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Controls System Apprentice Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HVAC Apprentice

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

The HVAC Apprentice performs maintenance, repairs and installation of assigned HVAC and Refrigeration equipment and controls, chilled water systems, boilers, and various other mechanical, electrical ...

... controls, and other commercial electrical systems * Read and interpret blueprints, electrical ... Mentor and train apprentices while supporting crew productivity and development * Track materials ...

HVAC Technician I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$55K - $96K/yr

... apprentice-level vocational training program in air conditioning for a total of four years of ... Pneumatic Controls Systems, Energy Management Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS ...

... controls, and low-voltage systems * Ensure all work meets safety standards, NEC requirements ... apprentices WHAT YOU BRING * Active Maryland Journeyman Electrician License or equivalent ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls System Apprentice information

What is a controls system apprentice?

Controls System Apprentices are entry-level professionals who learn to install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated control systems used in industries like manufacturing, HVAC, and building management. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians or engineers, gaining hands-on experience with electrical circuits, sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and related software. Apprenticeships typically combine classroom instruction with practical on-the-job training, helping individuals develop the technical skills necessary to advance in the field of control systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls system apprentice?

To excel as a Controls System Apprentice, you need a foundational understanding of electrical systems, mechanical principles, and basic programming, often supported by a high school diploma or technical coursework. Familiarity with tools like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and industry safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you quickly learn and adapt to complex systems. These competencies are crucial for safely installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining control systems in industrial environments.

What types of hands-on tasks can I expect as a controls system apprentice, and how will I be supported in learning complex control systems?

As a Controls System Apprentice, you will frequently assist with the installation, calibration, and troubleshooting of control panels, sensors, and automation equipment under the guidance of experienced technicians or engineers. You'll often work on tasks like wiring, programming basic logic controllers (PLCs), and performing routine maintenance checks. Most employers provide structured mentorship and on-the-job training, ensuring you have opportunities to observe, ask questions, and gradually take on more complex responsibilities as your skills develop. Collaboration with senior team members is key, and apprentices often rotate through different projects to gain exposure to a variety of systems and industry standards.

What is the difference between Controls System Apprentice vs Controls Technician?

CriteriaControls System ApprenticeControls Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some programs may need technical courseworkRequires technical certifications or associate degree in automation, electrical, or control systems
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often supervised, working on basic control systemsHands-on work in industrial or manufacturing settings, troubleshooting, and maintaining control systems
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in manufacturing, automation, or industrial sectorsSkilled role in similar industries, often with more independent responsibilities

The Controls System Apprentice is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting control systems, often under supervision. The Controls Technician is a more experienced role involving troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of control systems. While both roles work within the same industry and environment, the technician has advanced skills and responsibilities compared to the apprentice.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Controls System Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Controls System Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls System Apprentice job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution.

HVAC Data Center Journeymen Mechanic (union)

Capitol Heights, MD • On-site

Johnson Controls
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 416 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

What youwill do

Johnson Controls Inc. is looking for forward-thinking talent to join our organization to support the fast-growing HVAC business in North America.

JCI is committed to the health and safety of all employees, customers, partners, and the communities we serve.

At Johnson Controlsyou'llhave the chance to work on light commercial and/or heavy commercial teams with the most advanced heavy commercial andcutting-edgeindustrial equipment.Our talented people empower us, and we believe in being part of a team that is open, collaborative, results-oriented,hardworkingand above all fun.

How will you do it

We are looking for skilled HVAC Mechanics who havepractical workexperiencein theirtrade,(HVAC piping, plumbing,pipefittingand /or mechanical equipment serviceindustry).

Mechanics must have practicalworkingexperience in light commercial or commercial mechanical equipment. May berequiredto satisfactorily pass an examination toidentifyspecial skills. Scope of work shall be limited to commercial HVACR service.Servicemenmay partner with Journeymen in the repair of centrifugal, steam turbines,andopen-drive screw chillers. Perform maintenance, repair and replacement services on commercial heating and cooling systems.

We provide factory certification through our Service Technical Academy (STA) with recognition, monetary rewards, and advancement. We offer incentive programs and a #1 focus on employee safety. We also provide tools, uniforms, and a company vehicle to perform your job and service our customers to the highest standard.

Provide our customers with the highest level of service to solve facility inefficiencies and resolve service-related items. As a trusted advisor to our customers, you will provide solutions and outcomes at the time of commissioning and aftermarket service. Provide recommendations and solutions to ensurefacilityis running efficiently to include upselling opportunities. Provide quotes to support recommendations and solutions.

What we look for

Required

  • Must be a member or willing to join the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO.

  • Be a dedicated member of a North America Branch team willing to learn andbe responsible forsystem trouble shooting, repair andaftermarket services for this fast-growing business.

  • Minimum ofThree(3) years Commercial and/or industrial, mechanical troubleshooting experience in the HVAC industry.This includes Rooftop units, pumps, fans, towers, boilers, chillers, compressors, plumbing.

  • Mechanical shaft alignment using dial indicators, etc. of pumps, fans, Compressors.

  • Able to use vibration equipment to trouble shoot drivelines.

  • Travelmaybe required10% to 20% to support Branch Customers activities,trouble shooting, installation and repair.

  • You will be required to pass a knowledge examination to assess proficiencies.

  • Opportunityto invest in career development. You will enroll in training programs to gain knowledgeinHVAC products and sales quoting.

  • You will work with other local market mechanicsas well as Servicemen and apprentices.

  • Attention to detail through interpersonal, digital, and written skills.Able to write and communicate to the customer problem, cause, and corrective actions.

  • Able to provide quotes to customers andparticipatein JCI's Service Plus Rewards program.

  • Self-starter with a passion/ desire to learn and applyonthe job.

  • Prioritize safety in all forms

  • Universal EPA refrigerants license, applicable state or local licensing, and valid driver's license

PayRange: $55hourly ratedeterminedby the CBA/rate sheet. Benefits are provided through a local labor union aligned with a collective bargaining agreement. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role.

However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technologyassistedtools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to helpidentifyand evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions areultimately madeby human reviewers.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.


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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US