Entry Level Performance Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Job Title: Entry Level Field Engineer – Building Automation Systems

Job Description

This Field Engineer role focuses on commissioning and supporting building automation systems for new construction projects, including K–12 schools, clinics, data centers, and pharmaceutical or bioscience facilities. You will travel frequently to job sites to perform point-to-point checks, verify system operation, and support the startup and commissioning of direct digital control (DDC) systems. The position emphasizes hands-on work with HVAC and electrical controls, close collaboration with engineers and contractors, and direct interaction with customers to ensure their systems operate efficiently, reliably, and in line with project requirements. You will grow your technical expertise while benefiting from structured training, strong career progression, and exposure to advanced building technologies.

Responsibilities

• Travel to new construction sites, including K–12 schools, clinics, data centers, and pharma/bioscience buildings, to perform field commissioning of building automation systems.
• Initiate, install, troubleshoot, and optimize customer systems that utilize advanced Direct Digital Control (DDC) technology.
• Perform basic point-to-point checks on building automation systems, including chiller plant controls, fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), HVAC, energy monitoring, demand response, lighting, indoor air quality, humidity, temperature, and elevator performance.
• Use an iPad and related tools to review, adjust, and verify system settings and controls to ensure proper operation and performance.
• Run diagnostics on building automation systems to identify, analyze, and resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
• Follow drawing packages and control schematics to execute work accurately, and update drawings and documentation as needed to reflect as-built conditions.
• Serve as the local technical contact and leader in the field, addressing customer and contractor questions and providing clear guidance on system operation.
• Offer effective solutions for increasingly complex system issues, escalating only when necessary and contributing to continuous improvement of field practices.
• Provide turnkey project delivery on small to medium projects, from initial startup through final commissioning and customer handoff.
• Ensure all system components, including controls, sensors, and software, operate correctly and in accordance with project specifications.
• Load and configure building automation software, including setting up trends, alarms, and reports to support system monitoring and performance analysis.
• Implement effective time management strategies to meet project deadlines and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Communicate and document project status, issues, and resolutions clearly for customers, internal engineers, and project stakeholders.
• Provide site-specific training to building owners, operators, and end users on the complete system, including operation, basic troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Assist in the training and development of less experienced Field Engineers by sharing knowledge, demonstrating best practices, and supporting on-the-job learning.
• Collaborate closely with internal engineers, mechanical and electrical contractors, and client representatives to coordinate work and ensure successful project outcomes.
• Adhere to company safety policies and procedures while working on construction sites and in operational facilities.
• Use a company-provided vehicle and equipment responsibly, maintaining them in good working order and complying with all driving and field safety requirements.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on HVAC knowledge, including prior exposure to HVAC systems and installation work.
• Electrical knowledge and experience, including basic electrical troubleshooting in the field.
• Proficiency in using an electrical multi-meter for testing and troubleshooting.
• Experience as a field technician or in a similar role working on new construction or building automation projects.
• Basic understanding of building automation systems, particularly HVAC or electrical controls.
• Ability to read and understand HVAC mechanical prints and control drawings.
• Ability to check out and commission common HVAC controls devices such as sensors, valves, damper motors, and relays.
• Strong customer and contractor interaction experience, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally on job sites.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented work style, with a strong drive to learn and solve problems independently.
• Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Valid and current driver’s license and the ability to meet company insurance requirements for operating a company vehicle.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 70% of the time to job sites, primarily local, with regular return home each night.
• Comfort working with digital tools, including an iPad, for system configuration, diagnostics, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or Technical/Business School certificate or diploma in HVAC, Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with building automation software such as WebCTRL and installing increasingly complex building automation controls.
• Basic knowledge of navigating and integrating into a variety of building automation systems.
• Good understanding of common HVAC systems such as rooftop units (RTUs), air handlers, VAV boxes, chillers, and boilers.
• Prior experience commissioning or supporting building automation systems in new construction environments.
• Demonstrated ability to step into new technical challenges with a strong self-drive to learn and master the field.
• Experience working in roles that require direct interaction with customers, contractors, or client representatives on-site.
• Interest in ongoing professional development through a mix of in-field and classroom training.
• Openness to career progression through Field Engineer levels and into supervisory roles as skills and experience grow.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based, with approximately 70% of your time spent traveling to and working at new construction sites, and about 30% spent working from the local office or from home. You will support projects primarily in Wisconsin, with a strong focus on the region between Green Bay and Sheboygan, and additional work in nearby markets such as Milwaukee. Typical job sites include K–12 schools, hospitals, clinics, data centers, and biopharmaceutical facilities. You will work closely with internal engineers, mechanical and electrical contractors, and client representatives in active construction and operational environments. The position uses modern tools and technologies, including building automation platforms, diagnostic software, and an iPad for configuration and documentation. A company laptop, company vehicle, and necessary field equipment are provided. The organization offers a structured training program that blends in-field learning with classroom-based development, along with significant investment in state-of-the-art technology and tools. The role is salaried with additional compensation for overtime, including one-and-a-half times the regular hourly rate for hours paid over 40 in a week and double time for qualifying Sunday or designated holiday hours over 40 in a week. Paid time off and holiday pay are provided, with 12 holidays and PTO determined through negotiation. You will frequently interact with a wide range of contractors and industry professionals, offering strong networking opportunities and exposure to advanced building automation solutions in a supportive, growth-oriented culture.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $41.00/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 Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.