Data Center- Controls Systems Engineer

Actalent; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short/Long-term disability

HSA

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Actalent in Sterling, VA, seeks a skilled Controls Engineer for an AWS data center installation and commissioning project. The role focuses on device configuration, testing, and EPMS/BMS troubleshooting, with emphasis on Modbus devices and network connectivity to the client’s cloud platform.

The position is fully onsite with overtime as needed. OSHA 10 compliance is required, and some east coast travel is expected after six months. Pay is $38.00–$40.00 per hour with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong electrical and mechanical skills.
• Knowledge of BMS and EPMS systems.
• Experience with control systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform device configuration and commissioning tasks.
• Conduct point-to-point testing.
• Provide troubleshooting support for EPMS systems.
• Assist with Ignition troubleshooting and support.
• Test HVAC devices including sensors, meters, valves, and Modbus devices.
• Troubleshoot control panels and field devices.
• Verify device communications and network connectivity to graphics and cloud platform.
• Understand and apply network port map layouts.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical and mechanical skills

BMS/EPMS knowledge

Control systems experience

Tools

Modbus devices

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

Join a dedicated team supporting an AWS data center installation and commissioning project in Sterling, VA, with an anticipated completion timeframe of early/mid October. The role primarily involves supporting device configuration and commissioning, point-to-point testing, EPMS systems, and providing Ignition troubleshooting and support. This position is not focused on Ignition development but requires comfort in troubleshooting, applying overrides, gathering information, and supporting the commissioning process.

Responsibilities

• Perform device configuration and commissioning tasks.
• Conduct point-to-point testing.
• Provide support and troubleshooting for EPMS systems.
• Assist with Ignition troubleshooting and support.
• Conduct point-to-point testing of HVAC devices such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters with totalizers, control valves, weather stations, and Modbus devices.
• Engage in control panel and field device troubleshooting.
• Verify L2/L3 checkout sheet.
• Support the commissioning process.
• Configure and test switchgear-related equipment, including USB trip units, PDCs, DLBs, SERs, ATSs, and Power Quality Meters (PQMs).
• Verify device communications and connectivity to graphics.
• Ensure devices communicate properly through the network to the client's cloud platform.
• Understand and work with network port map layouts.

Essential Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Electrical and mechanical skills.
• Knowledge of BMS and EPMS systems.
• Experience with control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with point-to-point testing of HVAC devices.
• Knowledge of Modbus devices.
• Proficiency in control panel and field device troubleshooting.
• Understanding of network port map layouts.

Work Environment

The role involves working on data center projects with a requirement for overtime and onsite presence. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gear is necessary, and compliance with OSHA 10 standards is required. The position is based in Virginia, with potential travel across the east coast after six months.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.00/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.

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
• 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 to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling,VA.

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 [e-mail] 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.