Instrumentation And Controls Technician

Actalent; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Specialist based in Reno, NV to commission and optimize I&C and electrical basebuild systems in data center environments. The role demands coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing schedules, and ensuring performance and reliability of control systems.

Responsibilities include programming PLCs, configuring automation hardware, and delivering technical documentation. This is a fully onsite contract position with competitive hourly pay and benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years commissioning or construction for I&C or electrical basebuild systems in advanced tech sectors.
• Minimum 3+ years experience with control systems in data centers or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technicians' work schedules and manpower for commissioning and construction activities.
• Manage commissioning constraints affecting schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems.
• Integrate construction/design schedules with commissioning activities to meet milestones.
• Prepare and deliver regular status reports and quality metrics for stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot control and electrical systems and perform root-cause analysis.

Skills

Commissioning experience

Data center experience

Rockwell Automation

PLC programming

HVAC/building automation

Team collaboration

Documentation/reporting

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

PLC5

Job description

MUST BE CURRENTLY LOCAL TO RENO,NV AND CURRENTLY LIVING HERE. No per diem available so that is why prefer local. This role is supporting data center project.

Job Title: Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Controls Specialist supports complex capital projects by commissioning and optimizing I&C and electrical basebuild systems in advanced technology environments. You will work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to integrate construction, design, and commissioning activities, ensuring that utility and control systems meet performance, quality, and schedule expectations. In this role, you help clients implement robust control solutions, resolve technical issues, and improve the reliability and efficiency of their facilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations technicians work schedules and manpower forecasts to support commissioning and construction activities.

• Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that affect schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems after construction installation.

• Integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities to ensure alignment and timely completion of project milestones.

• Prepare and deliver regular reports and updates on schedule status and quality metrics for stakeholders.

• Conduct system and facility engineering job walk assessments to verify installation, readiness, and compliance with design intent.

• Troubleshoot control and electrical systems and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects to prevent recurrence.

• Train suppliers on the use of the owners commissioning software systems and ensure they follow established processes.

• Provide and manage access for suppliers within the owners commissioning software systems, maintaining proper permissions and controls.

• Interface closely with engineering design team members and client representatives to resolve issues and coordinate technical solutions.

• Program, configure, and support control systems, including PLCs and related automation hardware and software.

• Conduct I/O checkouts and verify proper operation of control points, sensors, and field devices.

• Review and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, data sheets, and schematics to support design, installation, and commissioning activities.

• Support and oversee commissioning of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in data centers or similar facilities.

• Participate in multi-discipline large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.

• Prepare technical documentation and reports, and deliver group presentations to communicate findings, status, and recommendations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in commissioning or construction for 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 (oil & gas, food& bev, or similar).

• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including PLC5 and ControlLogix hardware and software.

• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLC programming and HMI programming.

• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in large industrial or data center environments.

• Good understanding of complex process systems architecture and design, including instrumentation, device selection, networking, PLC and I/O architectures, P&IDs, data sheets, and SCADA.

• Experience with multi-discipline large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.

• Good understanding of Design/Build (engineering and construction) project delivery.

• 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 related engineering documentation.

• Experience conducting I/O checkouts and verifying proper operation of control points and field devices.

• Proficient written and verbal technical communication skills, including generating reports and conducting group presentations.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a strong troubleshooting mindset.

• Strong communication and teamwork abilities to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Work Environment

You will typically work 4050 hours per week, supporting active construction and commissioning activities in data centers or advanced industrial facilities. The environment includes exposure to large mechanical and electrical systems, building automation systems, and clean room or controlled environments. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams, operations technicians, contractors, and system integrators in a fast-paced, project-driven setting that requires on-site presence and hands-on engagement with control and utility systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Reno, NV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $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 position based out of Reno, NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reno,NV.

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.