Automation Engineer
Job Description:This role is part of the Front End Manufacturing Technology team within Hand Tools and will help define, develop, and deploy next-generation manufacturing capabilities across automation, robotics, connected equipment, machine data, digital manufacturing, machine learning, and AI-enabled applications. Working with engineering, manufacturing, quality, IT, data analytics, suppliers, integrators, and global sites, you will turn emerging technologies into scalable, reliable, high-impact manufacturing solutions.
Your Role on Our Team:As an Automation Engineer, you will develop advanced manufacturing equipment, mechanical automation concepts, and scalable machine solutions that integrate with controls, data, and digital manufacturing systems.
- Create machine concepts, detailed drawing packages, design analyses, and equipment specifications for custom automation projects.
- Partner with the FMT Controls Engineer to integrate PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, sensors, motion control, machine safety, data collection, and connected manufacturing platforms.
- Evaluate, prototype, and pilot emerging technologies that improve cost, quality, throughput, safety, flexibility, speed to market, and scalability.
- Support AI/ML manufacturing use cases by designing equipment, fixtures, and processes that generate reliable data for optimization, anomaly detection, predictive quality, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with controls, IT, data analytics, quality, manufacturing, suppliers, and integrators to deliver process, automation, data, and quality solutions.
- Use simulation, digital twins, virtual commissioning, structured testing, and prototype builds to reduce technical risk before launch.
- Build, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve prototypes, lab fixtures, test stands, and development equipment for NPD and advanced manufacturing projects.
- Support implementation, scale-up, mechanical debug, and automation of new and existing manufacturing lines.
- Identify technical risk, run feasibility studies, validate concepts with data, and recommend scalable deployment paths.
- Work with suppliers to specify components, obtain quotes, evaluate concepts, and ensure equipment follows Milwaukee Tool standards and industry best practices.
- Leverage machine data, sensors, vision, robotics, edge devices, and industrial communication platforms to improve capability, traceability, and decision making.
- Communicate clear technical updates, data summaries, risks, and recommendations to project leaders, management, and engineering teams.
- Drive alignment across global and site teams so solutions are deployable, supportable, maintainable, and sustainable.
- Other tasks and duties as assigned.
The TOOLS you'll bring with you:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience.
- Two or more years of relevant experience, preferably with an automation integrator or machine builder.
- Experience designing automated machinery, custom equipment, fixtures, prototypes, or manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to develop mechanical automation solutions integrated with controls, robotics, vision, sensors, motion control, machine safety, and data collection.
- Ability to align mechanical design, controls architecture, machine data, and process requirements early in development.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and/or NX; Teamcenter experience is a plus.
- Strong communication, organization, and technical presentation skills, including written updates, PowerPoint, CAD models, graphical tools, and data-based analysis.
Other TOOLS we prefer you to have:- Strong analytical skills, including DOE, statistical analysis, risk analysis, flow layout, and related engineering tools.
- Working knowledge of Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, digital manufacturing, connected equipment, or structured machine data.
- Experience with AI/ML manufacturing applications, predictive quality, predictive maintenance, process optimization, anomaly detection, or data-driven troubleshooting.
- Familiarity with digital twins, simulation, virtual commissioning, Power BI, SQL, OPC-UA, MQTT, APIs, data historians, or edge-connected systems.
- Experience with robotics, machine vision, laser or resistance welding, assembly automation, material handling, part feeding, custom machines, PLC/HMI systems, LabVIEW, Python, robot programming, Cognex/Keyence vision, industrial networking, machine safety, or automation equipment reviews.
- Hands-on experience with prototyping, 3D printing, lab equipment, prototype fabrication, test stands, troubleshooting, or advanced manufacturing lab support.
- Mechanical aptitude across fixture design, metalworking, stamping, injection molding, machining, automated assembly, polishing, and grinding.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, solve problems hands-on, support construction-trade tools, and travel domestically or internationally as required.
