Data Center Controls Technician

Job Title: Commissioning Engineer / Commissioning Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimizing basebuild utility and control systems for large capital projects in advanced technology and data center environments. You will work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities, support control system implementations, and help clients achieve reliable, high-performance operations. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with experienced control system integrators, gain exposure to leading automation platforms, and contribute directly to complex industrial and data center projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work schedules and manpower forecasts for operations technicians to support commissioning activities.
• Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that affect the schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems after construction installation.
• Integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities to ensure alignment and timely completion.
• Provide regular reports and updates on schedule adherence and quality metrics for commissioning work.
• Conduct system and facility engineering walk-downs and job walk assessments to verify installation and readiness for commissioning.
• Troubleshoot system issues and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects to resolve technical problems and prevent recurrence.
• Train suppliers and vendors in the use of the owner's commissioning software systems and ensure they follow established processes.
• Provide and manage system access for suppliers in the owner's commissioning software systems, maintaining appropriate permissions and controls.
• Interface effectively with engineering design team members, construction partners, and client representatives to coordinate commissioning activities.
• Program, configure, and commission control systems, including PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Conduct I/O checkouts and verify proper operation of control systems, instrumentation, and field devices.
• Review and interpret P&IDs, technical drawings, data sheets, and control system architectures to support commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Support the commissioning and integration of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in data center or similar environments.
• Prepare clear technical documentation and commissioning reports and deliver group presentations as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of commissioning processes and standards by sharing lessons learned and best practices with the team.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in commissioning or construction for instrumentation and controls (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.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including PLC-5 and ControlLogix hardware and software.
• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLCs and related automation systems.
• Experience working on large, multi-discipline capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.
• Good understanding of design/build (engineering and construction) project delivery.
• Strong understanding of complex process systems architecture and design, including instrumentation, device selection, networking, PLC and I/O architectures, P&IDs, data sheets, and SCADA systems.
• 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.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems, including BMS and SCADA platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Experience conducting I/O checkouts and verifying control system functionality.
• Proficiency in written and verbal technical communication, including generating reports and conducting group presentations.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on root cause analysis and long-term solutions.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to collaborate across engineering, construction, and client teams.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to planning, execution, and issue resolution.
• Associate"s degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, control systems engineering, or a related field, or equivalent direct experience in lieu of a degree.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical field (preferred).
• Experience with building automation systems and SCADA platforms.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related HMI and automation technologies.
• Experience in controls engineering, automation, and electrical systems in industrial or data center environments.
• Experience in construction settings, particularly related to control systems and basebuild utilities.
• Familiarity with BMS (Building Management Systems) or SCADA as a plus.
• Interest in working within a control system integration practice alongside seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts.
• Motivation to grow within a team recognized as a top system integrator and to participate in industry events and initiatives.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Abilene, supporting commissioning activities at a live project site. The position typically requires working 50 to 60 hours per week, following a 10-days-on and 4-days-off schedule. Travel of approximately 4 hours each way may occur on off days in lieu of per diem during travel. You will work in industrial and data center environments that may include mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, clean rooms, and construction areas, interacting closely with engineering, construction, and operations personnel. The work involves frequent presence on the plant floor and in technical spaces, using standard test equipment, laptops, and commissioning tools to program, test, and troubleshoot control systems. Appropriate site-appropriate attire and personal protective equipment are required in accordance with project and safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Amarillo, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $58.00/hr.

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 Amarillo,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.