Automation Engineer II

Milwaukee Tool • Menomonee Falls, WI

1d

About The Position

The Automation Engineer II develops automated test systems that support new product development across North America and global laboratories. Working with New Product Development, Reliability, Quality, and Laboratory teams, the engineer helps define requirements and takes automation projects from concept through deployment. This is a technical contributor role with growing project ownership and independence, requiring sound design decisions, early identification of risks, and clear communication of obstacles and potential solutions.

The role includes developing system scope and requirements; designing, building, integrating, and deploying test systems; creating and maintaining project documentation; collaborating with vendors; programming controls and software; working with test data and SQL databases; and integrating and troubleshooting sensors, measurement devices, safety systems, and motion equipment. The engineer also contributes technical feedback and guidance to peers, supports engineering standards and methodologies, and continually builds technical and project execution capabilities.

Success involves driving medium-complexity automation projects with minimal guidance while balancing scope, quality, schedule, and cost; identifying and communicating risks early; collaborating effectively across internal, vendor, and global teams; and using engineering judgment and structured problem-solving to deliver robust test solutions. International travel is less than 10%.

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 sound recommendations based on data, 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.
• Experience creating and interpreting electrical schematics; SolidWorks Electrical is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated test systems to support new product development, with ownership of project scope, requirements, design, build, integration, and deployment.
• 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.
• Partner with vendors on procurement, technical collaboration, costing, and schedule management.
• Analyze and communicate risks related to cost, schedule, procurement, design maturity, quality, and safety.
• Escalate obstacles and roadblocks proactively and propose solutions and mitigation options.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects while maintaining quality, communication, and execution discipline.
• Apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to troubleshoot issues and evaluate alternatives.
• Create and maintain custom software.
• Create and query SQL databases to store test data, produce visualizations, and support 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 labs.
• Drive assigned work on medium-complexity automation projects with minimal guidance and alignment to scope, schedule, quality, and safety requirements.
• Provide constructive design feedback and technical guidance to peers during reviews and project discussions.
• Communicate project status, technical risks, design tradeoffs, and recommended next steps to stakeholders.
• Use 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.
• Pursue skill development and contribute to continuous learning, accountability, innovation, and technical excellence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level