Power Systems Field Service Technician

Actalent; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Power Systems Field Service Technician to commission, test, and troubleshoot mission-critical electrical infrastructure in live data center environments in Chicago, IL. The role requires strong hands-on skills and the ability to work independently, making sound technical decisions under pressure to ensure uptime and safety.

You will work with MDS, ATS, and PDUs, perform functional tests in both manual and auto modes, and document as-found/as-left conditions.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience commissioning power systems in data centers or critical facilities.
• Experience with low-voltage distribution systems under 1,000V including MDS/PDUs.
• NFPA 70E certification and strict safety practices while working on energized systems.

Responsibilities

• Commission and functionally test data center electrical systems (MDS, ATS, PDUs).
• Perform cold checks, power-on checks, and functional testing in manual and automatic modes.
• Read electrical drawings and commissioning docs to guide testing and troubleshooting.
• Produce daily commissioning reports and issue logs with clear as-found/as-left conditions.
• Communicate progress and coordinate field activities with project teams and site personnel.

Skills

Hands-on field service

Power systems commissioning

Low-voltage distribution

ATS testing

Troubleshooting live systems

NFPA 70E safety

Job description

Job Title: Power Systems Field Service Technician Job Description The Power Systems Field Service Technician will serve as a Data Center Power Systems Commissioning Technician responsible for commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting missioncritical electrical infrastructure in live data center environments. This role is ideal for an experienced technician with strong handson skills who can work independently, make sound technical decisions under pressure, and ensure the reliability, safety, and performance of critical power systems without the need for formal training or close supervision.

Responsibilities

• Commission and functionally test data center electrical systems, including Main Distribution Switchboards (MDS), Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), and Power Distribution Units (PDUs).
• Perform cold checks, poweron checks, and functional testing to verify proper system operation in both manual and automatic modes.
• Support system readiness for operational handoff by confirming that all power systems operate reliably and meet project requirements.
• Troubleshoot lowvoltage power distribution systems (under 1,000V), diagnosing and resolving issues related to control circuitry, power and control wiring, device configuration, and interlocks.
• Independently plan work scope, sequencing, and execution in the field, ensuring efficient and accurate completion of commissioning tasks.
• Make sound technical decisions in live, missioncritical environments where uptime, redundancy, and safety are essential.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, wiring schedules, and commissioning documentation to guide testing and troubleshooting activities.
• Produce clear, professional documentation, including daily commissioning reports, test results, issue logs, and detailed asfound / asleft conditions.
• Communicate effectively with project teams and site personnel to report progress, elevate issues appropriately, and coordinate field activities.
• Perform all work in strict compliance with NFPA 70E and site safety requirements, maintaining a safetyfirst mindset when working on or around energized systems.
• Follow established commissioning procedures and best practices to ensure consistent, highquality execution of all testing and verification activities.
• Confidently explain ATS commissioning work performed in data centers, including transfer logic, interlocks, failure modes, and live testing approaches.

Essential Skills

• Proven, handson experience commissioning power systems in data centers, missioncritical facilities, or other critical power environments.
• Working knowledge of lowvoltage (under 1,000V) electrical distribution systems, including switchboards, PDUs, and associated power distribution equipment.
• Direct, handson experience commissioning and functionally testing Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), with a strong understanding of transfer logic, interlocks, failure modes, and live testing.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot control circuitry, power and control wiring, and device configuration issues in the field.
• Comfort working independently without daily supervision, including planning work, executing commissioning tasks, and resolving issues on site.
• Solid understanding of commissioning procedures, documentation requirements, and safe work practices for live electrical systems.
• NFPA 70E certification and a proven history of working safely on or around energized electrical systems.
• Experience working in data centers, missioncritical facilities, or environments where uptime, redundancy, and safety are critical.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to confidently explain previous ATS commissioning work in data center environments, including specific testing methods and problemsolving approaches.
• Strong field execution skills, including independent work planning, sequencing, and decisionmaking under time and operational constraints.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with project teams, site personnel, and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail in documenting test results, issues, and system conditions to support accurate system handoff and future maintenance.
• Familiarity with mediumvoltage and broader power system concepts is beneficial.
• Experience in field service work related to power distribution and power systems is a plus.

Work Environment This role involves working on a project based in Virginia within live, missioncritical data center environments where electrical systems support highavailability operations. You will work directly on lowvoltage power distribution equipment such as Main Distribution Switchboards, Automatic Transfer Switches, and Power Distribution Units, often in energized conditions that require strict adherence to NFPA 70E and site safety procedures. The position includes fieldbased work with travel time covered, reimbursement of workrelated expenses, and a daily per diem. You will collaborate with project teams and site personnel in a professional setting focused on safety, reliability, and continuous operation of critical infrastructure, while maintaining appropriate professional attire suitable for an industrial and technical field environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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 [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.