Smart Home (AV) System Specialist/Senior Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Mills Technologies Job Description - Position: System Specialist/Senior Technician

What are we looking for?
An experienced System Specialist/Senior Technician to join a well-established technology integration firm. You’ll be a key member of our project team and a go-to resource for service, with networking, configuration, and system programming at the center of what you do.

Where are we located?
Skokie, IL, in the Chicago suburbs

What kind of job is this?
Full-time, with opportunity for overtime.

Who would you report to?
David Concua, Project and Technician Manager

Who are we?
With roots that date back to 1939, Mills is a third-generation family-owned business that was founded as a recording studio. While Mills has always been in the business of providing consumer electronics solutions, in the last few decades, Mills has migrated into the technology integration business to best serve our customers. We advise, design, install and service technology systems for homes and businesses. The systems we provide include audio and music systems; televisions, presentation systems and media rooms; data and Wi-Fi; lighting systems; motorized shades; and the means to control all this technology, plus a whole lot more! These systems may be installed in homes, condos, and businesses in the greater Chicago area and beyond.

Mills is known throughout Chicago for our unrelenting commitment to customer service. Many of our new clients are family and friends of our existing ones. At Mills, our goal is to be our clients’ trusted technology advisors. Because of this, we pride ourselves on being good listeners and recommending what’s best for our clients.

What would your job look like?
As a System Specialist, your time will be split between our project team and our service team. On projects, you’ll bring new systems to life, with an emphasis on network setup, device configuration, and programming. On service, you’ll keep existing clients’ systems running smoothly. 90% of our work is residential, so you’ll spend most of your time in our clients’ homes. Some of our work takes place on active construction sites.

Your typical day might look something like this:

• Teaching clients how to use their new systems, from setting up apps on a multi-room music system to adjusting lighting scenes

• Ensuring a successful day by preparing the necessary software, tools, materials and equipment for the day or days ahead

• Setting up and optimizing Wi-Fi networks, including switches, routers, and access points

• Configuring and commissioning devices on client networks and control platforms

• Programming lighting control, motorized shades, and whole-home control systems

• Performing service calls assigned by our Service Coordinator, diagnosing issues, and updating service tickets as required

• Working with our Project Managers and project team, reporting on progress and anticipating the needs of the day

• Building equipment racks off site and making sure all connections are made per engineering documentation

• Installing and integrating equipment, such as TVs, surround systems, video conference systems, and control components

• Testing, tuning, and commissioning systems before handoff

Note that this position is required to be on our on-call team, which is currently one weeknight a week and every fifth weekend.

In this role, you’ll drive directly from your residence to job sites/service calls, returning home at the end of the day. You’ll likely find yourself at our corporate office from time to time to gather materials and attend meetings. You’ll start out by shadowing an existing System Specialist, but we expect you to

reach a running pace fairly quickly.

What should you bring to the table?

Technical skills

• At least 3 years of experience in home technology integration, installation, and service

• Strong working knowledge of networking: switching, routing, Wi-Fi, and IP-based device configuration

• Proven experience with leading control systems such as Crestron Home, Control4, Lutron Homeworks, Lutron RA3, etc. You need not have experience with all; we will train the right person.

• Experience programming Crestron SIMPL is a plus but not required

• Experience with technology in general, including computers and networked devices

• Excellent troubleshooting skills

Working with clients and teammates

• A high level of emotional intelligence. You can read a room, sense a client’s frustration, and respond with patience and care.

• Clear, confident communication. You can explain technical topics in plain language without talking down to anyone.

• The ability to set honest expectations about scope, timing, and what it will take to get something fixed

• Professionalism in clients’ homes and offices: respect for their space, their schedules, and their privacy

• Comfort teaching clients to use their systems and building their confidence

• Good listening skills. You hear what the client is really asking for and follow through on what you promised.

• Collaboration with project managers and teammates, including timely updates and clear handoffs

• Calm under pressure when a deadline is tight or a client’s system is down

Physical requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• Comfortable working on a ladder

Other requirements

• Willingness to complete a background check, as they are required in our business

• Willingness to be part of our after-hours support team (typically 1 weeknight and every 5th weekend)

• A conscience to do what is right, always, coupled with a passion to delight our customers

• A positive attitude, ability to excel under pressure, and a willingness to hold yourself accountable

• Embodiment of the company’s core values:

  • 1. Choose honesty over comfort.

  • 2. Do what's right, not just what's easy.

  • 3. Be a great teammate.

  • 4. Create a world-class customer experience.

  • 5. Act humbly brilliant

What do we bring to the table?

• Base salary: $33-$37/hour (commensurate with experience) with opportunity for overtime

• Health Insurance

• Vision and Dental Benefits

• Paid Time Off

• Life Insurance and 401(k) program with employer match

• Company provided vehicle