Robotics & Automation Engineer
Position Summary
The Robotics & Automation Engineer supports all automated and semiโautomated systems within the Helix Plant, a highly automated chemical manufacturing environment. This role provides advanced technical support across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Maintenance-leading debugging, optimization, equipment commissioning, training, SOP development, hazard reviews, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
The engineer ensures plant safety, reliability, and uptime by developing, troubleshooting, and improving robotic, PLC, and materialโhandling systems while maintaining compliance with OSHA, machineโguarding, and chemicalโprocess safety standards (including PSM elements such as MOC, PSSR, and mechanical integrity).
Education & Experience
Preferred:
โข Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or related field with 8+ years experience in robotics and automation
OR
โข bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline with 5+ years' experience in robotics, controls, and automated systems
Required / Strongly Preferred:
โข 5+ years' experience in a manufacturing environment; chemical, explosive, or hazardousโmaterials manufacturing strongly preferred
โข Demonstrated experience with:
โ Robotics programming and maintenance (Fanuc, ABB, or equivalent)
โ PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell/AllenโBradley preferred)
โ Conveyors, packaging systems, and automated materialโhandling equipment
โข Handsโon experience developing, writing, and validating SOPs
โข Experience conducting RCA and supporting hazard reviews (HAZOP/LOPA/JSA)
โข Prior maintenance support including PM scheduling, work requests, and spareโparts documentation
โข Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
โข Mechanical background in assembly/disassembly using OEM spares and vendor specifications
Core Responsibilities
โข Support Engineering, Manufacturing, and Maintenance teams in testing, debugging, and optimizing automated systems to improve cycle time, availability, uptime, and yield
โข Architect new automation solutions or optimize existing systems; write, modify, and debug PLC logic following structured, wellโdocumented, maintainable coding practices
โข Monitor automated cell performance using SCADA/HMI systems, historian trends, and data dashboards to drive dataโbased decisions
โข Troubleshoot and repair:
โ Robots and robotic endโeffectors
โ Servo systems and motion controls
โ Conveyors and automated transfer systems
โ Safety systems including light curtains, eโstops, safety relays/PLCs
โข Read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, mechanical diagrams, blueprints, and P&IDs
โข Lead robotic repairs, calibration, EOAT changes, wiringโharness replacement, gearbox repair, and PMs
โข Oversee installation and commissioning of motors, sensors, junction boxes, stack lights, machineโvision components, and networkโconnected devices
โข Identify and execute improvements to control systems, safety circuits, robotic reliability, and process stability
โข Conduct and document RCA, support hazard analyses, and help close corrective actions
โข Write OSHAโcompliant SOPs, LOTO procedures, verification/validation plans, and participate in PSM processes including MOC and PSSR
โข Collaborate on projects with engineering teams, providing controls/automation guidance on design changes, upgrades, and scaleโups
โข Maintain accurate documentation of PLC backups, robot programs, network topologies, and electrical systems
โข Provide offโshift support as needed, including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays during critical events or startups
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
โข Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude; able to troubleshoot across multiple disciplines
โข Ability to communicate clearly with operators, peers, leadership, and vendors
โข Skilled in problemโsolving, data interpretation, and systemโlevel analysis
โข Proficiency in automated assembly, material handling, pneumatics, fabrication, and basic machining/welding
โข Intermediate mathematical and reasoning skills, including ability to interpret trends and performance data
โข Strong organizational skills with ability to maintain accurate documentation, follow procedures, and perform correct time entry
โข Ability to enforce SOPs, safety systems, PPE compliance, and chemicalโprocess safety requirements
โข Ability to work flexible schedules and provide remote/onsite technical support as needed
โข Teamโoriented mindset supporting engineering projects, continuous improvement, and crossโfunctional initiatives
Work Environment
โข Based at the Helix Plant with responsibility across all shifts in a chemical manufacturing environment
โข May require offโsite or remote support depending on operational needs
Equal Opportunity Statement
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon jobโrelated reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder participates in EโVerify.
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