Associate Controls Technician

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Controls Technician based in the United States.** This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for aspiring controls technicians to build hands-on technical skills and launch a career in industrial automation and building controls. In this field-based role, you will work alongside experienced technicians on active projects, gaining practical exposure to Direct Digital Controls (DDC), Building Automation Systems (BAS), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training, you will develop the foundational knowledge needed to support system installation, verification, commissioning, and troubleshooting. You will learn to interpret technical drawings, identify controls components, follow safety procedures, and contribute to quality project delivery. This position offers a clear pathway toward becoming a Control Technician, with opportunities to pursue further specialization as your skills develop. Regular travel, hands-on learning, and exposure to complex technical environments will provide valuable experience in the growing data center and automation industries. ### Accountabilities: - Complete the structured Control Technician training program, including classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training. - Support senior and lead DDC and PLC technicians on active project sites, assisting with installation verification, system configuration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and coordination activities. - Learn to interpret project drawings, technical documentation, and system specifications while developing the ability to plan daily tasks, coordinate with other trades, and prioritize work in active construction environments. - Identify and become familiar with controls components and systems, including controllers, sensors, field devices, electrical panels, wiring, and network connections. - Assist with point-to-point verification of installed systems, documenting observations and escalating questions, discrepancies, or technical issues to supervising technicians. - Develop a foundational understanding of low-voltage controls, input/output (I/O) systems, networking principles, DDC and PLC controllers, commissioning processes, and quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) documentation. - Maintain a detailed field notebook recording tools, equipment, systems, jobsite workflows, questions, and learning objectives to support ongoing development and regular reflection. - Follow all jobsite safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, lockout/tagout (LOTO) instructions, and professional conduct standards. - Apply classroom learning to real-world technical situations while progressively taking responsibility for basic field tasks as training milestones are completed. - Work collaboratively with technicians, project managers, and other jobsite personnel to support safe, efficient, and high-quality project execution. ## Requirements: - No prior controls experience is required; candidates should demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and develop a career in controls technology, automation, or related technical fields. - Previous exposure to construction, electrical systems, HVAC, networking, industrial automation, or technical training is preferred. - Ability and enthusiasm to learn foundational concepts in electricity, wiring, input/output systems, controllers, networking fundamentals, technical drawings, and commissioning procedures. - Ability to follow instructions from senior and lead technicians, apply feedback, and comply with established jobsite safety procedures and professional conduct expectations. - Basic computer skills and a willingness to learn project management software, controls programming and configuration tools, and digital documentation platforms. - Strong communication skills, including the ability to ask relevant questions, document observations accurately, and communicate professionally with technicians, project managers, and other site personnel. - Good organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and a proactive approach to learning in a hands-on, fast-paced environment. - Ability to travel by plane or vehicle for up to 95% of working time, depending on project locations. - Physical ability to climb ladders, stairs, and lifts; bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined spaces; and lift, carry, or maneuver equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. - Manual dexterity to handle tools, wiring, and small components, along with the ability to work safely at heights and in varying indoor and outdoor conditions. - Ability to operate hand and power tools safely and follow applicable safety procedures when working around electrical and mechanical equipment. ## Benefits: - **Career development and advancement:** Hands-on training, structured learning, and opportunities to progress into a Control Technician role, with potential specialization in DDC/BAS or PLC systems. - **Industry exposure:** Practical experience in the rapidly expanding data center, building automation, and industrial controls sectors. - **Medical insurance:** 100% of individual medical insurance premiums covered, with financial assistance available toward family coverage. - **Dental and vision insurance:** Coverage to support employees' overall health and well-being. - **Retirement savings:** 401(k) plan with an employer match, with eligibility beginning after 90 days of employment. - **Disability protection:** Short-term and long-term disability insurance provided at no cost to employees. - **Flexible paid time off:** Flexible PTO with no accrual requirement, offering greater flexibility when planning time away from work. - **Travel and accommodation support:** Business travel expenses covered for eligible field-based positions, with lodging and travel arrangements provided in accordance with company policy. - **Per diem allowance:** Financial support for eligible work-related travel expenses. - **Equipment and field support:** Phone allowance, tools, and required PPE provided at no cost for eligible field-based employees. - **Paid training:** Compensation for eligible training activities, along with reimbursement for additional qualifying business expenses. - **Remote-based employment:** A United States-based role with field assignments at project locations nationwide, offering broad exposure to different systems, teams, and technical environments.