Controls Technician

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Argonne National Laboratory's Facilities Division is seeking a skilled Controls Technician to join our Building Controls and Analytics group. This position is responsible for the installation, wiring, and troubleshooting of building automation control systems, including controllers, actuators, sensors, control panels, and variable frequency drives. Unlike traditional mechanical maintenance roles, this position focuses specifically on the electrical, electronic, and pneumatic control infrastructure that supports Argonne's HVAC and utility systems — not on the mechanical equipment itself (e.g., fans, valves, dampers). The successful candidate will work closely with the Building Controls Engineers, Maintenance Mechanics, and outside contractors to ensure reliable, efficient, and well-documented control system installations across the site. This position will be filled at either the PT2 or PT3 level, depending on the selected candidate's demonstrated experience, technical depth, and independence of work.

Requirements

Proof of U.S. citizenship
Demonstrated hands-on experience with powered (120V and less) control wiring and troubleshooting
Solid understanding of control circuitry fundamentals (relay logic, transformers, power supplies, I/O wiring)
Working knowledge of low voltage and electrical wiring standards
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings
Familiarity with DDC controllers and field devices (sensors, actuators, transducers) from common manufacturers
Basic understanding of HVAC systems in a commercial HVAC setting, including air handlers, pumping systems, chilled water systems, and hot water systems
Bachelor’s and 2+ years of experience, or equivalent (for PT2 level)
Bachelor’s and 4+ years of experience, or equivalent (for PT3 level)
In lieu of college degree, 8 years or more of relevant work experience directly related to BAS controls technician/electrical work.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a technical/trade school program in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or a related discipline
Degree in Electronics, Electrical Technology, or a related field
Demonstrated proficiency in precision conduit bending (EMT/rigid), including offsets, saddles, and multi-bend runs, to ensure clean, code-compliant installations
Familiarity with control system commissioning and point-to-point checkout processes
Prior exposure to commercial HVAC-related control as opposed to industrial systems
Experience with pneumatic control systems, including tubing installation and pneumatic device troubleshooting
Experience working in a laboratory, industrial, or federal facility environment

Responsibilities

Install new panels, DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, and related system control components
Install pneumatic control tubing and electric-to-pneumatic (E/P) transducers
Install building automation communication wiring, including BACnet (MS/TP and IP) and LON network segments
Plan and prescribe installation approach for new controls work, including specifying required electrical components (conduit, wire, terminations, panels, hardware) and developing accurate materials lists to support efficient procurement and job execution
Provide troubleshooting and technical support to diagnose and resolve mechanical and control system issues using diagnostic tools and technical expertise
Support Building Maintenance mechanics, the Building Controls Engineers, and outside contractors during equipment start-ups, commissioning, and point-to-point checkouts
Collaborate on control-related system alarms and implement corrective wiring or device-level actions
Perform calibration of field devices (sensors, transmitters, actuators) to maintain accurate control performance
Participate as an active team member within the Building Controls and Analytics group to support broader operational goals
Maintain effective communication with building users, contractors, and project team members
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.