URGENTLY HIRING Data Center Automation Technician
Actalent
Posted Monday, May 4, 2026
Posting ID: JP-006002230
Job Title: Automation / Electrical I/O Technician
Job Description
The Automation / Electrical I/O Technician is responsible for on-site I/O device and instrumentation checkout, electrical verification and redlining of drawings, and controls testing for chilled-water and building management system (BMS) automation projects in a data center environment. This role focuses on safe, high-quality field execution of automation, electrical, instrumentation, and commissioning activities, ensuring work is completed on schedule and in full compliance with project specifications. The position reports to the Construction and Electrical Coordinator and requires a strong team-oriented mindset, technical aptitude, and a consistent, professional attitude.
Responsibilities
- Execute field automation, electrical, and controls work for chilled-water and BMS projects, ensuring all activities are performed safely, on schedule, and in accordance with project specifications.
- Serve as a member of the field crew responsible for verifying networking of PLCs and associated equipment, loading PLC programs, and performing system start-up.
- Interface with PLC and SCADA platforms (such as Rockwell and Ignition or comparable systems) to perform I/O checkout and support commissioning activities.
- Verify and start up valves, instrumentation, and flow meters, including coordination of factory start-up for specified flow meters, as well as control valve actuators and chiller-loop sensors.
- Conduct site rundowns, including pre-commissioning start-up, I/O checks, loop tuning, and preparation of drawing redlines to reflect field conditions.
- Troubleshoot field issues and wiring problems, document findings, and communicate them clearly to the site supervisor and project coordinator.
- Report daily for assigned work, meetings, and training during the scheduled 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday shift.
- Perform visual inspection of all field materials and devices after installation, including conduit, junction boxes, wire and cable, poly tubing, ferrules, home runs, and labeling, and immediately communicate any defects to the general contractor.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and strictly adhere to all site-specific safety and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) requirements.
- Participate in CxAlloy issue resolution, RFIs, BIM updates, and Procore, Hammer-Tech, and Bluebeam Studio workflows, including maintaining accurate As-Built redlines.
- Request direction for all tasks and ensure that no out-of-scope work is performed without written direction and pre-approval from the general contractor.
- Communicate diplomatically and professionally with internal team members and external vendor, client, and owner representatives.
- Understand and follow technical testing checklists, accurately complete documentation, and proactively communicate any roadblocks or unexpected results.
- Report any anticipated attendance deviations in advance, including missed work for any reason, in accordance with site and project expectations.
- Contribute as a team player, supporting colleagues and fostering a collaborative, solutions-focused work environment.
- Maintain a consistently positive attitude, demonstrate a strong sense of purpose in completing tasks, and respond to project needs with appropriate urgency.
- Perform other related duties as required to support successful project delivery.
Essential Skills
- Experience in industrial controls, electrical construction, or commissioning of automated process and facility systems, with a desired 3 years of experience and a minimum of 1 year in a related field.
- Ability to read, interpret, and work from P&ID diagrams and electrical schematics.
- Hands-on experience with PLC networking, loading PLC programs, and supporting system start-up activities.
- Familiarity with SCADA systems such as Ignition or comparable platforms for I/O checkout and system monitoring.
- Knowledge of instrumentation and control devices, including flow, pressure, and temperature sensors, valves, VFDs, and related components.
- Proficiency in performing I/O checks, loop tuning, and verifying proper operation of field devices and control loops.
- Demonstrated ability to perform commissioning activities at L2/L3 or equivalent levels and collaborate effectively with third-party commissioning agents.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for field issues and wiring, with the ability to identify root causes and communicate clear findings.
- Ability to accurately redline drawings and maintain As-Built documentation to reflect field changes.
- Comfort working with construction and commissioning software tools such as CxAlloy, Procore, Hammer-Tech, Bluebeam Studio, and BIM-related workflows.
- OSHA 10 certification and working knowledge of LOTO (Lockout/Tagout), MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), Arc Flash, and site-specific safety practices, with willingness to complete required training.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with team members, contractors, vendors, and client representatives.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality, with the ability to work a 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule.
- Team-oriented mindset with a consistently positive attitude and a sense of urgency in completing assigned tasks.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Engineering, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent trades and field experience.
- Equivalent experience may include experience as a journeyman electrician, controls technician, or similar technical trades role.
- Preferred hands-on experience with Rockwell PLCs and associated automation hardware.
- Preferred experience with Ignition or comparable SCADA systems for interfacing with PLCs and performing I/O checkout.
- Preferred familiarity with building management systems (BMS) and chilled-water systems, including chiller-loop controls and associated instrumentation.
- Experience working within large, complex construction or data center projects is beneficial.
- Comfort working within structured processes, checklists, and quality control procedures to ensure accurate and compliant work.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate diplomatically and maintain productive relationships with diverse project stakeholders.
Work Environment
This position is based on-site at a data center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, supporting chilled-water and BMS automation for a major data center build. The standard schedule is 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for a total of approximately 60 hours per week. Work takes place in an active construction and commissioning environment, involving close coordination with general contractors, commissioning agents, and multiple trades. The role requires regular use of PPE and strict adherence to site-specific safety and EH&S standards, including compliance with OSHA, LOTO, MEWP, Arc Flash, and other safety protocols. The environment is fast-paced and technically demanding, with frequent interaction with PLCs, SCADA systems, instrumentation, and electrical infrastructure. Travel and per diem may be available in accordance with project policies. The culture emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, clear communication, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and on-time project delivery.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Overland Park, KS.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Overland Park,KS.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
- Hiring diverse talent
- Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
- Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
- Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
Contact Information
Email: rmcgowan@actalentservices.com
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