Job Title: Robotics Control Engineer (Manufacturing)
Job Summary:
The Senior Robotics Control Engineer (Manufacturing) is responsible for leading the design, optimization, and maintenance of robotic systems within manufacturing environments. This role involves advanced programming, troubleshooting, integration, and system optimization for robotics used in automation, material handling, assembly, and other production tasks. The Senior Robotics Control Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that robotic systems operate at peak efficiency, contributing to improved productivity, safety, and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Robotic System Design and Optimization:
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of robotic systems for automated manufacturing processes, including material handling, assembly, and quality control.
- Develop advanced robotic programming and control algorithms, optimizing performance and cycle times to improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
- Lead the integration of robotic systems with other automation technologies such as PLCs, SCADA, MES, vision systems, and conveyors for seamless production workflows.
- Oversee system performance and lead efforts to enhance robotic system capabilities, including motion control, precision, and reliability.
Project Management and Leadership:
- Manage and oversee complex robotics projects, including the integration of new robotic systems or technologies into existing manufacturing processes.
- Coordinate with production, engineering, and IT teams to ensure successful project implementation and alignment with production goals.
- Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all technical specifications.
- Lead risk assessment and mitigation strategies to ensure smooth implementation and operation of robotic systems.
Troubleshooting and Technical Support:
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex robotic system issues, including mechanical, electrical, and software-related problems.
- Provide technical guidance and support to production teams during system failures, ensuring rapid resolution and minimal downtime.
- Conduct root cause analysis for recurring issues, implement corrective actions, and continuously improve system reliability.
Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis:
- Monitor real-time performance of robotic systems and analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement in terms of efficiency, reliability, and system uptime.
- Generate detailed performance reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and provide insights to senior management on system health and production status.
- Lead efforts to collect and analyze data related to cycle times, system reliability, and quality metrics to drive improvements.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in robotics systems using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process optimization methodologies.
- Identify areas of the robotic systems that need upgrades, enhancements, or reconfiguration to meet changing production requirements or reduce operating costs.
- Stay up-to-date with advancements in robotics technology and propose innovative solutions to keep the factory competitive and efficient.
Mentorship and Team Leadership:
- Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.
- Provide guidance and training to operators and production teams on the effective use and troubleshooting of robotic systems.
- Develop and implement training programs for staff on new robotic systems, software, and safety protocols.
Documentation and Compliance:
- Ensure all robotic system designs, configurations, changes, and troubleshooting activities are thoroughly documented and comply with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare and present technical reports to senior management, providing updates on system performance, improvement initiatives, and any issues encountered.
- Maintain documentation for robotic programs, system configurations, and safety protocols to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
Safety and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all robotic systems comply with industry safety standards, quality assurance protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with safety teams to develop and implement safety protocols for the operation and maintenance of robotic systems.
- Lead safety audits, ensuring that all robotic systems are operated and maintained safely, and ensure that operators are trained in safe robotic system operation.
Key Focus Areas:
- Advanced System Design and Optimization: Lead the design, development, and continuous optimization of robotic systems for manufacturing automation.
- Project Leadership and Integration: Manage large-scale robotics projects, ensuring the integration of new technologies and the smooth operation of systems within production workflows.
- Troubleshooting and Continuous Improvement: Drive troubleshooting efforts, process improvements, and the implementation of corrective actions to enhance robotic system performance and efficiency.
- Mentorship and Leadership: Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and production teams, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- In-depth knowledge of robotic programming languages (e.g., teach pendants, Python, ROS), robotic control systems, and motion control algorithms.
- Expertise in the integration of robotic systems with PLCs, SCADA, MES, HMI, and other automation technologies.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and software issues.
- Familiarity with industrial robotics platforms (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Universal Robots) and control software.
- Knowledge of process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
- Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities, with experience managing engineering teams and guiding them through technical challenges.
- Excellent data analysis skills and the ability to interpret performance data to drive improvements and make informed decisions.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in robotics programming, automation systems, or industrial control systems (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Siemens) are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in robotics, automation systems, or manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years of hands-on experience with robotic programming and system integration.
- Proven experience in managing large-scale robotics projects and troubleshooting complex robotic systems in manufacturing environments.
- Experience with leading teams, mentoring engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise with robotic programming platforms (e.g., KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Universal Robots).
- Proficiency in programming languages for robotics (e.g., Python, C++, ROS).
- Experience with SCADA, HMI, MES, and PLC programming software (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
- Strong knowledge of data analysis tools and performance monitoring systems.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and leadership skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage technical staff.
- Willingness to travel occasionally for system installations, upgrades, troubleshooting, or training.