Controls Technician

Job Title:

Controls Engineering Specialist - Robotics and Automation

Job Description

The Controls Engineering Specialist will oversee new automation for a high-volume shelving manufacturing line, with a primary focus on robotic welding systems. This role centers on programming, modifying, and troubleshooting Fanuc robotic welding equipment, as well as supporting PLCs and HMIs on a modern, newly expanded production line. The position offers a four-day work week, extensive training and certification opportunities, and strong potential for career growth into leadership roles.

Responsibilities

+ Oversee and support new automation systems for a high-volume shelving manufacturing line, with emphasis on robotic welding equipment.

+ Develop, modify, and optimize Fanuc robot programs for welding applications to improve performance and efficiency.

+ Perform robot teaching, touch-ups, and recovery in active production and pre-commissioning environments.

+ Support rapid program adjustments to address production changes, process improvements, and quality issues.

+ Troubleshoot robot alarms, motion issues, and sequence ladder logic to minimize downtime and maintain throughput.

+ Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and robotics, including both modifications to existing code and some development from scratch.

+ Spend approximately 80% of work time on the production floor troubleshooting and programming HMIs, PLCs, and robotics in real-time manufacturing conditions.

+ Provide on-floor support during peak programming, commissioning, and start-up periods for new and existing automation cells.

+ Support robot cell start-up, offline system work, and commissioning activities as needed.

+ Coordinate with controls teams to validate I/O, interlocks, and basic handshaking between robots, PLCs, and other automation equipment.

+ Collaborate closely with Quality teams to resolve process issues and implement corrective actions.

+ Perform touch-ups and refinements to robot programs to improve weld quality, part accuracy, and repeatability.

+ Support containment actions and fast-turn engineering changes during production builds to maintain quality and delivery targets.

+ Order parts and materials, prepare funding requests, and complete associated clerical tasks and basic drawings as part of office-based responsibilities (approximately 20% of the role).

+ Follow all safety procedures and work safely in active manufacturing and commissioning environments, ensuring compliance with facility standards.

+ Work collaboratively with production support and engineering teams on the floor to identify and implement process improvements.

Essential Skills

+ At least 2+ years of experience troubleshooting and programming HMIs, PLCs, and robotics, with a focus on modifications and some development from scratch.

+ Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLCs using a laptop or similar tools to connect, diagnose, and resolve issues.

+ Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, particularly with Rockwell and Studio 5000 platforms.

+

Experience with robotics programming and troubleshooting, including Fanuc robotic systems.

+ Ability to diagnose and resolve robot alarms, motion issues, and sequence ladder logic problems in a production environment.

+ Experience working with automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotic cells in a manufacturing setting.

+ Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently on the production floor to resolve technical issues.

+ Capability to perform robot teaching, touch-ups, and program adjustments to support production and commissioning.

+ Comfort working in active manufacturing environments and following established safety procedures.

+ Effective communication skills to collaborate with controls, quality, production, and engineering teams.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with Siemens and Mitsubishi PLCs or controls platforms.

+ Familiarity with additional robotic platforms such as ABB, Yaskawa, and Omron.

+ Exposure to robotic welding applications and robotic weld process optimization.

+

Experience with CNC equipment in a manufacturing environment.

+ HMI programming and troubleshooting experience beyond basic operation.

+ Understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes is beneficial but not required.

+ An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in engineering or technology is strongly preferred but not required.

+ Ability to adapt to new equipment and technologies in a rapidly evolving automation environment.

+ Interest in ongoing training, certifications, and career development programs.

+ Experience from any manufacturing or industrial industry is acceptable.

Work Environment

This role is based in a very large manufacturing facility that produces sheet metal shelving units commonly used in major retail stores. The position is primarily located in a newly built manufacturing area equipped with all-new automated and robotic equipment for a new shelving product line. Engineers will spend most of their time on the…