Laboratory Technician

ITW; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support product testing, reliability, certification, and test equipment development in a fast-paced lab and manufacturing setting.

You will build, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve welding test systems, validating products and coordinating third-party certification activities with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience and an Associate Degree in Electronics, Electromechanical Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Experience with electrical circuit design, troubleshooting, AC/DC power systems, and industrial controls.
• PLC and HMI programming experience, including automation and data acquisition applications.
• Proficiency with electrical test instruments such as oscilloscopes, power quality analyzers, and related diagnostic tools.
• Strong communication, technical documentation, and project management skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot welding power supplies, automated test equipment, and control systems using electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PLC logic.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality to develop and support test solutions for welding, plasma-cutting, and accessory products.
• Design, modify, and modernize test equipment using Miller standards and commercial technologies to improve performance, reliability, and data collection.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate test results while supporting product certification and compliance activities, including CSA, UL, CE, and IEC requirements.
• Safely work with electrical systems up to 600 VAC and 1000 VDC and translate technical requirements into effective test solutions.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while communicating progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC programming

HMI programming

Data acquisition

Documentation

Project management

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Power quality analyzers

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Python/C++ for automation

Job description

Job Description:

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Comprised of a market-leading portfolio of best-in‑class brands, ITW Welding businesses work together to deliver premium performance through a breadth of solutions encompassing welding, cutting, consumables, and accessories. ITW Welding North America represents Miller Electric Welding Equipment, Safety & Accessories, Hobart Filler Metals, and Bernard / Tregaskiss MIG Guns.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and is wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality, and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929 to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Product Integrity team is seeking a motivated, self-driven Laboratory Technician to support product testing, reliability, certification, and test equipment development in a fast-paced laboratory and manufacturing environment. This hands-on role is responsible for building, maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving welding product test systems, including AC/DC power sources, load banks, dielectric testers, automated production test stations, and life-test equipment. The technician will perform product validation and verification testing, support prototype and production builds, investigate product and equipment failures, assist with corrective actions, and coordinate third-party certification activities. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality, this individual will ensure accurate, repeatable testing, reliable equipment operation, effective data collection, and successful product qualification throughout the product lifecycle.

Essential Functions

• Troubleshoot welding power supplies, automated test equipment, and control systems using electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PLC logic.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality to develop and support test solutions for welding, plasma-cutting, and accessory products.
• Design, modify, and modernize test equipment using Miller standards and commercial technologies to improve performance, reliability, and data collection.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate test results while supporting product certification and compliance activities, including CSA, UL, CE, and IEC requirements.
• Safely work with electrical systems up to 600 VAC and 1000 VDC and translate technical requirements into effective test solutions.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while communicating progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience and an Associate Degree in Electronics, Electromechanical Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field. Candidates completing their degree within the current academic year are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with electrical circuit design, troubleshooting, AC/DC power systems, and industrial controls.
• PLC and HMI programming experience, including automation and data acquisition applications.
• Proficiency with electrical test instruments such as oscilloscopes, power quality analyzers, and related diagnostic tools.
• Strong communication, technical documentation, and project management skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley PLC and HMI systems.
• Experience performing IEC 60974-1 type and routine testing for welding equipment.
• Knowledge of welding equipment certification processes and interactions with regulatory agencies and test laboratories.
• Programming experience in Python, C, or C++ for automation, test development, and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet, Modbus, Serial, and USB.
• Familiarity with CSA, UL, IEC, CE, and related product safety and compliance standards.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.