Controls Technician

Actalent; New Jersey; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Controls Technician to install, commission, and recommission customer building automation systems using DDC technology across sites in New Jersey. This role blends hands-on field work with software configuration to ensure HVAC and BAS operate reliably and efficiently.

You will provide customer training, documentation, and ongoing support while collaborating with project management and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in building HVAC with a focus on building automation controls (3- or 4-year program).
• Field experience with installation and operation of building automation and Automated Logic Controls systems.
• Ability to understand and navigate third-party control systems and integrations.
• Experience troubleshooting HVAC and building automation.

Responsibilities

• Install, start up, commission, and recommission customer systems that utilize DDC technology, ensuring proper operation and performance.
• Provide turnkey project delivery for small projects of approximately 80 or fewer budgeted hours, managing tasks from installation through commissioning and closeout.
• Troubleshoot mid-level systems issues, diagnose problems, and implement effective solutions, or assist others in resolving system problems.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and other trades on site to coordinate work and ensure integrated system operation.
• Work with unitary systems such as VAV, FPB, and FCU units, as well as small air handling units (AHUs), basic CW/HW systems, and front-end systems.

Skills

HVAC/building automation experience

Field installation experience

Control systems integrations

Troubleshooting HVAC

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HVAC/building automation

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Technician

Job Description

The Technician installs, starts up, commissions, and recommissions customer building automation systems that utilize direct digital control (DDC) technology across sites in New York and New Jersey. This role combines hands-on field work with software configuration to ensure HVAC and building automation systems operate reliably, efficiently, and according to design. The Systems Specialist also provides customer training, documentation, and ongoing support, while collaborating closely with project management, subcontractors, and other trades. This position offers strong growth opportunities, particularly in software and design engineering, for technicians who enjoy working with both mechanical and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, start up, commission, and recommission customer systems that utilize DDC technology, ensuring proper operation and performance.
• Provide turnkey project delivery for small projects of approximately 80 or fewer budgeted hours, managing tasks from installation through commissioning and closeout.
• Troubleshoot mid-level systems issues, diagnose problems, and implement effective solutions, or assist others in resolving system problems.
• Collaborate with subcontractors and other trades on site to coordinate work and ensure integrated system operation.
• Work with unitary systems such as VAV, FPB, and FCU units, as well as small air handling units (AHUs), basic chilled water/hot water (CW/HW) systems, and front-end systems.
• Complete all required commissioning documentation accurately and on time, including test results and system configuration details.
• Maintain accurate as-built drawing packages, marking and documenting all changes made during installation and commissioning.
• Complete all required paperwork on time, including time sheets, expense reports, posting of work orders, on-site documentation, and project status reports.
• Take responsibility for total system operation, from controllers to sensors, including loading software and verifying proper communication and control.
• Set up system trends, alarms, and reports, and coordinate with customer IT personnel to ensure connectivity and proper network configuration.
• Calibrate systems using basic electronic test equipment such as multimeters, network terminals, and laptop computers to verify accurate operation.
• Perform mid-level static (stand‑alone) commissioning of software programming to validate control logic and sequences of operation.
• Conduct site‑specific training for owners and operators on the total system, including system navigation, alarms, trends, and basic troubleshooting.
• Set up operator workstations with all associated software and ensure users have appropriate access and functionality.
• Perform job database backups on a daily basis or as directed, ensuring system configurations and programs are securely saved.
• Assist with project turnover to the Service Department, providing documentation, system summaries, and support during handoff.
• Communicate with the customer upon arrival and before leaving the work site, providing updates on work performed and next steps.
• Track and record personal job progress, maintaining clear records and keeping the Project Manager informed of status and any issues.
• Review customer systems and identify areas for improvement or scope issues, communicating these to the Project Manager for follow‑up.
• Keep project management apprised of customer concerns, issues, and potential risks that may affect schedule or performance.
• Maintain a daily log of pertinent job‑related activities, including work performed, issues encountered, and resolutions.
• Adhere to safety standards at all times, demonstrating a high degree of regard for personal, employee, and subcontractor safety.
• Maintain and troubleshoot personal laptops and mobile devices, ensuring they are properly configured for field networking and software use.
• Apply a solid understanding of mechanical equipment operation and control sequences to verify correct system behavior and performance.
• Support a positive, collaborative work environment by working effectively with team members, customers, and partners in the field.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in building HVAC with a focus on building automation controls (3- or 4-year program).
• Field experience with installation and operation of building automation and Automated Logic Controls systems.
• Ability to understand and navigate third-party control systems and integrations.
• Experience troubleshooting HVAC and building automation