Field Engineering Technician

Job Title: Field Engineering Technician - Building Automation / Data CenterJob Description

This Field Engineering Technician role focuses on commissioning and supporting advanced building automation systems at a state-of-the-art Microsoft data center in Racine, WI. You will work on-site full time, using modern tools and technology to start up, verify, and optimize complex HVAC and control systems. The position offers outstanding training, long-term project stability, and clear career progression within a highly respected building automation organization.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems that utilize advanced Direct Digital Control (DDC) technology for building automation.
• Perform field commissioning and site start-ups for building automation systems, including 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 review, adjust, and verify system settings and controls to ensure equipment operates correctly and efficiently, including running diagnostics and documenting results.
• Follow detailed drawing packages for system installation and commissioning, and update drawings and documentation as needed to reflect field changes.
• Serve as the local technical contact and leader in the field, addressing on-site technical issues and coordinating with project stakeholders.
• Offer effective solutions to increasingly complex system issues, ensuring systems operate properly, including all controls, sensors, and associated software.
• Load and configure building automation software, including setting up trends, alarms, and reports to support system monitoring and performance analysis.
• Provide turnkey project delivery on small to medium projects, from start-up through commissioning and handover.
• Implement effective time management strategies to meet project deadlines and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Communicate clearly with customers and project teams, documenting project status, issues, resolutions, and configuration details.
• Provide site-specific training to owners and operators on the complete building automation system, including control interfaces and standard operating procedures.
• Assist in the training and development of less experienced Field Engineers by sharing knowledge, demonstrating best practices, and supporting their on-the-job learning.
• Use electrical test equipment, including multi-meters, to verify power, signals, and device operation during system checkout and troubleshooting.
• Check out and commission common HVAC control devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, relays, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Read and interpret HVAC mechanical prints and control diagrams to verify proper installation and operation.
• Collaborate with contractors and other trades on-site to coordinate installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, including test results, configuration changes, and as-built documentation.
• Adhere to all site safety requirements and company procedures while working in an active data center and construction environment.

Essential Skills

• 0-2 years of experience for entry-level candidates with a strong interest in field construction or mechanical systems; up to master-level experience is welcomed.
• Technical knowledge and exposure to HVAC systems, including familiarity with building chillers, boilers, pressure, temperature, and related mechanical equipment.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting skills and experience using an electrical multi-meter, including the ability to explain how and when to use it.
• Understanding of fundamental control components, such as actuators and their function within HVAC systems.
• Awareness of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their role in controlling motors and system performance.
• Ability to step into a field environment and get systems up and running in collaboration with customers and contractors.
• Strong self-drive and curiosity to learn building automation and control systems, with a demonstrated drive to figure out technical issues using available resources and documentation.
• Ability to read and understand HVAC mechanical prints and basic control schematics.
• Valid and current driver's license with an insurable driving record under company insurance requirements.
• Willingness and ability to work 10-hour days and frequent Saturdays as required by project demands.
• Comfort working in a construction and data center environment with multiple contractors and stakeholders present on site.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, associate degree, or Technical/Business School certificate or diploma in HVAC, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with building automation systems, particularly in HVAC or electrical controls, including new build and construction environments.
• Hands-on experience as a field technician in building automation, mechanical construction, solar, power plants, or other mechanically intensive construction projects.
• Experience with building automation software such as WebCTRL or similar platforms, including installing and configuring increasingly complex building automation controls.
• Basic knowledge of navigating and integrating into a variety of building automation systems and control platforms.
• Proficiency in the use of an electrical multi-meter for verification and troubleshooting.
• Good understanding of common HVAC systems such as rooftop units (RTUs), air handlers, variable air volume (VAV) boxes, chillers, and boilers.
• Ability to check out and commission common HVAC control devices, including sensors, valves, damper motors, relays, and related field devices.
• Strong customer focus, with the ability to communicate clearly, document work thoroughly, and provide effective on-site training.
• Interest in long-term career growth in building automation, with the opportunity to progress through Field Engineer levels and into supervisory or project management roles.

Work Environment

This position is based full time on-site at a Microsoft data center project in Racine, WI, where you will work on a state-of-the-art facility that is among the first of its kind. The primary scope involves building automation checkout and verification for a large-scale data center, with an expected project duration of 1-3 years on this site. After this assignment, you may have opportunities to travel to other data center projects or remain local to support core regional work such as schools, pharmaceutical plants, and university systems. The role requires openness to working 10-hour days and almost every Saturday, reflecting the pace and demands of a large construction and commissioning project. You will work closely with multiple contractors and trades, offering significant opportunities to network within the industry and gain exposure to advanced HVAC, controls, and data center technologies. The company provides a strong training program, including approximately three weeks at a dedicated training site to obtain credentials specific to the organization and Microsoft, followed by experience at another active data center before mobilizing to Racine. You will use modern tools and equipment, including an iPad, company laptop, and other field instruments supplied by the employer. The organization invests heavily in technology and training, offering a mix of classroom and in-field learning, paid time off and holiday pay, mileage reimbursement at IRS rates, per diem at GSA rates for food and lodging when applicable, and overtime compensation at 1.5x for hours worked beyond standard schedules. The environment emphasizes professional development, safety, and high-quality project delivery in a dynamic, technology-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.