Software Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin
Software Design Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in Milwaukee, Madison, and the Fox Valley corridor, where employers like Rockwell Automation, Epic Systems, and Johnson Controls maintain large engineering teams and hire across experience levels from early-career to senior principal. The role's most in-demand specialties in the state include embedded systems design, FPGA development, and industrial control software, reflecting Wisconsin's deep manufacturing and medical device sectors. Demand is steady, with mid-level and senior candidates drawing the most consistent interest from both large OEMs and regional engineering firms. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Description:
Design Engineer II – Power Tools Value Engineering
As a Design Engineer II on the Value Engineering Team, you will utilize your developed mechanical engineering skillset to lead cost down initiatives across all Power Tool categories to increase profitability. As the technical lead you will own the design from origination to implementation while supporting the cross-functional team throughout the project.
This position will be located at our Milwaukee, WI office. Our corporate office is located near Miller Park, Milwaukee Zoo, Mitchell Park Domes, as well as many more attractions and restaurants. Within this role you will work in a fast-paced environment to innovate existing products as a member of a cross-functional team.
If you are interested in travel, domestic and international travel opportunities are available and sometimes required. Milwaukee Tool has three Global manufacturing facilities, located in Mexico, Vietnam and China
Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and test products from concept to production.
- Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to identify risks, validation or design path based on component requirements for durability and performance
- Serve as contact on value engineering team to collaborate with NPD teams to identify cost reductions and support cost saving opportunities on active projects prior to launch.
- Interact with suppliers to develop part/product specifications that meet performance requirements while falling within process capabilities.
- Successful track record of executing and supporting team by performing a wide variety of calculations and software aided analyses in the following areas:
- Mechanical stress analysis
- Tolerance stack analysis
- Material selection
- Design for Manufacturing
- Mechanism development and analysis
- Work as a technical resource to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing teams and suppliers.
- Ability to review test data or testing failures to support root cause analysis with ability to identifying path(s) forward Ability to lead tool level cost investigation exercises with intent to identify cost reduction or product improvement opportunities.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics
- Minimum 2 years of design experience.
- Solid mechanical aptitude is required, including a broad knowledge of engineering materials, mechanical properties and an understanding of the manufacturing processes associated with these materials.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD – ProE, SolidWorks, NX
- Proficiency in 2D drawing creation and specification utilizing a comprehensive understanding of GD&T
- Experience with FEA utilizing ANSYS suite
- Experience completing Root Cause analysis supporting project scope or testing failures
- Ability to travel up to 10% (travel includes Domestic and International). High interest in tools of the construction trades
We provide these great perks and benefits:
- Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans.
- Generous 401 (K) savings plan.
- Education assistance.
Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Description:
Design Engineer II – Power Tools Value Engineering
As a Design Engineer II on the Value Engineering Team, you will utilize your developed mechanical engineering skillset to lead cost down initiatives across all Power Tool categories to increase profitability. As the technical lead you will own the design from origination to implementation while supporting the cross-functional team throughout the project.
This position will be located at our Milwaukee, WI office. Our corporate office is located near Miller Park, Milwaukee Zoo, Mitchell Park Domes, as well as many more attractions and restaurants. Within this role you will work in a fast-paced environment to innovate existing products as a member of a cross-functional team.
If you are interested in travel, domestic and international travel opportunities are available and sometimes required. Milwaukee Tool has three Global manufacturing facilities, located in Mexico, Vietnam and China
Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and test products from concept to production.
- Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to identify risks, validation or design path based on component requirements for durability and performance
- Serve as contact on value engineering team to collaborate with NPD teams to identify cost reductions and support cost saving opportunities on active projects prior to launch.
- Interact with suppliers to develop part/product specifications that meet performance requirements while falling within process capabilities.
- Successful track record of executing and supporting team by performing a wide variety of calculations and software aided analyses in the following areas:
- Mechanical stress analysis
- Tolerance stack analysis
- Material selection
- Design for Manufacturing
- Mechanism development and analysis
- Work as a technical resource to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing teams and suppliers.
- Ability to review test data or testing failures to support root cause analysis with ability to identifying path(s) forward Ability to lead tool level cost investigation exercises with intent to identify cost reduction or product improvement opportunities.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics
- Minimum 2 years of design experience.
- Solid mechanical aptitude is required, including a broad knowledge of engineering materials, mechanical properties and an understanding of the manufacturing processes associated with these materials.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD – ProE, SolidWorks, NX
- Proficiency in 2D drawing creation and specification utilizing a comprehensive understanding of GD&T
- Experience with FEA utilizing ANSYS suite
- Experience completing Root Cause analysis supporting project scope or testing failures
- Ability to travel up to 10% (travel includes Domestic and International). High interest in tools of the construction trades
We provide these great perks and benefits:
- Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans.
- Generous 401 (K) savings plan.
- Education assistance.
Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.
See All 265+ Software Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Software Design Engineer JobsSoftware Design Engineer Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Design Engineer Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Milwaukee Tool22
- Team TTI16T
- Sub-Zero Group6
- Ayres Associates5
- Westwood Professional Services5
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing10
- Consulting & Professional Services9
- Technology & Software2
- Education1
- Accounting & Auditing1
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software design engineer jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related technical field
- Proficiency in C, C++, or Python for embedded or control system development
- Experience with hardware-software integration, PCB design tools, or FPGA programming environments
- Familiarity with industry standards such as IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or similar functional safety frameworks
- Strong documentation skills including design specifications, test plans, and technical review participation
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering
Software Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software design engineer in Wisconsin?
Most software design engineer roles in Wisconsin require a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, or a related discipline. The role does not carry a state-issued professional license in Wisconsin, though engineers who move into systems-level or safety-critical work sometimes pursue voluntary Professional Engineer registration through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Strong candidates build experience through internships with Wisconsin manufacturing, automation, or medical device firms before transitioning to full roles.
How much do software design engineers make in Wisconsin?
Software design engineers in Wisconsin earn a median of about $122,660 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,710 for the lowest 10% to over $168,630 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software design engineers in Wisconsin?
Companies currently hiring software design engineers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee Tool, Team TTI, and Sub-Zero Group, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Wisconsin's concentration of industrial automation, medical device, and defense contractors means demand skews toward engineers comfortable working at the hardware-software boundary.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most software design engineer jobs?
Milwaukee, Brookfield, and Madison account for the most software design engineer openings in Wisconsin. Milwaukee's density reflects the headquarters presence of large automation and controls manufacturers, Madison draws heavily from Epic Systems and the university research ecosystem, and the Fox Valley corridor around Appleton and Oshkosh is driven by paper, packaging, and industrial equipment companies with embedded engineering teams.
Are there remote software design engineer jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, and more than most engineering roles. About 40% of software design engineer openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the field's strong orientation toward software-heavy work that does not require hands-on lab access every day. Roles focused on application software, firmware integration testing, and systems modeling are the most commonly offered remotely, while positions involving prototype builds or hardware validation typically remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a software design engineer in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a software or firmware engineering internship or co-op at one of Wisconsin's larger industrial or medical device employers, where structured programs at companies like Rockwell Automation or GE Healthcare regularly convert to full-time offers. Candidates without direct experience often step in through adjacent roles such as test engineer, embedded systems technician, or automation programmer. Building a portfolio that includes a hardware-interfacing project, contributing to open-source firmware, or earning a relevant certification in FPGA development or functional safety strengthens applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to software design engineer jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to software design engineer jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current Wisconsin openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 265+ Software Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin
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