Controls Technician

divcon • Columbus, OH

24d

About The Position

The Controls Technician is the hands-on foundation of the controls field team, supporting DDC/BAS or PLC project work based on business needs, project assignments, and developing skillsets. Under the direction of Senior and Lead Technicians, the role performs installation verification, database uploads, point-to-point checkout, startup support, field documentation, and issue escalation. The technician may start up, commission, and recommission customer systems using DDC or PLC technology, troubleshoot mid-level system problems, and work with subcontractors and other trades to support proper system operation. The role may provide turnkey delivery for specified site systems, including unitary systems, small AHUs/CRAHs, and basic chilled-water and hot-water systems. It supports verification and commissioning activities from L2 to L4 and assists with L5 and IST-level commissioning for turnkey data-center execution. The technician verifies installations and network details against project documents, follows commissioning and quality-control procedures, documents deficiencies and failed steps, and escalates issues rather than proceeding past failures or making unapproved field changes. Familiarity with construction processes and documentation is required. Regular travel is required; travel accommodations, lodging, and per diem are provided in accordance with company policy. Travel may be by plane or vehicle up to 95% based on work-site locations.

Requirements

• 0–3 years of controls installer experience or 1–2 years working in the HVAC controls industry; equivalent electrical, HVAC, construction, automation, or technical training may be considered.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems and basic controls strategies, including the ability to use sequences of operation as a field reference during point-to-point checkout and startup.
• Understanding of low-voltage control circuits, control wiring, dry contacts, relay logic, multimeter use, wire labeling, color coding, and LOTO/jobsite safety requirements.
• Operator-level familiarity with one or more DDC/BAS or PLC platforms, such as Tridium Niagara, Delta enteliWEB, Distech, Siemens Desigo, JCI Metasys, Schneider EcoStruxure, Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or similar.
• Basic understanding of BACnet, Modbus, LON, EtherNet/IP, network cable types, unique addressing, and end-of-line termination expectations.
• Ability to read and work from ladder diagrams, wiring schematics, panel layout drawings, equipment schedules, point lists, and project documentation.
• Strong communication and documentation discipline, attention to detail, and ability to escalate issues before making unapproved field modifications.
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record as required by the company's insurance provider.
• Hands-on experience or training with field device wiring, controller I/O, point-to-point checkout, basic networking, drawings, and QA/QC documentation.
• Ability to travel by plane or vehicle up to 95% based on work-site locations.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout active construction sites for extended periods; climb ladders, stairs, and lifts as required; safely bend, kneel, crouch, and work in tight or confined spaces; lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and materials up to 50 pounds; and work at heights and in varying indoor and outdoor conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in or around active construction environments and communicating with technicians, project managers, trades, contractors, or customers.
• Experience with Niagara, BACnet, Modbus, or comparable controls platforms or protocols.

Responsibilities

• Start up, commission, and recommission customer systems that use DDC or PLC technology.
• Troubleshoot mid-level system problems or assist others in resolving them, and work with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.
• Verify field installations against drawings, schedules, point lists, network architecture, addressing tables, and project documentation; flag discrepancies to a Supervisor or Senior or Lead Technician.
• Provide turnkey project delivery for assigned site systems, including unitary systems (VAV/FPB/FCU), small AHUs/CRAHs, and basic CW/HW systems.
• Perform verification checks in accordance with L2 to L4 requirements and support L5 and IST-level commissioning for turnkey data-center execution.
• Understand and verify common communication protocols and network types, including BACnet MS/TP, BACnet IP, Modbus RTU/TCP, LON, EtherNet/IP, RS-485, and Ethernet, against project topology and addressing documentation.
• Support commissioning by performing installation verification, point-to-point checkout, functional test steps, and project-specific QC forms under Senior or Lead direction; document and escalate failed steps before proceeding.
• Document work as it is performed in company QC forms, third-party commissioning documents, and customer or project systems; log deficiencies, failed points, field mismatches, address conflicts, and drawing issues.
• Maintain familiarity with AEC/construction processes and documents, including plans, specifications, controls and equipment submittals, RFIs, and the submittal process.

Benefits

• Opportunities for growth, hands-on training, and career advancement.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 100% of individual medical premiums are covered, with assistance toward family coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match; eligible after 90 days.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage at no cost to employees.
• Flexible PTO with no accrual requirement.
• For eligible field-based roles requiring travel: business travel expenses, per diem, phone allowance, tools, and PPE at no cost; paid training and additional reimbursable business expenses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed