Controls Engineer

INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool, 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. This role partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, IT, analytics, suppliers, and global sites to turn emerging technologies into scalable, reliable, high-impact solutions.

Manufacturing Process, Controls & Emerging Technology:

• 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.

• Apply automation and process knowledge across assembly, welding, part handling, material feeding, machine vision, robotics, motion control, and related production technologies.

• 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.

Digital & Data Systems:

• 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.

Project Management Skills:

• 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.

Other 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.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• 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.