Automation Engineering Technician

About the role

Innovate without boundaries! Milwaukee Tool's Front End Manufacturing Technology Team supports hands-on development, testing, troubleshooting, and deployment of next-generation manufacturing technologies for the Hand Tools Business Unit. The Automation Technician role partners with engineering, operations, quality, IT, suppliers, and global sites to turn new ideas into practical shop-floor solutions across automation, robotics, machine vision, connected equipment, data systems, and emerging AI/ML manufacturing applications.

Responsibilities

• Support setup, debug, troubleshooting, repair, and improvement of automation, robotics, vision systems, sensors, connected equipment, and automated work cells.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production, quality, IT, suppliers, and global sites to support line setup, changeovers, pilots, and project execution.
• Own assigned automated equipment and help deliver strong safety, quality, throughput, cost, flexibility, and speed-to-market results.
• Lead, mentor, and coordinate automation, engineering, and contractor resources as needed.
• Interpret PLC ladder logic, troubleshoot controls, integrate robots, and support communications, VFDs, motor protection relays, and industrial networks.
• Collect and review machine data from PLCs, HMIs, sensors, robots, vision systems, and connected equipment to support troubleshooting, traceability, and data-driven decisions.
• Support practical AI/ML and advanced analytics use cases by gathering clean process data, documenting equipment behavior, validating outputs, and translating recommendations into shop-floor actions.
• Aid with edge devices, barcode/traceability systems, data collection hardware, and equipment connectivity for smart factory applications.
• Build, modify, and test proof-of-concept fixtures, tooling, sensors, robot end-of-arm tooling, and prototype automation solutions.
• Identify mechanical issues, maintain housekeeping and safety, participate in continuous improvement, and support multiple plants or projects as assigned.
• Support Controls, Data & Connected Manufacturing: Proficient with Rockwell controls platforms, including CompactLogix PLCs and FactoryTalk HMI development.
• Able to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and technical documents; wire control panels to prints, codes, and regulations.
• Strong technical, mathematical, spatial, organizational, reading, and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision, sensors, motion control, pneumatics, electrical controls, equipment safety systems, and power tools.
• Familiarity with connected manufacturing concepts such as machine data collection, traceability, dashboards, industrial networking, edge devices, OPC-UA, MQTT, SQL, APIs, or similar technologies is a plus.
• Interest in AI, machine learning, computer vision, predictive quality, anomaly detection, and advanced analytics for manufacturing applications.
• Demonstrates innovation, adaptability, hands-on curiosity, and the ability to test concepts, document results, and pivot quickly when needed.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or 5+ years of experience in a related industrial field. Experience supporting automation, controls, robotics, vision systems, connected equipment, manufacturing data collection, or hands-on advanced manufacturing development.

Qualifications

Education and experience requirements as outlined above.

Skills

Proficient with Rockwell controls platforms, including CompactLogix PLCs and FactoryTalk HMI development.

Benefits

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.