Automation Controls Engineer
The Automation Controls Engineerย is responsible forย the design, integration, programming, and deployment of automated robotic work cells and associated automation equipment used in manufacturing/assembly operations.ย
This role focuses on developing scalable, standardized automation solutions, and supporting successful launch and optimization of automation projects across multiple plant locations. The position requires strong technicalย expertiseย combined with project execution and cross-functional collaboration.ย
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the design, programming, debug, and commissioning of FANUC-based robot cells.
- Program, teach, andย optimizeย FANUC robots, including path development, frame setup, payload configuration, I/O mapping, PLC integration setup, and cycle-time tuning.
- Design and implement vision-guided robotic applications.
- Design, program, andย validateย cell-level safety circuits, in compliance with applicable safety standards.
- Program PLCs and HMIsย supportingย robot cells, both from templates and through new development, following company standards.
- Evaluate control systems, robotic platforms, end-of-arm tooling concepts, vision components, and supporting applications.
- Evaluate new robotics, vision, and automation technologies and adapt themย intoย cell specifications asย appropriate.
- Confirm cell functionality and safety compliance by designing and/or executing test procedures, including risk assessments and safety validations.
- Prepare and/or review electrical, pneumatic, and (where applicable) hydraulic controls drawings for cell purchases; collaborate with related engineering teams to evaluate components, materials, and integrators.
- Manage integrator and supplier development, including runoff at the integrator's facility and final acceptance on-site.
- Implement data collection from cells (cycle data, fault history, vision results) into plant-floor systems.
- Participate in PFMEA analysis and act as a knowledge leader for lean manufacturing and other continuous improvement projects, particularly as they relate to robotic and automated processes.
- Identifyย and implement error-proofing requirements throughout robotic and automated operations.
- Identifyย and plan for process impact resulting from engineering and launch changes.
- All other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's orย Associate'sย degree in Controls Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics,ย Electrical,ย or other degree with relevant experience.
- 3+ years' experience as a controls or automation engineer in an automotive manufacturing or assembly facility, with significant hands-on experience designing, programming, and supporting robotic work cells.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong working knowledge of FANUC robots andย Roboguideย simulation.
- Hands-on experience with vision systems for guidance and inspection using FANUCย iRVision, Cognex and Keyence.
- Demonstrated ability to design andย validateย cell safety systems: safety PLCs/relays, light curtains, area scanners,ย safety-ratedย I/O, according to applicable standards.
- Working knowledge of automated cell design, basic theory of industrial control systems, and concepts of power distribution at the cell level.
- Technical competence with IT and control systems; program and troubleshoot machine controls (Siemens TIA Portal/Step 7).
- Ability to diagnose problems across robot, pneumatic, and mechanicalย systems interfacingย with electrical and electronic controls.
- Strong project management skills; ability to manage multiple cell projects simultaneously andย maintainย attention to critical details and deadlines.
- Working knowledge of SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and ability to read mechanical layouts and electrical schematics.
- Ability to learnย new technologies, particularly emergingย roboticsย and machine vision platforms.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to conduct training and to interact and collaborate effectively with leadership, peers, integrators, vendors, and plant team members.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, TIA Portal, WinCC, Unified, Rockwell Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, FANUCย Roboguide, FANUCย iRVision, Cognex In-Sight, Cognex Vision-Suite, and industrial networks including but not limited toย ProfiNet, IO-Link, and Ethernet/IP.