configuration or operation of human-machine interfaces.
• Familiarity with PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems and their role in controls and instrumentation environments.
• Fundamental electrical engineering knowledge, including wiring, circuits, and power distribution concepts.
• Mechanical knowledge of blowers, pumps, air handlers, and systems involving pressure and flow.
• Strong interest and willingness to work in field engineering roles within industrial and construction environments.
• Ability to perform QA/QC verification of wiring and control panels, including point-to-point testing of field devices.
• Comfort working with building management systems and associated control panels and instruments.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with subcontractors and documenting technical work.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality in all field activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in field engineering, electrical start-up, or commissioning of controls and instrumentation systems is beneficial.
• Hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, and HMI programming in an industrial or data center environment is a plus.
• Experience working on data center, industrial, or large commercial projects is advantageous.
• Ability to thrive in remote locations with limited entertainment or amenities.
• Willingness to travel regularly, including periodic trips home, and to comply with advance booking and expense procedures.
• Motivation to learn from a senior engineer and develop expertise in commissioning and field engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex control and instrumentation issues under time-sensitive conditions.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite at a data center in northern Los Angeles in a very remote area with limited nearby entertainment or amenities. You will work primarily in an industrial and construction environment, supporting electrical and control systems, building management systems, and field devices. The typical work schedule is approximately 50 hours per week, with work limited to around 40 billable hours and remaining details subject to approval. The project offers a housing stipend and a monthly lodging allowance, which is added to the daily per diem rate rather than paid as a single lump sum. Per diem covers breakfast and dinner on workdays, and lunch is catered daily at the site. Travel support includes paid mileage to and from the job site based on applicable rates, as well as reimbursement for airfare for two trips home each month when booked in advance and supported by receipts. Other travel expenses, such as rideshare or rental vehicles, are reimbursable with proper documentation. The project environment emphasizes hands-on field work, close collaboration with a senior engineer, and participation in a high-priority, time-sensitive data center initiative.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Golden, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr.

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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 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.