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Field Service Engineer

Confidential Client•Consulting
Entry LevelFull-timeOn-Site$69,514
Madison, Wisconsin
A Day Ago

The Field Service Engineer is responsible for commissioning, startup, and optimization of advanced building automation systems at a state-of-the-art data center. This role involves hands-on diagnostics, system verification, and customer training to ensure reliable operation of HVAC, chiller plant controls, and energy monitoring systems. The position offers extensive technical training and career growth opportunities within field engineering, requiring strong troubleshooting skills and effective communication with customers and contractors.

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Description

About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.


Overview

Confidential Client (via Careertakes) is seeking a Field Service Engineer to support building automation and data center systems. This role focuses on field commissioning, startup, and verification of Direct Digital Control (DDC) building automation systems to ensure HVAC, chiller plant controls, energy monitoring, and related systems function reliably in a large-scale critical environment. The role is full-time, contract-to-hire, based out of Madison, WI with primarily on-site duties and a long-term project duration.


What You’ll Do

  • Commission and start up building automation systems for chiller plants, HVAC, energy monitoring, demand response, lighting, indoor air quality, humidity, temperature, and elevator performance.
  • Use an iPad and company-provided devices to navigate system settings, run diagnostics, and verify equipment operation.
  • Perform site startups for the DDC side of equipment and provide commissioning support (no front-end design required).
  • Follow and update building automation drawing packages to reflect as-built conditions.
  • Install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems that use advanced DDC technology.
  • Act as the local technical contact on-site and lead resolution of system-related issues.
  • Deliver turnkey project execution on small-to-medium projects from startup through final commissioning.
  • Load software, configure trends, set alarms, and generate reports for system monitoring and performance verification.
  • Provide site-specific training to owners and operators on system operation and basic troubleshooting.
  • Document field changes, test results, and commissioning outcomes to support project closeout and future service.
  • Collaborate with contractors and trades to coordinate startup, testing, and commissioning activities.
  • Use electrical multi-meters and diagnostic tools to troubleshoot electrical and control circuits.
  • Check out and commission control devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, and relays.
  • Read and interpret HVAC mechanical prints and control drawings to guide field work.
  • Mentor and assist less experienced Field Engineers; support a high-quality and safety-focused jobsite.

Minimum Qualifications

  • ~2 years of related experience preferred for entry-level applicants (field construction, mechanical systems, building automation, solar, power plants, or similar).
  • Fundamental understanding of HVAC systems (chillers, boilers, air handlers, RTUs, VAV boxes).
  • Basic electrical troubleshooting skills and comfort using a multi-meter.
  • Ability to explain common controls components (e.g., actuators, sensors, VFDs) and their function.
  • Valid, current driver’s license and ability to be insured under company insurance.
  • Willingness and ability to work 10-hour days and be available for most Saturdays as required by project schedules.
  • Strong self-drive, curiosity, and ability to learn quickly in field-based settings.

Preferred / Additional Qualifications

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or technical certificate in HVAC, controls, mechanical engineering, or related field preferred.
  • Experience with building automation software (examples: WebCTRL or similar platforms).
  • Experience as a field technician in building automation, HVAC, or electrical controls.
  • Experience working on new-build construction projects and commissioning activities.
  • Knowledge of energy monitoring, performance optimization, and fault detection & diagnostics (FDD).
  • Strong communication skills for interacting with customers, contractors, and internal teams.

Work Environment & Schedule

  • This is a fully onsite position based out of Madison, WI supporting a large data center project in the region. The project is long-term (anticipated multi-year assignment) with potential subsequent travel to other regional data center projects or local Wisconsin sites (schools, pharma plants, universities).
  • Typical workdays are 10 hours; flexibility to work most Saturdays when required.
  • Extensive hands-on training provided: ~3 weeks of platform-specific training plus field onboarding at an active site prior to mobilizing to the primary project.
  • Travel for training and assignments may include regional driving (within ~4 hours of Milwaukee) or occasional air travel for more distant projects. Assignments at other sites may last 1–8 weeks depending on scope.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Pay range: $30.00 - $55.00 per hour. Exact compensation offered will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
  • Contract-to-hire employment type.
  • If eligible, benefits may include: medical, dental & vision; 401(k); short- and long-term disability; life insurance (voluntary); Health Spending Account (HSA); paid time off; holiday pay; mileage reimbursement and per diem for travel; overtime pay; company-provided equipment.

Location & Job Type

  • Job type: Contract to Hire, Full-Time.
  • Workplace: Fully onsite / in-person, based out of Madison, WI (primary assignment at a regional data center project).
  • Application deadline (as provided by client): Oct 16, 2026.

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.

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