Robotics Engineer – Automation & Controls (No C2C)
Location: Lake Orion, MI
Pay Rate:$65–$75/hour (Contract-to-Hire)
Schedule: Full-Time | 45–55 Hours/Week
Travel: 35–50% throughout North America & Mexico (2–3 weeks at a time)
Contract-to-Hire: Opportunity for direct hire after approximately 6 months
Drive the Future of Industrial Automation
We're seeking a highly skilled Robotics Engineer to support the design, programming, commissioning, and launch of advanced robotic automation systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys taking projects from concept through production while working directly with customers, controls engineers, and manufacturing teams.
You'll play a key role in supporting large-scale automotive and industrial automation projects, leading robot integration efforts, optimizing production processes, and troubleshooting complex robotic systems in the field.
What You'll Be Doing
Robotics Programming & Commissioning
- Program, configure, and commission industrial robotic systems from blank controller through customer buyoff.
- Teach and configure TCPs, User Frames, payload data, robot safety zones, and DCS safety systems.
- Configure robot I/O, industrial communications, and network integration.
- Integrate robots with tooling, conveyors, sensors, vision systems, and other automation equipment.
- Support startup, validation, and production launch activities at customer facilities.
Offline Programming & Simulation
- Develop robotic simulations and offline programming (OLP) solutions.
- Validate robot paths, cycle times, reach studies, and process feasibility.
- Create simulation models for internal reviews, customer approvals, and launch readiness.
- Ensure simulation accuracy and maintain digital manufacturing models.
Process Development & Optimization
- Commission and optimize robotic applications including:
- Material Handling
- Spot Welding
- Arc Welding
- Laser Welding
- Adhesive & Sealer Dispensing
- Urethane Applications
- Paint Systems
- Improve cycle times, throughput, and overall system performance.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.
Vision Systems Integration
- Configure and integrate robotic and third-party vision systems.
- Support FANUC 2D Vision, 3D Vision, and other machine vision technologies.
- Troubleshoot vision-guided applications and improve process reliability.
Project Leadership & Support
- Lead robotics activities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support project schedules, budgets, workload planning, and technical deliverables.
- Provide technical leadership during installation, commissioning, and production support.
- Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and project team members.
- Serve as a key customer-facing technical resource during launches and troubleshooting efforts.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred
- Equivalent experience in robotics and automation will be considered in lieu of a degree
Experience
- 7–10+ years of industrial robotics experience
- 5+ years of hands-on commissioning and startup experience
- Proven experience taking robotic systems from blank controller through final customer acceptance
- Automotive manufacturing and launch experience strongly preferred
- Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Technical Skills
Robotics Platforms
Experience with one or more of the following:
- FANUC (Preferred)
- ABB
- Yaskawa / Motoman
- Kawasaki
- Nachi
Automation & Controls
- Rockwell Automation PLC platforms
- Robot safety systems and DCS configuration
- Industrial networking and communications
- External axis integration
- Offline programming and simulation tools
- FANUC RoboGuide
- FANUC 2D & 3D Vision
- Root cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting