Controls Specialist

Controls Specialist

The Controls Specialist supports complex capital projects by commissioning and optimizing basebuild utility and control systems in advanced technology and data center environments. In this role, you work both independently and as part of cross-functional teams to integrate construction, design, and commissioning activities, troubleshoot system issues, and implement control solutions that improve performance and reliability. You collaborate closely with operations technicians, engineering design teams, and suppliers to ensure systems are delivered safely, on schedule, and to the required quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operations technicians' work schedules and develop manpower forecasts to support commissioning and construction 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 project stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports and updates on schedule progress, commissioning status, and quality metrics.
• Conduct system and facility engineering walk-through assessments to evaluate readiness, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot control systems and equipment issues and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects to prevent recurrence.
• Train suppliers in the use of the owner's commissioning software systems and ensure they follow established processes and standards.
• Provide, manage, and monitor suppliers' access to the owner's commissioning software systems to maintain data integrity and security.
• Interface effectively with engineering design team members, contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to resolve technical and scheduling challenges.
• Program, configure, and validate control systems, including PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Conduct I/O checkouts and functional testing of control systems to verify correct installation, integration, and operation.
• Review, interpret, and apply technical drawings, P&IDs, data sheets, and schematics in support of design, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support and optimize building automation, HVAC, electrical, and environmental control systems in data centers or similar industrial facilities.
• Participate in group presentations and technical discussions, clearly communicating findings, recommendations, and project status.
• Maintain a proactive, detail-oriented approach to identifying risks, improving processes, and enhancing overall system performance.

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 Control Logix hardware and software.
• Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration, including PLC and HMI programming.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems in large industrial or data center environments.
• Experience working on multi-discipline large capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.
• Good understanding of design/build processes for engineering and construction projects.
• Solid knowledge 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.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Experience conducting I/O checkouts and functional testing of control systems.
• 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 electrical and automation systems.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to collaborate across disciplines.
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, or 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 is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Familiarity with building management systems (BMS) and SCADA platforms.
• Background in…