At least 3 years
Job Title: Controls Specialist
PLC Program
Wink, Texas
Data Center
Per Diem
10 on 4 off
Long term contract
Job Description
The Controls Specialist supports capital projects by commissioning and optimizing control systems for complex industrial and advanced technology facilities. You will work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams to integrate construction, design, and commissioning activities, helping clients improve performance, reliability, and quality across their basebuild utility and process systems.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate work schedules and manpower forecasts for operations technicians to support commissioning and start-up activities.
- Manage and track commissioning constraints and deficiencies that affect the schedule or quality of basebuild utility systems after construction and installation.
- Integrate construction and design schedules with commissioning activities to ensure seamless project execution.
- Provide regular reports and updates on schedule status, quality metrics, and commissioning progress to stakeholders.
- Conduct system and facility engineering walk-through assessments to evaluate readiness, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions.
- Troubleshoot complex control system and facility issues and perform root cause failure analysis on assigned projects.
- Train suppliers and vendors on the use of the owner’s commissioning software systems and related tools.
- Provide and manage system access for suppliers within the owner’s commissioning software platforms, ensuring proper permissions and controls.
- Interface effectively with engineering design team members, contractors, system integrators, and client representatives to resolve technical and coordination issues.
- Program, configure, and support PLC-based control systems, including Rockwell Automation PLC5 and ControlLogix platforms.
- Support and coordinate I/O checkouts, functional testing, and validation of control systems, building management systems, and SCADA interfaces.
- Interpret and work from technical drawings, P&IDs, data sheets, and schematics to implement and verify control system designs.
- Contribute to group presentations and technical discussions, clearly communicating project status, risks, and recommendations.
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.
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation, PLC5, and ControlLogix hardware and software.
- Experience working on large, multi-discipline capital projects involving owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators.
- Strong understanding of Design/Build project delivery, including both engineering and construction aspects.
- 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.
- Proficiency in control systems programming and configuration for PLCs and related automation equipment.
- Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, and building automation systems, including BMS and related controls.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering documentation.
- Experience conducting I/O checkouts and supporting system commissioning and functional testing.
- Proficiency in written and verbal technical communication, including generating clear reports and conducting group presentations.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with the capacity to work effectively across diverse technical disciplines.
- High attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues in the field.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or technical certification in electrical, mechanical, control systems engineering, or a related field; direct relevant experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, or a similar technical field is preferred.
- Experience with building automation systems, SCADA, and building management systems (BMS) is a plus.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI programming in industrial or data center environments.
- Commissioning, electrical systems, automation, and construction support for industrial or advanced technology facilities.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with owners, general contractors, contractors, and system integrators on large capital projects.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and commissioning constraints in a dynamic project environment.
Work Environment
This role is field-focused and involves traveling to project sites in and around South Bend, Indiana, with a per diem provided for project-related travel. You will typically work 40–50 hours per week, depending on project demands and commissioning schedules. The work takes place in advanced technology and industrial facilities, including data centers and environments with dry and wet mechanical systems, gas and chemical distribution, HVAC systems, and clean room environmental controls. You will frequently collaborate on-site with operations technicians, engineers, contractors, and system integrators, using commissioning software systems, PLC and automation hardware, and tools for I/O checkout and system testing. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, requiring flexibility, safety awareness, and appropriate attire for industrial and construction settings.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Wink, TX.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 Wink,TX.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.
Posting ID: JP-006028904
