Robotics & Automation Engineer
Position Summary
The Robotics & Automation Engineer supports all automated and semi-automated systems within the Helix Plant, a highly automated chemical manufacturing environment. This role provides advanced technical support across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Maintenance, leading debugging, optimization, equipment commissioning, training, SOP development, hazard reviews, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
The engineer ensures plant safety, reliability, and uptime by developing troubleshooting and improving robotic PLC and material-handling systems while maintaining compliance with OSHA machine-guarding and chemical-process safety standards, including PSM elements such as MOC, PSSR, and mechanical integrity.
Education & Experience
Preferred:
• Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or related field with 8 years of experience in robotics and automation. • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or related discipline with 5 years of experience in robotics, controls, and automated systems.
Required:
• 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, chemical explosive, or hazardous-materials manufacturing, strongly preferred. • Demonstrated experience with: • Robotics programming and maintenance (Fanuc, ABB, or equivalent). • PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell, Allen-Bradley preferred). • Conveyors, packaging systems, and automated material-handling equipment. • Hands-on experience developing, writing, and validating SOPs. • Experience conducting RCA and supporting hazard reviews (HAZOP, LOPA, JSA, SIA). • Prior maintenance support, including PM scheduling, work requests, and spare-parts documentation. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. • Mechanical background in assembly, disassembly, using OEM spares and vendor specifications.
Core Responsibilities
• Support Engineering, Manufacturing, and Maintenance teams in testing, debugging, and optimizing automated systems to improve cycle time, availability, uptime, and yield. • Architect new automation solutions or optimize existing systems, writing, modifying, and debugging PLC logic following structured, well-documented, maintainable coding practices. • Monitor automated cell performance using SCADA, HMI systems, historian trends, and data dashboards to drive data-based decisions. • Troubleshoot and repair: • Robots and robotic end-effectors. • Servo systems and motion controls. • Conveyors and automated transfer systems. • Safety systems, including light curtains, e-stops, safety relays. • Read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, mechanical diagrams, blueprints, and P&IDs. • Lead robotic repairs, calibration, EOAT changes, wiring-harness replacement, gearbox repair, and PMs. • Oversee installation and commissioning of motors, sensors, junction boxes, stack lights, machine-vision components, and network-connected devices. • Identify and execute improvements to control systems, safety circuits, robotic reliability, and process stability. • Conduct and document RCA support, hazard analyses, and help close corrective actions. • Write OSHA-compliant SOPs, LOTO procedures, verification/validation plans, and participate in PSM processes, including MOC and PSSR. • Collaborate on projects with engineering teams, providing controls and automation guidance on design changes, upgrades, and scale-ups. • Maintain accurate documentation of PLC backups, robot programs, network topologies, and electrical systems. • Provide off-shift support as needed, including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays during critical events or startups.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude, able to troubleshoot across multiple disciplines. • Ability to communicate clearly with operators, peers, leadership, and vendors. • Skilled in problem-solving, data interpretation, and system-level analysis. • Proficiency in automated assembly, material handling, pneumatics, fabrication, and basic machining/welding. • Intermediate mathematical and reasoning skills, including ability to interpret trends and performance data. • Strong organizational skills, with ability to maintain accurate documentation, follow procedures, and perform correct time entry. • Ability to enforce SOPs, safety systems, PPE compliance, and chemical-process safety requirements. • Ability to work flexible schedules and provide remote onsite technical support as needed. • Team-oriented mindset, supporting engineering projects, continuous improvement, and cross-functional initiatives.
Work Environment
• Based at the Helix Plant, with responsibility across all shifts in a chemical manufacturing environment. • May require off-site or remote support depending on operational needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons, regardless of an applicants race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder participates in E-Verify.