Automation Engineering Technician

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.