Owns manufacturing automation performance by developing, integrating, optimizing, and troubleshooting PLC, robot, vision, motion, safety, and industrial communication systems. Supports equipment commissioning, launch stabilization, root-cause analysis, cycle-time improvement, system validation, documentation, version control, and sustainment team training. Ensures automated cells meet throughput, quality, uptime, safety, and reliability targets.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Automation / Robot Specialist
Summary
The Automation / Robot Specialist serves as the technical owner of automation performance within manufacturing operations. This position develops, integrates, optimizes, and troubleshoots PLC, robot, vision, motion, safety, and industrial communication systems to achieve target cycle time, throughput, quality, and uptime. The specialist provides hands-on launch and stabilization support, applies structured root-cause analysis to eliminate recurring failures, and delivers reliable systems and documentation to sustainment teams.
Responsibilities
- Own automation system performance and conduct daily optimization of automated cells to improve cycle time, throughput, quality, and equipment uptime.
- Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robot, vision, motion-control, safety, and supporting automation programs.
- Optimize robot paths, motion profiles, process sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and recovery routines while maintaining safe operation.
- Use structured root-cause analysis and corrective action to permanently eliminate chronic equipment and process failures.
- Configure, calibrate, validate, and maintain vision systems, sensors, error-proofing devices, servo systems, and networked industrial devices.
- Support equipment installation, commissioning, launch, and the first 90 days of stabilization in partnership with the AMA Lead and cross-functional plant teams.
- Perform offline programming, reach studies, cycle-time simulation, risk assessment, and system validation before production implementation.
- Manage program revisions through formal backup and version-control practices and maintain clear technical documentation, schematics, and network diagrams.
- Train sustainment personnel and complete a stable handoff after launch, including known issues, recovery procedures, validated backups, and performance status.
- Track performance against cycle-time achievement, direct-labor reduction, repeat-failure elimination, and stabilization-phase uptime targets.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Robotics, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- At least five years of hands-on experience programming, integrating, optimizing, and troubleshooting industrial automation and robotic systems in a manufacturing environment.
PLC, HMI, Motion, and Safety Controls
- Expert-level capability with Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and Studio 5000, including Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagrams, sequencing, state machines, error handling, data manipulation, and online/offline edits.
- Advanced experience with FactoryTalk View HMI development, alarm configuration, trending, RSLinx communications, Add-On Instructions, produced/consumed tags, Kinetix motion control, and GuardLogix safety programming.
Industrial Robotics and Offline Programming
- Expert-level Fanuc robot programming and integration, including TP programming, motion commands, I/O and conditional logic, macros, KAREL, path optimization, mastering, and calibration.
- Experience with Fanuc Roboguide and WinOLPC for offline programming, reach analysis, cycle-time simulation, calibration, and system validation.
- Experience with Fanuc force sensing, synchronized motion, and CR-series collaborative robots, including safety zones, hand guiding, speed and separation monitoring, workspace design, and risk assessment.
Machine Vision and Error Proofing
- Experience configuring Fanuc iRVision 2D/3D applications, including part location, offsets, calibration, and robot-guidance integration.
- Advanced experience with Keyence CV-X and Cognex In-Sight/VisionPro systems, including lighting, calibration, edge detection, pattern matching, OCR, blob analysis, geometric tools, multi-camera synchronization, false-reject reduction, and job validation.
Industrial Networks and System Integration
- Proficiency with EtherNet/IP explicit messaging, implicit I/O, and scanner configuration.
- Working knowledge of Profinet, Profibus, RS-232, Modbus RTU, and OPC UA for multi-vendor and Industry 4.0 integration.
- Strong electrical, controls, and networking knowledge to diagnose communication, device, and system-integration failures.
Troubleshooting and Production Support
- Strong analytical and structured troubleshooting skills, with the ability to resolve complex automation failures under production and launch conditions.
- Ability to analyze interacting electrical, controls, robotics, vision, motion, and network systems and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Engineering Software, Documentation, and Version Control
- Proficiency with Git or SVN for automation program management and revision control.
- Proficiency with Visio for electrical schematics and industrial network diagrams.
- Experience with Factory I/O or FlexSim is preferred.
Required Certifications and Training
Current or previously completed training in the following areas is expected; equivalent documented training or demonstrated proficiency may be accepted:
- Rockwell ControlLogix System Fundamentals (CCP146), Advanced Programming using RSLogix 5000 (CCP299), and FactoryTalk View Site Edition (CCP143).
- Fanuc Handling Tool Operations, HandlingPRO, iRVision Operations and Programming, and Collaborative Robot Operations for CR-series robots.
- Keyence CV-X training; Cognex Certified Vision Professional certification is preferred.
- OSHA 10-Hour and robot-safety training aligned with RIA R15.06 or ISO 10218.
Salary: $98,800 - $164,500
Benefits:
Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
Disability
Life and AD&D Insurance
401k
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid vacation
Paid holidays
The job description outlined above is not intended to be a detailed list of job functions or responsibilities. It outlines the essential functions of the job. An individual may be required to perform other duties from time to time. The company reserves the right to amend, change or delete the contents of this description.
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