Job Description: INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! Milwaukee Tool’s Front End Manufacturing Technology Team supports hands-on development, testing, troubleshooting, and deployment of next-generation manufacturing technologies for the Hand Tools Business Unit. The Automation Technician role partners with engineering, operations, quality, IT, suppliers, and global sites to turn new ideas into practical shop-floor solutions across automation, robotics, machine vision, connected equipment, data systems, and emerging AI/ML manufacturing applications. Manufacturing Process, Automation & Technology Support: • Support setup, debug, troubleshooting, repair, and improvement of automation, robotics, vision systems, sensors, connected equipment, and automated work cells. • Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, production, quality, IT, suppliers, and global sites to support line setup, changeovers, pilots, and project execution. • Own assigned automated equipment and help deliver strong safety, quality, throughput, cost, flexibility, and speed-to-market results. • Lead, mentor, and coordinate automation, engineering, and contractor resources as needed. • Interpret PLC ladder logic, troubleshoot controls, integrate robots, and support communications, VFDs, motor protection relays, and industrial networks. • Collect and review machine data from PLCs, HMIs, sensors, robots, vision systems, and connected equipment to support troubleshooting, traceability, and data-driven decisions. • Support practical AI/ML and advanced analytics use cases by gathering clean process data, documenting equipment behavior, validating outputs, and translating recommendations into shop-floor actions. • Assist with edge devices, barcode/traceability systems, data collection hardware, and equipment connectivity for smart factory applications. • Build, modify, and test proof-of-concept fixtures, tooling, sensors, robot end-of-arm tooling, and prototype automation solutions. • Identify mechanical issues, maintain housekeeping and safety, participate in continuous improvement, and support multiple plants or projects as assigned. • Controls, Data & Connected Manufacturing Support: • Proficient with Rockwell controls platforms, including CompactLogix PLCs and FactoryTalk HMI development. • Able to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and technical documents; wire control panels to prints, codes, and regulations. • Strong technical, mathematical, spatial, organizational, reading, and written communication skills. • Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision, sensors, motion control, pneumatics, electrical controls, equipment safety systems, and power tools. • Familiarity with connected manufacturing concepts such as machine data collection, traceability, dashboards, industrial networking, edge devices, OPC-UA, MQTT, SQL, APIs, or similar technologies is a plus. • Interest in AI, machine learning, computer vision, predictive quality, anomaly detection, and advanced analytics for manufacturing applications. • Demonstrates innovation, adaptability, hands-on curiosity, and the ability to test concepts, document results, and pivot quickly when needed. Education and Experience Requirements: • Associate’s degree or 5+ years of experience in a related industrial field. • Experience supporting automation, controls, robotics, vision systems, connected equipment, manufacturing data collection, or hands-on advanced manufacturing development. Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.