Advanced Lead Industrial Automation Engineer

Job Description Summary

Join our team as an Automation Engineer to develop, deploy, and continuously improve industrial robotic automation systems. You’ll design and program controls, lead integration and commissioning, support production, and mentor technicians—driving measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and Programming - Develop, modify, and optimize PLC, HMI, and robot programs for new and existing systems. Program and tune FANUC robots (TP programming; frames, tool offsets, motion paths; vision guidance). Design control architectures using GE or Emerson PLCs, including network layouts, safety circuits, and motion strategies. Specify and configure hardware (servo drives, sensors, safety devices) and industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet, Device Net)

• Integration and Commissioning - Lead installation, debugging, and commissioning of FANUC robotic cells and assembly systems. Collaborate with mechanical and process engineering to ensure seamless equipment integration. Validate system functionality, cycle time, quality, and safety compliance prior to production hand-off.

• Compliance - Ensure systems meet OSHA, ANSI/RIA (R15.06), NFPA, and ISO/TS standards. Implement and validate safety interlocks, e-stops, guarding, and functional safety requirements (e.g., DCS on FANUC, safe torque off).

• Support and Training - Troubleshoot controls, robotics, and network issues impacting uptime and first-pass yield. Establish preventive maintenance and error recovery routines (e.g., FANUC error recovery, safe homing, controlled restarts). Train and mentor maintenance, production, and automation technicians on proper system use and troubleshooting.

• Continuous Improvement - Identify and implement automation upgrades to improve throughput, quality, and operator safety. Lead retrofits using FANUC robots with advanced motion and control strategies on GE/Emerson PLCs. Apply Lean principles to reduce cycle time, scrap, and variation.

• Outside Vendor (OV) Projects - Develop machine specifications; support vendor selection and platform alignment (FANUC, GE/Emerson). Participate in design reviews, progress meetings, FAT/SAT, and acceptance testing. Update machine specifications and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

• Growth - Additional training or education may be required to fulfill the capability required to meet these duties and responsibilities.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree accredited in college or university (or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience in automation manufacturing experience) + Minimum of 3 years of automation manufacturing experience

• 5+ years in manufacturing, including 3+ years in an automation-focused role

• Hands‑on experience programming and designing industrial automation systems with:

• FANUC robots (TP programming, frames/tools setup, vision integration)

  GE or Emerson PLCs (ladder, structured text; HMI development) Servo systems and machine vision (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) integration

• Electrical control design and mechanical design exposure for automation systems

• Proficiency with industrial networks and communications (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Device Net, Modbus TCP, serial, Ethernet) and associated troubleshooting

• Scripting experience (Python, VB, or C#) for robot interface, HMI development, productivity tools, etc.

• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience

• Strong PC/software skills

• Experience with mechanical CAD (Siemens NX, Solid Works)

• Broad exposure to production machinery, sensors, and industrial power systems

• Strong knowledge of mechanical drives; hydraulic, pneumatic systems; PLC/HMI systems; servo and motion; machine vision

• EOAT design experience

• Field experience directing and coordinating operation, maintenance, and repair at plant or customer sites

• On‑site I/O checkout, startup, and commissioning experience (FAT/SAT)

• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed

• Leade…