Field Service Engineer

Actalent; Racine (WI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Field Engineering Technician to join our building automation and data center systems team in Racine, WI. You will lead on-site commissioning and startup of HVAC controls, chiller plant controls, energy monitoring, and related systems using Direct Digital Control technology.

This is a hands-on, training‑rich role with clear opportunities for career progression. You will read drawings, install and verify systems, train owners and operators, and collaborate with contractors

Qualifications

• Experience with building automation systems for HVAC and controls.
• Ability to read HVAC mechanical prints and field drawings.
• Willingness to work 10-hour days and Saturdays as required by the project schedule.

Responsibilities

• Commission and start up building automation systems for chiller plant controls.
• Use an iPad to run diagnostics and verify operation of equipment.
• Provide commissioning support with no front-end design duties.
• Update drawings to reflect as-built conditions.
• Initiate, install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems using Direct Digital Control tech.
• Serve as the local technical contact and field leadership for system issues.
• Deliver turnkey project execution on small to mid-size projects from startup to commissioning.
• Verify system components, sensors, and software operate per specifications.
• Load software, configure trends, set up alarms, and generate monitoring reports.
• Document field changes and test results for project closeout.

Skills

HVAC systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Multimeter

Actuator basics

VFD knowledge

Self-motivation

Driver's license

Weekend work

Education

HVAC/Controls degree

Tools

WebCTRL

Building automation software

Job description

Job Title: Field Engineering Technician Building Automation & Data Center Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on field commissioning and startup of building automation systems at a state‑of‑the‑art data center. You will use advanced Direct Digital Control (DDC) technology to ensure HVAC, chiller plant controls, energy monitoring, and related systems operate reliably and efficiently. The position offers extensive hands‑on experience, outstanding training, and clear career progression paths within field engineering.

About The Company

Join a leading building automation and controls provider delivering innovative solutions for data centers, healthcare facilities, universities, and commercial buildings. Backed by a Fortune 500 parent company, this organization is known for its industry‑leading training, cutting‑edge technology, and strong career growth opportunities. This role offers the chance to support a state‑of‑the‑art Microsoft data center project while gaining valuable experience in HVAC controls, commissioning, and building automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Commission and start up building automation systems for chiller plant controls, fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), HVAC, energy monitoring, demand response, lighting, indoor air quality, humidity, temperature, and elevator performance.
• Use an iPad to navigate system settings and controls, run diagnostics, and verify that all equipment is operating correctly.
• Perform site startups for the DDC side of equipment and provide commissioning support, without front‑end engineering or design responsibilities.
• Follow building automation drawing packages during installation and commissioning and update drawings as needed to reflect as‑built conditions.
• Initiate, install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems that utilize advanced Direct Digital Control technology.
• Serve as the local technical contact and act as a leader in the field for system‑related issues.
• Identify and implement effective solutions for increasingly complex system and controls issues.
• Deliver turnkey project execution on small to medium‑sized projects, from startup through final commissioning.
• Verify that all system components, including controls, sensors, and software, are operating properly and in accordance with project specifications.
• Load software, configure trends, set up alarms, and generate reports to support system monitoring and performance verification.
• Implement effective time management strategies to meet project deadlines and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Communicate project status, technical findings, and system issues clearly to customers and internal stakeholders, documenting all relevant details.
• Provide site‑specific training to owners and operators on the complete building automation system, including operation, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist in the training and development of less experienced Field Engineers by sharing knowledge, best practices, and on‑the‑job guidance.
• Collaborate with contractors and other trades on site to coordinate system startup, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Use an electrical multi‑meter and other diagnostic tools to troubleshoot electrical and control circuits associated with HVAC and building automation systems.
• Check out and commission HVAC control devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, and relays to ensure proper installation and operation.
• Read and interpret HVAC mechanical prints and control drawings to guide field work and verify system configuration.
• Document field changes, test results, and commissioning outcomes to support project closeout and future service needs.

Essential Skills

• Fundamental understanding of HVAC systems, including prior exposure to equipment such as chillers, boilers, and related mechanical systems.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills and familiarity with electrical systems related to HVAC and building automation.
• Proficiency in using an electrical multi‑meter and the ability to explain its application in troubleshooting.
• Ability to explain what an actuator is and describe its function within a control system.
• Experience or education involving building chillers, pressure systems, boilers, and temperature control.
• Knowledge of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and their role in HVAC and building automation systems.
• Capability to step into active projects and get systems up and running alongside customers.
• Strong self‑drive, curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly in a field‑based environment.
• Valid and current drivers license and eligibility to be insured under company insurance.
• Willingness and ability to work 10‑hour days and be available to work most Saturdays as required by the project schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree, associate degree, or Technical/Business School certificate or diploma in HVAC, controls, mechanical engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with building automation software, such as WebCTRL, and with installing increasingly complex building automation controls.
• Basic knowledge of navigating and integrating into a variety of building automation systems.
• 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 apply them in the field.
• Ability to check out and commission HVAC control devices including sensors, valves, damper motors, and relays.
• Experience as a field technician in building automation, HVAC, or electrical controls environments.
• Experience in new build or construction projects, particularly those involving building automation systems.
• Experience in building energy‑related roles, such as energy monitoring or performance optimization, is beneficial.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with customers, contractors, and internal teams, and for delivering effective site‑specific training.
• Interest in long‑term career growth, with opportunities to advance through Field Engineer levels and into supervisory or project management roles.

Work Environment

This position is based primarily at a data center project in Racine, WI, where you will work full time on site. The data center is a state‑of‑the‑art facility and one of the first of its kind, offering significant exposure to cutting‑edge building automation and data center technologies. The scope of work focuses on building automation checkout and verification for a large‑scale critical environment. The anticipated duration at this site is approximately 13 years, with opportunities afterward to travel to other data center projects or remain local to support core work in Wisconsin, including schools, pharmaceutical plants, and university systems. The role involves regular interaction with multiple contractors and trades, providing excellent networking opportunities within the industry. Training is extensive and includes approximately three weeks at a dedicated training site to obtain credentials specific to the building automation platform requirements, followed by hands‑on experience at an active data center elsewhere in the country before mobilizing to Racine.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Racine, WI.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Racine, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Racine,WI.

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.