Field Engineering
Actalent · Madison, WI · 2 days ago
On-siteEngineering$30–$55/hrContract
About the role
This Field Engineer role focuses on commissioning and supporting building automation systems for new construction projects, including K–12 schools, clinics, data centers, and pharmaceutical or bioscience facilities. You will travel frequently to job sites to perform point-to-point checks, verify system operation, and support the startup and commissioning of direct digital control (DDC) systems. The position emphasizes hands-on work with HVAC and electrical controls, close collaboration with engineers and contractors, and direct interaction with customers to ensure their systems operate efficiently, reliably, and in line with project requirements.
Responsibilities
- Travel to new construction sites, including K–12 schools, clinics, data centers, and pharma/bioscience buildings, to perform field commissioning of building automation systems.
- Initiate, install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems that utilize advanced Direct Digital Control (DDC) technology.
- Perform basic point-to-point checks on 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 and related tools to review, adjust, and verify system settings and controls to ensure proper operation and performance.
- Run diagnostics on building automation systems to identify, analyze, and resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
- Follow drawing packages and control schematics to execute work accurately, and update drawings and documentation as needed to reflect as-built conditions.
- Serve as the local technical contact and leader in the field, addressing customer and contractor questions and providing clear guidance on system operation.
- Offer effective solutions for increasingly complex system issues, escalating only when necessary and contributing to continuous improvement of field practices.
- Provide turnkey project delivery on small to medium projects, from initial startup through final commissioning and customer handoff.
- Ensure all system components, including controls, sensors, and software, operate correctly and in accordance with project specifications.
- Load and configure building automation software, including setting up trends, alarms, and reports to support system monitoring and performance analysis.
- Implement effective time management strategies to meet project deadlines and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Communicate and document project status, issues, and resolutions clearly for customers, internal engineers, and project stakeholders.
- Provide site-specific training to building owners, operators, and end users on the complete system, including operation, basic troubleshooting, and best practices.
- Absorb and share knowledge, demonstrate best practices, and support on-the-job learning of less experienced Field Engineers.
- Collaborate closely with internal engineers, mechanical and electrical contractors, and client representatives to coordinate work and ensure successful project outcomes.
- Use a company-provided vehicle and equipment responsibly, maintaining them in good working order and complying with all driving and field safety requirements.
Qualifications
- Experience Level: We welcome candidates of all experience levels, from recent graduates and entry-level technicians to seasoned Building Automation professionals.
- Hands-on HVAC knowledge, including prior exposure to HVAC systems and installation work.
- Electrical knowledge and experience, including basic electrical troubleshooting in the field.
- Proficiency in using an electrical multi-meter for testing and troubleshooting.
- Experience as a field technician or in a similar role working on new construction or building automation projects.
- Basic understanding of building automation systems, particularly HVAC or electrical controls.
- Ability to read and understand HVAC mechanical prints and control drawings.
- Ability to check out and commission common HVAC controls devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, and relays.
- Strong customer and contractor interaction experience, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally on job sites.
- Self-motivated and detail-oriented work style, with a strong drive to learn and solve problems independently.
- Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
- Valid and current driver’s license and the ability to meet company insurance requirements for operating a company vehicle.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 70% of the time to job sites, primarily local, with regular return home each night.
- Comfort working with digital tools, including an iPad, for system configuration, diagnostics, and documentation.