Automation Engineer II

Milwaukee Tool•Menomonee Falls, MT

About The Position

The Automation Engineer II develops automated test systems that support new product development across Milwaukee Tool’s North American and global laboratories. As a technical contributor in the Test Automation Group, this role works with New Product Development, Reliability, Quality, and Laboratory teams to define requirements and take automation projects from concept through deployment. The engineer applies knowledge of team, laboratory, and product-development processes to make design decisions, identify risks, communicate obstacles and potential solutions, and contribute to project execution with growing ownership and independence. The role develops and maintains custom software and SQL databases; implements sensor technology, data acquisition, and motion control; designs electrical panel wiring and layouts; and integrates and troubleshoots hardware, measurement devices, safety systems, and motion devices. It also supports project planning, vendor collaboration, system documentation, validation, design reviews, and continuous improvement of engineering practices. The engineer contributes technical guidance to peers and builds technical expertise, project execution capability, and cross-functional relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
At least 2 years of experience developing automated systems, industrial equipment, test systems, or complex engineering solutions.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and engineering problem-solving abilities.
Hands-on experience integrating, commissioning, and debugging industrial systems.
Ability to manage multiple projects or technical assignments with limited supervision.
Ability to assess technical options and make data-supported recommendations considering project scope, cost, schedule, safety, and long-term maintainability.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and technical communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with technical teams, cross-functional stakeholders, vendors, and global laboratory teams.
Willingness to travel internationally less than 10%.
Experience developing mechatronic system software using languages such as LabVIEW, Python, or C#.
Knowledge of test and measurement techniques, including sensor technology, signal conditioning, data acquisition using NI cDAQ, NI cRIO, and PLCs, and uncertainty calculations.
Familiarity with SQL database design and queries, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Fabric, and Databricks.
Experience using software source control.

Nice To Haves

GIT experience is preferred.
SolidWorks Electrical experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop automated test systems for new product development, with ownership of project scope, requirements, design, build, integration, and deployment activities.
Support project scope discussions and develop system requirements with New Product Development, Test Lab, Reliability Engineering, and other stakeholders.
Interpret project charters and use project objectives to inform engineering decisions.
Create and maintain system documentation, including bills of materials, operating instructions, risk assessments, validation documentation, and design review materials.
Work with vendors on system procurement, technical collaboration, costing, and schedule management.
Assess and communicate risks involving cost, schedule, procurement, design maturity, quality, and safety; escalate obstacles and propose mitigation options.
Prioritize and manage multiple projects while maintaining quality, communication, and execution discipline.
Use structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis to troubleshoot issues and evaluate alternatives.
Create and maintain custom software and SQL databases for storing test data, creating visualizations, and supporting data-driven decisions.
Implement sensor technology, data acquisition, and motion control.
Design electrical panel wiring and layouts for automated test systems.
Integrate and troubleshoot hardware, sensors, measurement devices, safety systems, and motion devices across domestic and global test laboratories.
Drive assigned medium-complexity project work with minimal guidance and alignment to scope, schedule, quality, and safety requirements.
Provide constructive design feedback and technical guidance to peers during design reviews and project discussions.
Communicate project status, technical risks, design tradeoffs, and recommended next steps to stakeholders.
Apply TAG, laboratory, and NPD processes to support project execution, design maturity, and validation planning.
Contribute to engineering best practices, design standards, documentation templates, and automation methodologies.
Develop technical skills and support continuous learning, accountability, innovation, and technical excellence.