Building Automation Systems Technician

Location : Milwaukee, WI (onsite)

Shift : 2:00pm - 10:30pm, Monday - Friday

Shift Differential Included ** $31/hour-$37/hour + shift differential

What’s the role?

Reporting to the Manager of Facility Services, the Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician's primary objective is to ensure the safety and security of personnel and property at Northwestern Mutual. Day-to-day responsibilities include testing, installing, maintaining, and repairing the electronic security, surveillance, automation, and life safety systems within the building complex. The BAS Technician writes and inputs programs for the building automation control systems and actively participates in special projects, from design to installation.

Your experience with fire alarm systems or controllers, technically savvy nature, effective problem solving skills, and customer service mentality will be critical as you partner cross-departmentally and immerse yourself in a variety of areas and opportunities. We look forward to hearing about your motivation to contribute to a broader purpose with a team that encourages individual and professional development.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• (40%) Performs ongoing preventive maintenance of the automation systems, BMCS (building management & control systems), life safety systems, security systems and surveillance systems. Maintains Building Automation System's LAN network, including but not limited to workstations, networking cables, servers and access points. Tests these systems for proper operation, diagnoses and analyzes test results and makes appropriate adjustments, modifications or replacement of electronic or electromechanical and related hardware as required. Uses technical and working knowledge of electricity, electronics and software programming to troubleshoot and repair the above-mentioned systems. Assists in the planning sequence and/or method in which the electronic maintenance and repair is completed. Responsible for ordering electronic equipment and maintaining an inventory of parts.

• (30%) Creates changes, reevaluates programming language for building automation system and other equipment using software. Maintains complete and current documentation for all changes to the systems and informs the system's users of changes and how they affect daily operations. Maintains software back up of automated building system processors. Recommends system enhancements and expedites their implementation. Programs automation systems to fulfill the operational needs of the facility staff and assists them in understanding programming options.

• (15%) Installs electronic equipment and associated hardware in accordance with various codes such as National Safety Code, NFPA Joint Industrial Conference standards, NICET and National, State and Local electrical codes. Designs, builds and installs control circuits used to enhance existing security, surveillance, life safety, HVAC and automation systems. Serves as a resource to building services and security staff in the operations of said equipment. Performs maintenance and installation on other electronic equipment i.e. two-way radios, fitness equipment and digital recording systems. Creates updates and builds schematics and wiring diagrams as required. Disables and removes obsolete electronic equipment and support wiring.

• (15%) Plays an integral role in the development and implementation of various building projects. Responsible for researching best practices while incorporating safety and regulatory issues involving building automation, life safety and security systems. Responsible for scheduling, collaboration and supervising service contractors and expediting progress and completion of projects. Responsible for the maintenance of the building automation database in respect to the ongoing needs of the organization. Instrumental in development of related databases and the importing/exporting of data to other company software systems.

Bring Your Best What this role needs:

Requirements :

• Associate's Degree in Electronics with 3+ years of proven experience with installation, programming and maintenance of building automation systems (preferably Honeywell and Johnson Controls) or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Ability to read building blueprints and schematics, along with advanced knowledge of relevant state and local building codes and standards.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and have a proven track record of effective independent decision-making.

• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and documentation skills.

• Strong customer focus, initiative, accuracy, and effective organizational and communication skills. Responsiveness to customer requests and effective communication.

• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a team and to adapt to changing priorities; a track record of consistently good attendance.

• Ability to work at heights, on ladders, scaffolding and lifts.

• Must be able to work overtime when required.

Technical Requirements :

• Working knowledge of the hardware and software components of a PC, as well as basic data networking concepts.

• Demonstrated proficiency in common PC functions and applications, such as Microsoft Windows file systems, Outlook, Office, Internet Explorer, etc.

Certification Requirements:

• Strongly Preferred : NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems Level 1 (required to be obtained within 1 year of employment)

• Preferred : NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems Level 2 (required to be obtained within 2 years of employment).

• Member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), must maintain CPR/1st Aid/AED (defibrillator) certification; may be obtained within first 6 months on the job.

Physical Demands:

• Up to 66% of the day : Lift and transfer objects which weigh up to 20 pounds from floor to a 36 height (tools, manuals, computer monitors, small batteries).

• Maximum lift and carry of objects weighing up to 42 pounds from floor to waist height, for a distance of up to 300 feet (10-16 foot ladders).

• Stand and walk 34-66% of the day and sit 0-33% of the day .

• 0-33% of the day: Lift and transfer objects weighing 21-42 pounds from floor to a height of 36 and back to the floor (55amp batteries, TV monitors, ladders).

• 0-33% of the day: Push objects with up to 38 pounds of force for a distance of 20 feet over smooth hard surfaces (Inside lift). Pull objects with up to 52 pounds of force for a distance of 20 feet over smooth hard surfaces (Inside lift).

• 0-33% of the day: Maximum reach and lift of objects weighting up to 21 pounds from chest height to a height of 68 inches. (Remove and replace 12 V 25 amp batteries above shoulder height while standing on a ladder).

• Must be able to balance and walk quickly, climb stairs, ladders and inclines, as well as crawl, squat and kneel.

• Use one or both hands to lift, carry and manipulate small objects, and move trunk forward, backward, and side to side.

• Work involves driving, hearing, the ability to communicate.

• Work involves seeing, including peripheral vision and depth perception.

• Work involves the ability to discriminate colors.

Working Conditions:

• Work is inside and outside, with and around others. May also be required to work alone

• May be required to work in cramped work spaces up to 33% of the day

• Potential environmental hazards in the form of: Dust

• Physical hazard exposures include the potential for: Heat, Cold, Low level noise (in the penthouse and around the air handling units)

• Mechanical/ergonomic hazard exposures includes the potential for: Lifting, pulling, pushing and reaching; Awkward postures

• Biological Hazards: Potential for blood/body fluid exposure related to participation on the Emergency Response Team

This job is part of a group of jobs considered essential services. All essential services employees are expected to make every reasonable effort possible to report for work or remain working their shift, even during inclement weather conditions and emergency situations.

#LI-Onsite

Compensation Range:

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Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click here for additiona l information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.

We’re excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups