Field Service Engineer

Job Title: Field Service Engineer

Job Description

The Field Service Engineer installs, commissions, and optimizes advanced direct digital control (DDC) systems in data center environments, ensuring that controls, sensors, and networks operate at peak performance. This role uses strong technical judgment to solve complex automation challenges, proactively mitigate project risks, and support successful project execution. The engineer also provides technical leadership by training system owners on operation and collaborating closely with project teams to deliver reliable, high-performing HVAC control and networked automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and optimize advanced DDC systems in data centers, ensuring all controls, sensors, and networks meet defined performance standards.
• Verify proper operation of control systems, including sensors, actuators, and networked components, and make necessary adjustments to achieve optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and control issues on-site, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Correct and refine wiring and basic electrical installations in the field to ensure safe, reliable, and code-compliant operation.
• Configure, test, and support HVAC control systems, including integration with building automation and data center infrastructure.
• Set up, configure, and maintain IP-based communication for modern equipment, including network connections, servers, and related telecom components.
• Use technical judgment to anticipate and resolve automation challenges before they impact project timelines or system performance.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to identify and manage project risks, improve execution, and support on-time, high-quality delivery.
• Train owners and end users on system operation, controls interfaces, and basic troubleshooting to ensure confident, effective system use.
• Provide field service support, including on-site diagnostics, repairs, and performance optimization of installed systems.
• Document work performed, system configurations, and changes made on-site to maintain accurate project and service records.
• Travel to customer sites as required to support installation, commissioning, training, and service activities.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with HVAC control systems and building automation, with familiarity in platforms such as Johnson Controls and Siemens or similar systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical, electronic, and control systems within field service environments.
• Ability to understand and perform basic electrical installation and wiring corrections safely and accurately.
• Experience working with sensor systems, including installation, calibration, and performance verification.
• Proficiency with networking technologies, including IP-based communication, basic network setup, and server connectivity for modern automation equipment.
• Comfort working with computers and related software tools to configure and support networked control systems.
• Experience in electronics and field service, with the ability to diagnose and resolve hardware-related issues.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to customer sites as part of a contract field service role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HVAC controls from major vendors such as Johnson Controls and Siemens is highly valued.
• Experience in telecom or related communication technologies supporting IP-based control and monitoring systems.
• Experience in data center environments, particularly with control systems and infrastructure support.
• Residence on or near the West Coast, ideally not farther east than Utah, to help minimize travel burden.
• Strong communication skills for training owners and collaborating effectively with Project Managers and on-site teams.
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to identify and mitigate project risks early.
• Field service or “hardware engineer” experience supporting complex, networked equipment.

Work Environment

This role primarily supports data center environments that rely on advanced HVAC controls, sensor systems, and networked automation. Work is performed on-site at customer facilities, often in technical spaces housing critical infrastructure and equipment. The position involves frequent travel to different locations as part of contract-based field service work. You will work with computers, IP networks, servers, telecom connections, and electrical and electronic control hardware as part of daily tasks. The employer provides breakfast and lunch during assignments and allows reimbursement for hotel stays up to a set amount per night, along with a daily per diem to support travel-related expenses. The environment is fast-paced and highly technical, with a strong focus on system reliability, uptime, and performance in mission-critical data center operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Jose, CA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $65.00/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 San Jose,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.