Controls Engineer

Job Description

About the role

Innovate without boundaries at Milwaukee Tool, where our people and culture drive our success. The Front End Manufacturing Technology team within Hand Tools develops and deploys next-generation manufacturing capabilities in automation, controls, connected equipment, data systems, machine learning, and AI-enabled manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, pilot, and implement advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, AI/ML, robotics, vision, sensor, and connected-equipment technologies that improve cost, quality, throughput, safety, flexibility, and speed to market.
• Partner with AME, IT, Data & Analytics, Quality, operations, suppliers, and integrators to develop practical process, controls, data, and quality solutions.
• Specify, integrate, debug, commission, and support automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, drives, robots, vision, sensors, safety devices, laser systems, and material handling equipment.
• Use simulation, digital twins, virtual commissioning, machine data, and structured prototyping to de-risk equipment, accelerate learning, and optimize process performance.
• Define equipment specifications, review concepts and controls architecture, and ensure internal and supplier-built equipment meets Milwaukee Tool standards and industry best practices.
• Develop Python scripts and applications for automation, data processing, equipment connectivity, and manufacturing analytics.
• Collaborate with IT and Data & Analytics to define scalable infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and architecture for connected manufacturing assets.
• Support OPC-UA, MQTT, SQL, APIs, data historians, edge devices, and related technologies for data collection, integration, visualization, and traceability.
• Build data pipelines from machine controls to enterprise systems for SPC, dashboards, process control, capability analysis, and engineering insight.
• Translate machine data into control plans, closed-loop feedback opportunities, predictive quality models, and data-driven manufacturing decisions.
• Lead manufacturing technology projects by providing technical direction, engineering expertise, and cross-functional coordination.
• Communicate status, risks, technical decisions, recommendations, and resource needs through clear written updates, visuals, and presentations.
• Develop cost models, capability assessments, throughput analysis, risk assessments, and what-if scenarios to support investment and project decisions.
• Justify automation, digital manufacturing, and advanced technology investments using cost, quality, capability, throughput, safety, and scalability considerations.
• Drive milestone delivery, challenge the status quo, and align global and site teams on deployable, supportable, and sustainable solutions.

Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for supplier, machine, technology, and concept evaluations; estimated travel is 10%.
• Ability to support execution and alignment across manufacturing sites.
• Ability to learn new technical material quickly and apply it in hands-on engineering environments.
• Ability to work directly with equipment, controls, data systems, and manufacturing teams during development, launch, and support.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 2 or more years of experience in machine controls, automation design, programming, integration, and commissioning, preferably with custom equipment.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC/HMI programming, industrial automation, controls integration, and machine commissioning.
• PREFERRED: Experience with Industry 4.0, connected equipment, smart manufacturing, data analytics, Python, AI/ML concepts, or statistical process improvement.
• PREFERRED: Experience with industrial networking, edge computing, cloud-connected systems, historians, SQL, APIs, OPC-UA, MQTT, robotics, vision, motion control, safety systems, laser marking/welding, and assembly automation.
• Working knowledge of IT infrastructure, industrial connectivity, cybersecurity, machine safety practices, and standards such as NFPA 70/79, UL 508, and CE.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Power BI, Visio, or similar project management and visualization tools preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to work directly with equipment, controls, data systems, and manufacturing teams during development, launch, and support.
• Working knowledge of IT infrastructure, industrial connectivity, cybersecurity, machine safety practices, and standards such as NFPA 70/79, UL 508, and CE.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Power BI, Visio, or similar project management and visualization tools preferred.

Skills

• Python scripting and applications for automation, data processing, equipment connectivity, and manufacturing analytics.
• Collaboration with IT and Data & Analytics to define scalable infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and architecture for connected manufacturing assets.
• Support of OPC-UA, MQTT, SQL, APIs, data historians, edge devices, and related technologies for data collection, integration, visualization, and traceability.
• Development of data pipelines from machine controls to enterprise systems for SPC, dashboards, process control, capability analysis, and engineering insight.
• Translation of machine data into control plans, closed-loop feedback opportunities, predictive quality models, and data-driven manufacturing decisions.
• Leadership in manufacturing technology projects by providing technical direction, engineering expertise, and cross-functional coordination.
• Communication of status, risks, technical decisions, recommendations, and resource needs through clear written updates, visuals, and presentations.
• Development of cost models, capability assessments, throughput analysis, risk assessments, and what-if scenarios to support investment and project decisions.
• Justification of automation, digital manufacturing, and advanced technology investments using cost, quality, capability, throughput, safety, and scalability considerations.
• Driving milestone delivery, challenging the status quo, and aligning global and site teams on deployable, supportable, and sustainable solutions.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer.

Pay

• N/A

Schedule

• N/A