Job Title: Robotics Control Engineer (Manufacturing)
Job Summary:
The Robotics Control Engineer Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the strategic direction, optimization, integration, and maintenance of robotic systems in manufacturing processes. This role involves managing robotic automation projects, driving continuous improvements, and ensuring seamless integration of robotic systems into the production lines. The Robotics Control Engineer Manager will lead a team of engineers, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and ensure that robotic systems are operating efficiently, safely, and in alignment with production and business goals. This position also involves mentoring junior engineers, implementing industry best practices, and fostering innovation within the robotics engineering team.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of Robotics Control Engineers and technicians, providing guidance, fostering collaboration, and ensuring high performance.
- Set team goals and objectives, conduct performance evaluations, and support the professional development of engineering staff.
- Delegate tasks effectively, manage workload distribution, and ensure that engineering projects align with organizational priorities.
Robotic System Strategy and Optimization:
- Define and implement strategies for the integration, optimization, and maintenance of robotic systems used in manufacturing processes such as material handling, welding, assembly, and packaging.
- Lead efforts to improve robotic system performance through advanced programming, algorithm development, and system configuration.
- Oversee the design and implementation of robotic control systems, ensuring that they enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product quality.
Project Management and Execution:
- Lead and manage robotic system integration projects, including new installations, system upgrades, and technology integrations, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
- Oversee the planning and execution of projects, managing resources, setting timelines, and mitigating risks to ensure successful implementation.
- Work with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, IT, and maintenance, to ensure smooth project execution and system integration.
Troubleshooting and Technical Support:
- Provide leadership in troubleshooting complex robotic system issues, ensuring that problems are identified and resolved quickly to minimize downtime.
- Collaborate with senior engineers to perform root cause analysis for recurring issues and lead corrective action initiatives to prevent future problems.
- Serve as the technical expert for resolving challenges related to hardware, software, and integration within robotic systems.
Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis:
- Oversee the real-time monitoring of robotic systems, ensuring that robots operate within optimal parameters and meet production goals.
- Analyze performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, and implement solutions to enhance system efficiency and reliability.
- Create and deliver performance reports to senior leadership, highlighting key metrics such as uptime, throughput, and cycle times.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to enhance robotic system performance, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.
- Identify new technologies and solutions that could improve the capabilities of existing robotic systems, incorporating innovations such as AI, machine learning, and advanced vision systems.
- Lead the development and adoption of best practices for robotic system design, maintenance, and programming.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Work closely with other engineering teams, production, maintenance, and IT to ensure effective integration of robotic systems into the production process.
- Collaborate with production managers to ensure that robotic systems are optimized for meeting production targets, quality control standards, and operational efficiency.
- Communicate technical insights and updates effectively to senior management, providing recommendations for continuous improvement and capital investment in robotic technologies.
Safety and Compliance:
- Ensure that all robotic systems adhere to industry safety standards, company policies, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Work with the safety team to develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols for robotic system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Conduct safety audits and ensure that operators and engineering staff are trained in safe robotic system operation.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Manage the budget for robotics engineering projects, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
- Oversee procurement of parts, equipment, and software necessary for maintaining and upgrading robotic systems.
- Ensure that expenditures are within budget and identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining system performance.
Key Focus Areas:
- Robotic System Strategy and Optimization: Lead the development and optimization of robotic systems for automation and production efficiency.
- Project Management: Oversee robotic system integration projects, ensuring seamless implementation and alignment with production goals.
- Troubleshooting and Innovation: Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting, process improvement, and innovation to enhance the performance and reliability of robotic systems.
- Team Leadership and Development: Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensure all robotic systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining a safe work environment.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive experience with robotic systems, including programming, control algorithms, and system integration (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots).
- Strong knowledge of automation systems, including PLCs, SCADA, MES, and HMI systems.
- Experience in troubleshooting complex robotic systems and providing technical support for mechanical, electrical, and software issues.
- Strong project management skills, with a proven track record of successfully leading automation projects from conception to implementation.
- Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma) and their application to robotics systems.
- Ability to mentor and lead a team of engineers, providing coaching and career development support.
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate with senior management, cross-functional teams, and external vendors.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Relevant certifications in robotics programming, industrial automation, or control systems (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Siemens) are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in robotics, automation systems, or manufacturing engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Proven experience leading large-scale robotics projects, including system integration and optimization, within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with PLC-controlled systems, SCADA, MES, and other automation technologies is highly preferred.
- Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and budgets in a fast-paced, production-focused environment.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise with robotic programming platforms (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Universal Robots).
- Proficiency in robotics control software (e.g., RobotStudio, RoboGuide, ROS).
- Experience with SCADA, HMI, MES, and PLC programming software (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
- Familiarity with industrial control components, sensors, actuators, and machine vision systems.
- Strong knowledge of data analysis and performance monitoring tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, data visualization software).
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership and management capabilities to guide and develop teams while driving projects to completion.
- Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and manage resources effectively.
- Willingness to travel for site support, system installations, troubleshooting, or training sessions as necessary.