Controls Technician

Argonne National Laboratory's Facilities Division is seeking a skilled Controls Technician to join our Building Controls and Analytics group. This position is responsible for the installation, wiring, and troubleshooting of building automation control systems, including controllers, actuators, sensors, control panels, and variable frequency drives. Unlike traditional mechanical maintenance roles, this position focuses specifically on the electrical, electronic, and pneumatic control infrastructure that supports Argonne's HVAC and utility systems — not on the mechanical equipment itself (e.g., fans, valves, dampers). The successful candidate will work closely with the Building Controls Engineers, Maintenance Mechanics, and outside contractors to ensure reliable, efficient, and well-documented control system installations across the site.

This position will be filled at either the PT2 or PT3 level, depending on the selected candidate's demonstrated experience, technical depth, and independence of work.

Key Responsibilities

• Install new panels, DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, and related system control components
• Install pneumatic control tubing and electric-to-pneumatic (E/P) transducers
• Install building automation communication wiring, including BACnet (MS/TP and IP) and LON network segments
• Plan and prescribe installation approach for new controls work, including specifying required electrical components (conduit, wire, terminations, panels, hardware) and developing accurate materials lists to support efficient procurement and job execution
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support to diagnose and resolve mechanical and control system issues using diagnostic tools and technical expertise
• Support Building Maintenance mechanics, the Building Controls Engineers, and outside contractors during equipment start-ups, commissioning, and point-to-point checkouts
• Collaborate on control-related system alarms and implement corrective wiring or device-level actions
• Perform calibration of field devices (sensors, transmitters, actuators) to maintain accurate control performance
• Participate as an active team member within the Building Controls and Analytics group to support broader operational goals
• Maintain effective communication with building users, contractors, and project team members
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

This position description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

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Position Requirements

To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.

Dual Posting

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (PT2 or PT3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• PT2: Bachelor’s and 2+ years of experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this level is $69,750 - $108,810.
• PT3: Bachelor’s and 4+ years of experience, or equivalent.The expected pay range for this level is $86,299 - $134,626.
• In lieu of college degree, 8 years or more of relevant work experience directly related to BAS controls technician/electrical work.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with powered (120V and less) control wiring and troubleshooting
• Solid understanding of control circuitry fundamentals (relay logic, transformers, power supplies, I/O wiring)
• Working knowledge of low voltage and electrical wiring standards
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings
• Familiarity with DDC controllers and field devices (sensors, actuators, transducers) from common manufacturers
• Basic understanding of HVAC systems in a commercial HVAC setting, including air handlers, pumping systems, chilled water systems, and hot water systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a technical/trade school program in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or a related discipline
• Degree in Electronics, Electrical Technology, or a related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in precision conduit bending (EMT/rigid), including offsets, saddles, and multi-bend runs, to ensure clean, code-compliant installations
• Familiarity with control system commissioning and point-to-point checkout processes
• Prior exposure to commercial HVAC-related control as opposed to industrial systems
• Experience with pneumatic control systems, including tubing installation and pneumatic device troubleshooting
• Experience working in a laboratory, industrial, or federal facility environment

Job Family

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.