Automation Engineering Technician

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation; Menomonee Falls (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is seeking an Automation Technician to support the development and deployment of next-generation manufacturing technologies in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This role involves collaborating with engineering and operations to optimize automation systems, troubleshoot and repair machinery, and integrate advanced analytics.

The ideal candidate will have an associate's degree or equivalent experience, alongside hands-on skills in automation and controls. Join a leading team and contribute to innovative manufacturing solutions!

Qualifications

• Experience supporting automation, controls, robotics, and manufacturing development.
• Strong technical skills in electrical, mechanical, and technical documentation.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and equipment safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Support setup and debugging of automation and robotics.
• Collaborate with teams for line setup and project execution.
• Lead and mentor automation and engineering resources.

Skills

Automation systems

Robotics

Machine vision

Troubleshooting

Electrical controls

Education

Associate's degree or 5+ years of experience in related field

Tools

Rockwell controls platforms

FactoryTalk HMI

Job description

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.

Manufacturing Process, Automation & Technology Support:

• 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.
• Assist 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.

Controls, Data & Connected Manufacturing Support:

• 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.

Education and Experience 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.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.