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Design Engineer II

Milwaukee Tool · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 12, 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 time you led the design on a cross-functional project. How did you keep everyone aligned?

What they are checking: Whether they can act as lead design engineer, which the posting names as the core of the role.

Tell me about a time you went out to talk with real users or watch them work.

What they are checking: Whether they ground designs in how tradespeople actually use tools on the jobsite.

How do you work with suppliers or manufacturing to solve a production problem?

What they are checking: Whether they can partner with manufacturing to fix issues, which product support work requires.

Tell me about a design you're proud of. What made it good?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain their own engineering judgment and the tradeoffs behind it.

What would you do

How would you take cost out of an existing product without hurting performance?

What they are checking: Whether they can do value engineering thoughtfully rather than cutting corners users will notice.

Your launch date is fixed, but testing shows a durability issue. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they raise risks early and offer options instead of hiding a problem to hit a date.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd design a new drill bit or cutting accessory from the user problem to a tested prototype.

What they are checking: Whether they can connect user needs to geometry, materials and testing in a structured design process.

A new masonry bit is wearing out faster than the competitor's in testing. How do you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot failures with data, like wear patterns and material analysis, instead of guessing.

How do you pick materials and heat treatment for an accessory that takes heavy impact?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how hardness, toughness and cost trade off in durable accessories.

How do you use GD&T and tolerance stack-ups to make sure parts fit in production?

What they are checking: Whether they design for manufacturing at volume, not just for a working prototype.

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The full job description

As published by Milwaukee Tool.

Job Description: Design Engineer II – Product Support Engineering 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 design engineering teams. Our Product Support Engineering Team owns mechanical performance of our power tools after they launch. When our tools are in the hands of a tradesperson on a jobsite, we are the team that ensures it continues to exceed their expectations and continuously make them more durable, more capable, and more manufacturable – investigating real failures down to root cause, driving design and process changes into high-volume production, and feeding what we learn back into the next generation of product. We do this using advanced analysis tools, extensive hands-on testing, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, and cross-functional agility. 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 Design Engineer II is a member of a cross-functional team working in a fast-paced environment to solve problems on products already in production. You will investigate failures, design and validate the solution, and drive it through manufacturing – with minimal oversight and real ownership of your projects. You’ll also be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities: • Own mechanical design changes on in-production power tools, from problem identification through validation and production implementation • Perform a wide variety of calculations and software-aided analysis, including mechanical stress analysis, single-part and assembly FEA, tolerance and fit analyses, material and heat treat selection, lubrication, spur and helical gear design, statics and dynamics, noise and vibration, and a variety of machine element design • Investigate field returns, warranty data, and production failures to determine root cause using structured problem-solving methods, and drive corrective actions to closure • Lead tool tear-down exercises to identify product improvement and cost-reduction opportunities • Author and derive engineering change notices, drawing updates, and GD&T specifications through release • Evaluate product design relative to material selection, cost, reliability, and serviceability, and identify and execute design improvement opportunities • Develop and apply a manufacturing mindset to designs so they can be effectively and efficiently mass produced, ensuring part and product specifications meet performance requirements while falling within process capabilities • Work as a technical resource to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing teams and suppliers, both domestic and global • Interact with component suppliers and manufacturers on component selection, process design, and specification development, and support supplier corrective actions • Create and improve manufacturing work instructions, and evaluate production, test, and field data to confirm changes performed as intended • Serve as a key participant in PSE touchpoints for active NPD projects, bringing field and production learnings into new designs before they launch • Independently develop, write, and analyze test requests with the Milwaukee Tool Test Laboratory • Schedule, develop agendas for, facilitate, and document technical meetings and formal presentations. • 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 Mechanical Engineering or related field. • 2+ years of mechanical design experience in a related industry. Prior experience in product support, sustaining, or manufacturing engineering is strongly desired. • Proficiency in 3D CAD and GD&T, including the ability to apply appropriate drawing specifications for function • Working capability in tolerance stack-up analysis and single-part FEA • Demonstrated failure analysis and root cause problem-solving ability • Excellent critical thinking skills and a hands-on attitude – you are comfortable taking a tool apart to understand how it works • Ability to travel 10% of the time is required (travel includes Domestic and International). Other TOOLS we prefer you to have: • Experience with high-volume manufacturing processes such as die casting, injection molding, stamping, and machining, and specifications that control them • Electro-Mechanical project accomplishments. • Familiarity with structured problem-solving and corrective action methods such as 8D, DFMEA, and PFMEA • Comfort evaluating production, test, or field data sets to support engineering decisions • Willingness to learn skill sets outside primary discipline. • Power tools experience will be preferred. 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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