Associate Application Engineer Jobs in Washington, MI

Job Title: Robot Programmer

Department: Methods Automation – Engineering/Robot Programming

Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.

Position Summary: 

The Robot Programmer is responsible for the programming, configuration, commissioning, and optimization of industrial robotic systems used in CNC machine tending and manufacturing automation applications. This role works closely with mechanical engineers, controls engineers, application engineers, project managers, and customers to ensure robotic cells operate safely, efficiently, and meet production requirements.

The ideal candidate possesses strong robotic programming experience, a solid understanding of machining operations, and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize automated manufacturing systems both in-house and at customer facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Robot Programming & Integration

• Develop, modify, and debug robot programs for CNC machine tending applications.
• Program industrial robots including FANUC and other robotic platforms.
• Configure robot tools, frames, payloads, I/O, and communication protocols.
• Integrate robots with CNC machines, conveyors, vision systems, part presentation systems, and peripheral equipment.
• Create robust robot routines for part loading, unloading, inspection, and material handling processes.

System Commissioning

• Participate in system startup, testing, and validation activities.
• Commission robotic work cells both internally and at customer locations.
• Verify system functionality against customer requirements and project specifications.
• Perform cycle-time studies and optimize robotic motion paths to maximize throughput.
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT).

Troubleshooting & Optimization

• Diagnose and resolve robotic, automation, PLC, networking, and CNC interface issues.
• Analyze downtime events and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize robot motion, machine interface signals, and overall cell efficiency.
• Support customer production ramp-up activities.
• Develop continuous improvement recommendations for existing robotic systems.

Documentation & Standards

• Create and maintain robot programming standards and best practices.
• Develop technical documentation including: 
  • Robot backup files
  • Operating procedures
  • Setup instructions
  • Troubleshooting guides
  • Project completion reports
• Maintain revision control of robot software and system documentation.

Customer Support

• Provide on-site and remote customer support.
• Assist in operator, maintenance, and programmer training.
• Support service and warranty activities.
• Serve as a technical resource during project reviews and customer meetings.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with controls engineers on PLC integration and machine communication.
• Work closely with mechanical engineers to validate tooling and gripper functionality.
• Support Application Engineering during system development and proving processes.
• Participate in project planning, risk assessments, and design reviews.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree in Robotics, Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

Experience

• 3+ years of industrial robot programming experience preferred.
• Experience with CNC machine tending automation highly preferred.
• Experience commissioning robotic manufacturing systems.
• Background in machining, CNC operations, or automated manufacturing environments is desirable.

Required Technical Skills

Robotics

• Experience programming one or more of the following: 
  • FANUC
  • ABB
  • Motoman/Yaskawa
  • KUKA
  • Kawasaki
• Knowledge of robot path optimization and cycle-time reduction techniques.

Manufacturing Automation

• Understanding of CNC machining processes and machine interfaces.
• Experience with end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), grippers, and material handling systems.
• Familiarity with vision-guided robotics systems.
• Understanding of industrial safety circuits and machine safeguarding requirements.

Controls & Communications

• Basic PLC troubleshooting experience.
• Knowledge of industrial networks including: 
  • Ethernet/IP
  • Profinet
  • DeviceNet
  • Modbus TCP/IP
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and system layouts.

Software & Documentation

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• CAD viewing software experience preferred.
• Ability to create technical documentation and reports.

Key Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb ladders as necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around industrial machinery and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to travel and work in active manufacturing environments.

Travel Requirements

• Travel required up to 50%, including overnight travel.
• Domestic travel primarily, with occasional international travel as required.

Preferred Certifications

• FANUC Certified Robot Operator or Programmer
• ABB Robot Programming Certification
• Yaskawa Programming Certification
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification
• PMMI Mechatronics Certification
• Relevant Automation or Robotics Certifications

Success Measures

A successful Robot Programmer will:

• Deliver robotic systems on time and within project requirements.
• Achieve target cycle times and throughput goals.
• Minimize commissioning and startup issues.
• Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings.
• Support successful machine tending deployments that improve productivity, quality, and operational efficiency for customers.

Additional Information

This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, or certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.

Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.