Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.

We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

We are seeking a Robot Commissioning Engineer to lead the on-site commissioning of advanced robotic and goods-to-person systems for warehouse automation and intralogistics projects. This role goes well beyond traditional PLC commissioning. You will be responsible for setting up, inducting, testing, and troubleshooting robotic fleets from leading OEMs — including Exotec, Geek+, HAI Robotics, and Tompkins Robotics — and serving as the technical bridge between equipment manufacturers, our internal engineering teams, and the customer.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who is comfortable working at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, controls, and software systems, and who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven site environment.

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills:

What You will Do:
 

• Lead and execute on-site commissioning of robotic systems, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Case-handling Robots (ACRs), goods-to-person systems, and robotic sortation solutions from Exotec, Geek+, HAI Robotics, Tompkins Robotics, and similar OEMs.
• Set up, configure, and induct robots into operational fleets, including charging infrastructure, mapping/localization, traffic management, and zone configuration.
• Perform functional, integration, and acceptance testing of robotic systems against design specifications and customer requirements.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, network, and software issues across robotic hardware and supervisory control layers.
• Verify and validate interfaces between robotic systems, PLC-controlled equipment (conveyors, lifts, sorters), WCS/WES platforms, and host systems (WMS/ERP).
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with robotic OEMs — coordinating equipment delivery, escalating issues, managing firmware/software updates, and ensuring vendor deliverables are met.
• Collaborate closely with internal controls engineers, project managers, and integration teams to align commissioning activities with the broader system bring-up.
• Support site acceptance testing (SAT), performance/throughput ramp-up, and the transition to operational handover.
• Document commissioning activities, test results, punch lists, and as-built configurations.
• Provide on-site training and knowledge transfer to customer operations and maintenance teams.
• Support troubleshooting and optimization during go-live and the early production stabilization period.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, Automation, or Robotics Engineering — or equivalent technical experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on commissioning experience with automated material handling, robotic, or intralogistics systems.
• Strong understanding of robotic system architecture, including fleet management software, robot controllers, and supervisory control layers.
• Solid PLC and controls fundamentals, with the ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, network diagrams, and sequence-of-operations documentation.
• Working knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, REST/API-based integrations, Wi-Fi/RF for mobile robotics).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interface confidently with OEMs, internal teams, and customer stakeholders. 
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to project sites (frequently 70%+, project-dependent).

Pay Range: $55 - $65 per hour

Compensation decisions are made based on factors including experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors, in accordance with our internal pay structure.

Working Conditions:

• This role is considered a field-based onsite position with frequent travels (up to 70%) to project sites throughout North America.
• Some weekend/night work required as needed.
• Standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Occasional climbing on steps, scaffolding and/or mezzanines.
• Sitting in and/or driving a vehicle for a long period of time.
• Working with computers for a long period of time.
• Working in office, warehouse, and manufacturing facilities.
• Possible exposure to noise levels exceeding recommended DBA levels.