Controls Technician - US Veteran Trainee Program

About the role

The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) is an in-residence technical training program that prepares transitioning service members and veterans with the automation, instrumentation, and controls skills required in today's manufacturing environments. The program blends structured classroom instruction with extensive hands-on lab experiences to build confidence, system understanding, and practical problem-solving capabilities. Upon graduation, trainees are equipped to help fill critical technical workforce gaps across the manufacturing industry.

Responsibilities

• Participate in an immersive, full-time training program designed to build system awareness, diagnostic thinking, and proficiency in modern industrial controls and automation technologies.
• Engage in an integrated hiring process, connecting with program-affiliated manufacturing partners for full-time employment opportunities in roles closely related to the program's curriculum.
• Complete coursework aligned to modules such as Industrial Automation Principles, Logix Foundation, Logix Troubleshooting, EOI Maintenance, Industrial Controls Network, Instrumentation, Motor Control, Variable Frequency Drives, and others.
• Work with modern industrial technology and training equipment, including basic hand tools and electrical tools, industrial controllers, HMIs, low-voltage motors, VFDs, instrumentation devices, and industrial network equipment.
• Follow all safety guidelines related to housing and training environments.
• Participate in individual and team-based learning and problem-solving activities.
• Demonstrate consistent effort and growth in technical competency.

Requirements

• U.S. military veteran or transitioning service member with favorable standing or discharge (e.g., Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions).
• Must provide a DD-214 to verify military service and discharge status.
• Willingness and ability to relocate anywhere in the U.S. for job placement with program-affiliated manufacturing partners.
• Must possess technical experience from either time in service or civilian career.

Qualifications

• Basic physical requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during classroom and lab activities, ability to work with small components, tools, and test instruments, and ability to lift 50 lbs throughout the day.

Skills

• Technical experience from either time in service or civilian career.
• Experience working with 3-phase power systems.
• Industrial electrical experience with medium to high voltage systems (typically 208v, 240v, 277v, 480v, and above).
• Industrial systems/equipment troubleshooting and maintenance experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technical concepts.
• Strong computer skills.

Benefits

The program is 100% free to US Military Veterans and transitioning Service Members. Housing is provided at the Cambria Hotel (Downtown Milwaukee), transportation is provided via shuttle service, and the training schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break included. The program duration is 11 weeks, and the training wage is $12/hour.

Pay

$12/hour

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, includes a one-hour lunch break.

Company-Issued computer preloaded with training software

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during classroom and lab activities.
• Ability to work with small components, tools, and test instruments.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs throughout the day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans.