Automation Engineer
Job Description
Job Description:
INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool, our people and culture drive our success. This role is part of the Front End Manufacturing Technology team within Hand Tools and will help define, develop, and deploy next-generation manufacturing capabilities across automation, robotics, connected equipment, machine data, digital manufacturing, machine learning, and AI-enabled applications. Working with engineering, manufacturing, quality, IT, data analytics, suppliers, integrators, and global sites, you will turn emerging technologies into scalable, reliable, high-impact manufacturing solutions.
Your Role on Our Team:
As an Automation Engineer, you will develop advanced manufacturing equipment, mechanical automation concepts, and scalable machine solutions that integrate with controls, data, and digital manufacturing systems.
Create machine concepts, detailed drawing packages, design analyses, and equipment specifications for custom automation projects.
Partner with the FMT Controls Engineer to integrate PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, sensors, motion control, machine safety, data collection, and connected manufacturing platforms.
Evaluate, prototype, and pilot emerging technologies that improve cost, quality, throughput, safety, flexibility, speed to market, and scalability.
Support AI/ML manufacturing use cases by designing equipment, fixtures, and processes that generate reliable data for optimization, anomaly detection, predictive quality, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Collaborate with controls, IT, data analytics, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and integrators to deliver process, automation, data, and quality solutions.
Use simulation, digital twins, virtual commissioning, structured testing, and prototype builds to reduce technical risk before launch.
Build, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve prototypes, lab fixtures, test stands, and development equipment for NPD and advanced manufacturing projects.
Support implementation, scale-up, mechanical debug, and automation of new and existing manufacturing lines.
Identify technical risk, run feasibility studies, validate concepts with data, and recommend scalable deployment paths.
Work with suppliers to specify components, obtain quotes, evaluate concepts, and ensure equipment follows Milwaukee Tool standards and industry best practices.
Leverage machine data, sensors, vision, robotics, edge devices, and industrial communication platforms to improve capability, traceability, and decision making.
Communicate clear technical updates, data summaries, risks, and recommendations to project leaders, management, and engineering teams.
Drive alignment across global and site teams so solutions are deployable, supportable, maintainable, and sustainable.
Other tasks and duties as assigned.
The TOOLS you’ll bring with you:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience.
Two or more years of relevant experience, preferably with an automation integrator or machine builder.
Experience designing automated machinery, custom equipment, fixtures, prototypes, or manufacturing equipment.
Ability to develop mechanical automation solutions integrated with controls, robotics, vision, sensors, motion control, machine safety, and data collection.
Ability to align mechanical design, controls architecture, machine data, and process requirements early in development.
Proficiency in SolidWorks and/or NX; Teamcenter experience is a plus.
Strong communication, organization, and technical presentation skills, including written updates, PowerPoint, CAD models, graphical tools, and data-based analysis.
Other TOOLS we prefer you to have:
Strong analytical skills, including DOE, statistical analysis, risk analysis, flow layout, and related engineering tools.
Working knowledge of Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, digital manufacturing, connected equipment, or structured machine data.
Experience with AI/ML manufacturing applications, predictive quality, predictive maintenance, process optimization, anomaly detection, or data-driven troubleshooting.
Familiarity with digital twins, simulation, virtual commissioning, Power BI, SQL, OPC-UA, MQTT, APIs, data historians, or edge-connected systems.
Experience with robotics, machine vision, laser or resistance welding, assembly automation, material handling, part feeding, custom machines, PLC/HMI systems, LabVIEW, Python, robot programming, Cognex/Keyence vision, industrial networking, machine safety, or automation equipment reviews.
Hands-on experience with prototyping, 3D printing, lab equipment, prototype fabrication, test stands, troubleshooting, or advanced manufacturing lab support.
Mechanical aptitude across fixture design, metalworking, stamping, injection molding, machining, automated assembly, polishing, and grinding.
Ability to manage multiple projects, solve problems hands-on, support construction-trade tools, and travel domestically or internationally as required.
Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.