Job Description:
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.
Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.