Manufacturing Engineer- AGV & Automation Development

Key Responsibilities

• Lead implementation, configuration, and continuous improvement of AGV/AMR systems—including routes, traffic control, charging workflows, sensors, and navigation logic.
• Integrate AGVs with production equipment, robotic cells, MES/ERP, scanners, and IoT/IIoT systems.
• Develop AGV workflows for material delivery, WIP movement, component staging, scrap removal, and end-of-line handling.
• Perform ongoing route optimization, drop-off/pick-up location refinement, and process-driven AGV sequencing.
• Support automation systems tied to robotic weld cells, conveyorized systems, bend cells, and material handling automation.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineering on I/O solutions, PLC logic interactions, safety circuits, and automated call systems.
• Implement sensors, machine vision, and automated call logic to reduce operator-initiated interruptions.
• Identify productivity improvements through AGV usage, automation, and ergonomic reductions in manual forklift handling.
• Analyze utilization data, travel time, collision logs, and fault codes to drive reliability improvements.
• Support transition toward semi-autonomous or lights-out manufacturing areas through material-handling automation.
• Define project scope, timelines, budget estimates, risk assessments, and progress reporting.
• Lead cross-functional project teams for automation-related equipment installations, trials, and validation.
• Coordinate vendor interactions, FAT/SAT activities, commissioning, training, and documentation delivery.
• Troubleshoot issues with AGV performance—including navigation faults, sensor errors, battery management, and system connectivity.
• Develop standard work, operator/technician training, troubleshooting guides, and safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with corporate safety standards, ANSI/RIA standards, and facility traffic management protocols.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Automation Engineering (or related field).
• 2-7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, automation engineering, or controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience with AGV/AMR systems (navigation, mapping, traffic control, mission design, commissioning).
• Proficiency with PLCs, industrial sensors, networks, HMI systems, and industrial safety systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven approach.
• Ability to lead projects and collaborate across engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT functions.

• Experience with Yaskawa, Panasonic, or similar robotic equipment
• Global AGV or comparable AGV platforms
• MES/ERP system integration
• Machine vision and camera-based automation triggers
• Experience implementing automation for material handling, robotic weld, bend cells, or assembly operations.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or CI methodologies.

• Systems thinker with the ability to integrate mechanical, controls, and IT/OT components.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with technicians, operators, engineering leaders, and automation vendors.
• Hands-on, floor-focused engineer with willingness to diagnose problems where they occur.
• Bias toward innovation and ability to scale automation across plants.

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