Robotics and PLC Controls Engineer — Assembly and Test

Shape the heartbeat of automated production

As a Robotics and PLC Controls Engineer, you will turn napkin sketches into reliable, production-ready automation. From early concepts to on-floor commissioning, you will architect, code, integrate, and continuously refine the systems that power assembly and testing operations. You will report to the PES Value Stream Manager and partner closely with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production to deliver safe, stable, and scalable automation.

A day in the life

• Walk the line with operations to understand cycle-time, quality, and safety targets. Translate those into robust control strategies.
• Iterate PLC logic and HMI screens to elevate usability, diagnostics, and fault recovery for operators and maintenance.
• Teach robot paths, tune motion profiles, and validate vision recipes so parts move, align, and verify exactly as intended.
• Meet with integrators to drive design choices, review schematics, and prepare for FAT/SAT milestones—then own the handoff to production.
• When a station goes down, lead rapid root-cause analysis and corrective action to protect OEE.

What you will build and own

• PLC applications on platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens—covering ladder, structured text, and function block as appropriate.
• Industrial robot programming (FANUC, Universal Robots, etc.) for pick-and-place, path planning, material handling, loading/unloading, dispensing, welding, and assembly.
• HMI interfaces that streamline machine control, alarms, and diagnostics for fast, safe operation.
• Vision integrations (e.g., Keyence) for inspection, part guidance, and quality verification.
• Motion solutions using servos, VFDs, and motor drives, including configuration, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• End-to-end workcell integration across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls subsystems.

Vendor leadership and project execution

• Draft detailed URS and equipment specifications spanning PLC, robotics, and vision requirements.
• Evaluate integrators and component suppliers for technical fit, reliability, cost, and lead time; drive the quote and selection process.
• Own vendor-built projects from kickoff through FAT/SAT and installation—track schedules, manage budgets, and control change orders.
• Review design packages, electrical schematics, and documentation to ensure alignment with internal standards and acceptance criteria.
• Verify safety, quality, and performance before release to production and support the commissioning and ramp-up phases.

Reliability, optimization, and support

• Lead rapid troubleshooting for downtime events; conduct root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Continuously improve uptime, cycle time, and OEE through data analysis and targeted enhancements.
• Create preventive maintenance guides, fault trees, and troubleshooting playbooks for maintenance and production teams.
• Analyze machine data to reveal systemic constraints and optimization opportunities.

Documentation and compliance

• Maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls architecture diagrams, and clear program documentation aligned to applicable safety standards.
• Participate in risk assessments and safety validation for new and modified equipment.
• Manage version control and backups for PLC, HMI, and robot programs.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on industrial robot programming and integration experience.
• Fluency with electrical schematics and control languages (ladder, structured text, function block).
• Knowledge of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits.
• Experience with HMI development platforms.
• Proven troubleshooting under time pressure across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Bonus points

• FANUC or Universal Robots programming/certification.
• Machine vision experience (Keyence or similar).
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP).
• CAD familiarity (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks) for design reviews.
• Background in high-volume assembly/testing automation or packaging automation.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or continuous improvement training.

Technical proficiencies that set you up for success

• Bachelor's Degree
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• CNC Machine Installation
• CAD Software
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• Conduit Pulling
• Conduit Bending
• Access Control Systems
• Aerospace Manufacturing