Mechanical Lab Technician

Who We Are

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world—a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things

MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE’s top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission

MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values—collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship—which represent the core of our campus culture. Under the leadership of Dr. John Walz, MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.

Position Summary

MSOE invites applications for a full-time Mechanical Laboratory Technician to join our Fluid Power Institute team. The Mechanical Laboratory Technician supports, and is responsible for, a wide range of lab tasks, especially those of an electrical nature.

Essential Job Functions

• Assemble, maintain, and update hydraulic power units and various test fixtures in the laboratories including all electrical documentation related to these items. 
• Work on industrial electronics and control cabinet applications, including wiring and terminations, instrumentation set up, technical troubleshooting, electrical maintenance, and continuous project improvements.
• Support electrical safety, accountability of tools, equipment, and housekeeping in the laboratories. 
• Make decisions, work with minimal supervision both individually and in a team environment. 
• Utilize excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, vendors and external customers.
• Train new student employees on use and safety involved with laboratory equipment.
• Supervise student employees as assigned.
• Operate and modify PLCs, operator interfaces, motor control cabinets and data acquisition devices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain Work Instruction Procedures.
• Assist in the maintenance and update of FPI Safety Procedures and New Employee Orientation Manual.
• Maintain inventory of expendable supplies.
• Conduct periodic safety inspections of FPI laboratory equipment and facilities in the Designated Area.
• Perform other essential and related peripheral duties as may be assigned, i.e. are present for open houses, seminars, meetings with external customers and attending trade shows.
• Provide technical assistance and support to the academic departments and student projects when necessary.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

• Requires a Certificate or Associate Degree in a fluid power, machine maintenance or electrical systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• A Certified Fluid Power Specialist is preferred.
• Must have basic knowledge of hydraulic fluid power systems and operations. 
• Must have working knowledge of personal computer (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook programs). 
• Must be proficient at preparing technical documents, i.e. schematics and test procedures. 
• Some experience with instrumentation, data acquisition systems, control systems and industrial laboratory safety procedures is expected. 
• Having knowledge of hydraulic circuits and components is a plus. 
• Knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical or other schematic drafting program is a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before others. Ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral form.
• Ability to use numbers to solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be organized, detail oriented, and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and ability to prioritize projects to complete work in a timely manner. 
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills to work well with MSOE faculty, staff, administration, and students as well as individuals from business and industry. 

Physical Demands

• This is a hands-on job. 
• The employee is required to traverse their work area, inspect and repair equipment.
• Must be able to routinely lift a minimum weight of 50 pounds without assistance. 
• No overnight travel required.

Work Environment

• This job operates off-campus in a fluid power laboratory that is in an industrial manufacturing complex. 
• This role involves the use of a variety of engineering test and measurement equipment; industrial power tools, and fluid power equipment.

Why Join MSOE?

At MSOE, we invest in our employees’ professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full-time employees including medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and paid parental leave, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting. Educational benefits are available for employees and family members. Plus, employees have access to our state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge. Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks and shopping. To view more detailed information about MSOE, please visit www.msoe.edu/hr.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

It is the policy of MSOE to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, marital status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all jobs at the University and to all the terms, benefits, and conditions of employment/enrollment.