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Controls Engineer II

Milwaukee Tool · Brookfield, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a control algorithm you took from simulation to working hardware. What surprised you on the real system?

What they are checking: Whether they have bridged the gap between models and real hardware, where most control problems appear.

Tell me about working with firmware and hardware engineers to solve a control problem none of you could solve alone.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well across disciplines on a team that develops motors and electronics in-house.

What interests you about controls in cordless tools compared with other motor control work?

What they are checking: Whether they are motivated by the specific challenges of compact, battery-powered, high-performance products.

What would you do

A tool kicks back hard when a bit binds. How would you think about detecting that and reacting in control software?

What they are checking: Whether they think about safety-related control features that protect the user, not just performance.

Your control loop is stable on the bench but oscillates in a cold tool with a half-empty battery. How do you approach it?

What they are checking: Whether they test and design across the full range of temperature and battery voltage seen on jobsites.

About the work

Walk me through how field-oriented control works for a brushless motor, and when you might choose simpler six-step commutation instead.

What they are checking: Whether they understand motor control well enough to pick a method based on cost, noise and performance in a tool.

How would you tune a speed control loop for a drill that has to hold speed as the load changes suddenly?

What they are checking: Whether they can tune for real load changes and understand the trade-off between response and stability.

How do you model a plant when you don't have good data on it, like friction in a gear train or a battery's internal resistance?

What they are checking: Whether they can identify system parameters from tests rather than relying on datasheet numbers.

What tools do you use for control design, like MATLAB and Simulink, and how do you get that work into embedded code?

What they are checking: Whether they can move designs into fixed-point or resource-limited firmware that actually runs on the product.

How do you estimate rotor position without a sensor, and where does that approach struggle?

What they are checking: Whether they understand sensorless control limits at low speed and startup, common issues in power tools.

How do you decide that a control design is robust enough to release?

What they are checking: Whether they use stability margins, corner-case testing and data rather than a few good runs.

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The full job description

As published by Milwaukee Tool.

Job Description: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time. INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success – so we give you unlimited access to everything you need to create disruptive new technologies and solutions on our electrical engineering teams. Our Engineering Team is responsible for giving life to the batteries, motors, and electronics that power solutions changing the lives of our users. Every developmental phase of these critical components happens in-house under the watch of this team. We continue to invest in electrical engineering resources to design and develop leadership in electronic capabilities; something unique within the industry. And we’re pushing the limits in firmware engineering, power electronics, embedded systems, machine learning, and the use of artificial intelligence. Behind our doors you’ll be empowered every day to own it, drive it, and do what it takes to design and develop the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. Meanwhile, you’ll have the support and resources of the fastest-growing brand in the construction industry to make it happen. Year after year, our team continues to make significant breakthroughs in the industry. We’re just getting started. To learn more about our story click HERE . The Controls Engineer II will collaborate with various Engineering teams to design, model, simulate, and implement innovative control algorithms for our products. You will join a team of passionate control, electronic, firmware and system engineers to deliver the next breakthroughs in battery systems and power tool technology. You’ll also be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities: • Work to design, model, simulate, and implement advanced control algorithms independently and under the supervision of senior engineers. • Develop, analyze, maintain, and document control system architecture. • Use modeling tools such as MATLAB, Simulink and Stateflow. • Collaborate with Hardware and Firmware Engineers to optimize and implement next-generation control algorithms. • Conduct experiments, perform simulations, and draw concise, logical conclusions by analyzing data. • Use laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, and HIL test equipment to validate control algorithms. • Track projects to ensure adherence to schedule and Milwaukee Tool’s processes. • Schedule, develop agendas for, facilitate, and document technical meetings and formal presentations. • Develop and apply manufacturing mindset to designs to effectively and efficiently mass produce power tools. • Acquire knowledge and maintain an understanding of Milwaukee Tool’s development and manufacturing processes. What TOOLS you’ll bring with you: • Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field. • 2+ years of related industry work experience. • Working knowledge of model-based control development utilizing design tools such as MATLAB/Simulink. • Working knowledge of closed loop control theory. • Ability to read power electronics schematics and component data sheets. • Excellent problem-solving skills, exercises independent judgement and works well under pressure in a dynamic environment. • Self-motivated, organized, efficient, process oriented with a strong work ethic. • Ability to travel 10% of the time (domestic and international). Other TOOLS we prefer you to have: • Working knowledge of vector control and pulse width modulation techniques. • Working knowledge of control loop tuning and stability analysis. • Experience developing plant models to simulate physical systems. • Experience with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer reviews. • Experience with embedded C/C++, including bare metal programming. • Familiarity with generating embedded code from MATLAB/Simulink. • Familiarity with three phase motor control and/or power control applications. • Familiarity with battery, drive, and motor systems. We provide these great perks and benefits: • Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans. • Generous 401 (K) savings plan. • Education assistance. • On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service. • And many more, check out our benefits site HERE . Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

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