Controls Technician - HVAC & Building Automation

Controls Service Technician - Building Automation & PLC

Locations: Northern Virginia Atlanta, GA Charlotte, NC Columbus, OH

Position Type: Full-Time Direct Hire

Work Environment: Field-Based / Customer Sites

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Controls Service Technicians and Automation Specialists to support industrial automation, building automation, and HVAC control systems at customer facilities.

This is a hands-on technical service position for someone who enjoys troubleshooting complex systems, working directly with customers, and solving problems in the field. The ideal candidate combines strong electrical, mechanical, or HVAC knowledge with the ability to diagnose, modify, and troubleshoot control systems, programming, and operator graphics.

We are open to candidates from HVAC controls, building automation, industrial automation, systems integration, and robotics backgrounds. You do not need to know every platform listed below, but you must have practical controls experience and be willing to work directly on equipment and software.

This is not a desk-only engineering or consulting position. Our service professionals spend most of their time at customer facilities, diagnosing problems and keeping critical systems operating.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and support industrial and building automation control systems.
• Work directly with PLC and DDC programming, control logic, and operator graphics to identify and resolve system issues.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and automated equipment.
• Diagnose communication failures, control system faults, hardware issues, and equipment performance problems.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, wiring diagrams, and system documentation.
• Support PLCs, controllers, HMIs, and building automation equipment.
• Review, modify, and troubleshoot ladder logic, function block programming, and control sequences as applicable.
• Troubleshoot HMI graphics, alarms, trends, and system interfaces.
• Perform field service, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and technical support at customer locations.
• Communicate technical findings and recommended solutions clearly to customers and internal teams.
• Participate in scheduled on-call support and respond to customer service needs.
• Work independently while collaborating with engineers, technicians, and service managers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience preferred in HVAC controls, building automation, industrial automation, electrical controls, or related technical service.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC, DDC, or other automation control systems.
• Ability to access, interpret, troubleshoot, or modify control logic and operator graphics.
• Strong electrical, mechanical, or HVAC troubleshooting skills.
• Experience working directly with equipment and customers in field service environments.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Comfortable performing both software-related troubleshooting and hands-on field work.
• Strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, and customer service mindset.
• Willingness to participate in on-call rotations and travel based on regional service requirements.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and continue developing technical skills.

A college degree is not required. Relevant technical training and proven hands-on experience are highly valued.

Relevant Controls Systems & Technologies

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

PLC & Industrial Automation

• Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
• Siemens
• Schneider Electric / Modicon
• PLC programming and ladder logic
• Function block diagrams

Building Automation & DDC

• Niagara Framework
• Johnson Controls
• Siemens Building Automation
• Trane
• JACE Controllers
• Distech Controls
• TDC Controllers

HMI & Visualization

• FactoryTalk View
• AVEVA System Platform
• HMI graphics development and troubleshooting
• Control system visualization, alarms, and trending

Candidates do not need experience with every system. We are interested in professionals who have a strong technical foundation and can learn additional platforms.

Backgrounds We Are Interested In

We encourage applications from professionals currently working as:

• Building Automation Technician / BAS Technician
• HVAC Controls Technician
• Controls Service Technician
• Automation Specialist
• PLC Technician / PLC Programmer
• Industrial Controls Technician
• Systems Integration Technician
• Robotics Technician with controls programming experience
• Field Service Controls Engineer
• Building Automation Service Specialist

Candidates with HVAC or mechanical backgrounds who have developed hands-on controls skills are encouraged to apply. Strong PLC and industrial automation technicians without extensive HVAC experience will also be considered.

Travel & Work Environment

These positions are primarily field-based, with most work performed at customer facilities rather than in a traditional office.

Travel requirements vary by region and customer demand. Some locations primarily support local customer sites, while others may require more extensive regional travel.

Candidates should be comfortable working independently at customer facilities, responding to service requests, and participating in on-call support when required.

What Makes Someone Successful

We are looking for technically capable professionals who enjoy solving problems and taking ownership of their work.

Successful team members are:

• Hands-on: Comfortable troubleshooting both software and physical equipment.
• Adaptable: Willing to learn new controls platforms and customer systems.
• Self-Motivated: Able to work independently and take initiative.
• Team-Oriented: Collaborative, dependable, and willing to share knowledge.
• Customer-Focused: Professional communicators who understand the importance of reliable service.
• Growth-Minded: Interested in building a long-term career in automation and controls.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Join a growing automation and controls organization supporting customers across industrial and commercial environments.

This opportunity offers exposure to multiple automation platforms, challenging troubleshooting assignments, experienced technical teams, and opportunities to expand your skills in building automation, industrial controls, and field service.

If you enjoy working with control systems, solving technical problems, and seeing the results of your work firsthand, we encourage you to apply.

Come join the Workforce of the Future with ERS. We have been placing qualified candidates in the at some of the most successful companies for 54 years.

Become a part of our team!