Controls Specialist

Controls Specialist

The Controls Specialist supports complex capital projects by commissioning and optimizing control systems within advanced technology and data center environments. You will work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to integrate construction, design, and commissioning activities, ensuring that basebuild utility and control systems meet performance, reliability, and quality expectations. In this role, you help clients implement critical changes, improve operational performance, and achieve their most important project goals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations technicians' work schedules and manpower forecasts to ensure adequate coverage for commissioning and startup activities.
• Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that impact the schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems after construction installation.
• Integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities to maintain alignment across engineering, construction, and commissioning teams.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports and updates on schedule status, quality metrics, and commissioning progress.
• Conduct system and facility engineering job walk assessments to verify installation quality, system readiness, and compliance with design intent.
• Troubleshoot control systems and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Train suppliers and contractors on the use of the owner's commissioning software systems to ensure accurate and timely documentation.
• Provide and manage access for suppliers within the owner's commissioning software systems, maintaining proper permissions and data integrity.
• Interface closely with engineering design team members, general contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to coordinate technical requirements and resolve issues.
• Program, configure, and test PLC and control systems, including I/O checkouts, to verify correct operation and integration with field devices and higher-level systems.
• Support and oversee building automation, SCADA, and related control platforms to ensure reliable monitoring and control of HVAC, electrical, and utility systems.
• Review and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, data sheets, and schematics to validate system design, support field installation, and guide commissioning activities.
• Participate in multi-discipline large capital project execution, contributing control systems expertise across design, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports and conduct group presentations to communicate findings, issues, and recommendations to project stakeholders.

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 industrial environment.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including PLC5 and Control Logix hardware and software.
• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLC programming and HMI configuration.
• Experience conducting I/O checkouts and verifying field device and system functionality.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Proficient written and verbal technical communication skills, including the ability to generate detailed reports and conduct group presentations.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills applied to control systems and automation issues.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, control systems engineering, or a related field, or equivalent direct experience in lieu of a formal degree.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Experience with commissioning, construction, electrical systems, automation, and I&C in industrial or data center contexts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical field (preferred).
• Familiarity with various control system platforms, including Building Management Systems (BMS) and SCADA.
• Experience…