Trainee Automation Engineer Jobs Near Me

Note: This position is intended for active duty U.S. military service members and reservists on active-duty orders who are eligible for the DoD SkillBridge Program. If this does not apply to you, please apply to one of Apollo's other open positions.
Locations
Multiple U.S. Locations - Columbus, OH; Portland, OR; Atlanta, GA; Ashburn, VA; Phoenix, AZ; Jackson, MS
Skillbridge Training Program Description
Apollo's SkillBridge Program equips transitioning US Military service members with the technical skills, field experience, and industry certifications needed to thrive in the data center commissioning sector. We are seeking highly motivated service members to participate in our Mechanical Data Center Commissioning Engineer Training Program, where trainees will gain hands-on experience working on mission-critical projects under the mentorship of senior engineers. This immersive program emphasizes attention to detail, high-pressure performance, and the fundamentals of data center electrical commissioning, preparing participants for a successful future in data center operations and commissioning, with the potential for full-time employment post-transition.
Activities will include but are not limited to testing and/or validation of chillers, water loops/components, cooling distribution equipment, air handling units (AHUs), air conditioning units, fan coil units (FCUs), pumps, heat exchangers, cooling towers, humidification systems and Building Management and Automation Systems (BMS).
Note, The Mechanical CxE should also have knowledge of the electrical components involved in the above mechanical systems, including electrical motors (for pumps, fans, and compressors), motor control centers (MCCs), automatic transfer switches (ATSs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), Control Panels, and electrical supply systems. This role involves supporting data center construction/commissioning activities, so working hours may include nights and/or weekends within a standard 40-hour work week.
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct commissioning activities for mechanical systems, their electrical components and BMS systems in data centers.
• Create and implement detailed commissioning plans, procedures, and checklists for Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 systems.
• Review and evaluate design documents, submittals, and equipment specifications.
• Conduct site inspections, functional performance tests, and system verifications.
• Witness testing of all equipment during commissioning and validate sequence of operations.
• Work closely with project teams, including contractors, engineers, and data center operators.
• Help accomplish team goals both on-site and remotely as necessary.
• Diagnose and resolve system performance, reliability, and safety issues.
• Document results/findings and generate comprehensive commissioning reports.
• Provide support to data center staff on system operation and maintenance.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards, codes, and regulations.
• Attend project meetings and offer technical expertise as needed to help accomplish team goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
The following physical demands must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:

• Frequently manipulating, moving, or grasping small parts, devices, or tools.
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position.
• Frequently moving through office areas, critical facilities and other environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Exposure to low/high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Working and walking on different types of terrain on active construction sites (e.g., concrete flooring, gravel, unpaved roads).
• Frequently ascending and descending stairs and ladders to access equipment.
• Occasionally positioning oneself under or over equipment.
• Occasionally moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Active duty service member eligible to participate in the DoD SkillBridge program.
• Hands-on experience working with mechanical systems in military, industrial, or mission-critical settings (e.g., HVAC systems on base facilities, ships, submarines, aircraft, or mobile field units).
• Foundational understanding of HVAC, mechanical plant operations, chilled water systems, or building automation/control systems - acquired through service experience or formal technical training.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, construction specifications, or system schematics.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and adaptability in dynamic field environments.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to integrate into cross-functional engineering teams and collaborate with civilian clients.
• Familiarity with technical software tools including MS Office; exposure to commissioning platforms such as Procore or CxAlloy is a plus.

Prerequisites for Training Program

• Successful background check, including pre-employment drug screening
• US citizens, permanent residents or any candidate with eligibility to work in the US

About Us
Apollo is a Mission-Critical Infrastructure Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, and Operations Support Services Company. We serve mission-critical industries globally with commissioning, emergency response, operations support, and owner's representative services. Apollo is currently executing projects in multiple states in the United States, in Canada and Brazil.
Since our inception, we have built a commissioning firm based on trust, one relationship at a time. We hire the best people who can handle critical systems, love challenges, and thrive in a dynamic environment. We focus on understanding each client's needs and are relentless in meeting them.
Apollo challenges the brightest, most talented, and driven individuals in the industry by providing an environment that embraces initiative, diversity, and achievement. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer supporting women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. We participate in the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program.