Automation & Robotics Engineer II

About the Role

At Benchmade Knife Company, the Automation & Robotics Engineer II will help define and execute our automation roadmap by turning manufacturing challenges into practical, scalable solutions. This engineer will identify opportunities and lead projects from early concept through production deployment. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the intersection of robotics, mechanical design, systems integration, and project leadership.

The ideal candidate is comfortable programming and troubleshooting FANUC robots, developing concepts in SolidWorks and robotic simulation, advancing new technologies through focused R&D, and leading cross-functional teams through design, installation, and validation. You will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of advanced manufacturing while maintaining technical ownership of systems already in production. We are looking for a high-caliber engineer with strong technical judgment, curiosity, and the drive to improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and manufacturing capability.

Direct experience with AI or machine learning is not required, but curiosity about how these technologies can improve robotics, machine vision, process control, and equipment performance will set you apart. This role offers opportunities to evaluate and apply emerging AI-enabled tools as Benchmade expands its advanced automation capabilities.

Our Core Values

• Elevate Everything – We each bring a specific set of skills to the table, offering up our expertise and resources to enhance the work of others. We challenge each other to be the best in order to achieve enduring value in the eyes of our customers.
• Better is Better – There is no finish line; we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. We obsess over every detail to find ways to improve both our products and our process.
• Unapologetically Accountable – We’re open and honest in how we speak and listen. We celebrate each other’s successes, and collectively rally to solve every challenge. We own it!
• Courageous Innovation – There are elegant ideas awaiting discovery in everything we do. We push everyone around us to pursue those ideas openly so we can continue to dominate the category.
• Community Driven – As a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us.

Responsibilities

• Help define and execute Benchmade’s automation roadmap.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for robotics and advanced automation throughout manufacturing.
• Lead automation projects from concept through proof of concept, execution, installation, integration, validation, and production release.
• Develop project scopes, technical requirements, schedules, budgets, acceptance criteria, and implementation plans.
• Independently develop FANUC robot applications, including program structure, motion, frames, tooling, I/O, equipment handshakes, fault recovery, and cycle optimization.
• Create robotic simulations, reach studies, interference studies, and cycle-time estimates using FANUC ROBOGUIDE or similar tools when appropriate.
• Design fixtures, nests, grippers, end-of-arm tooling, part-presentation systems, and other automation hardware using SolidWorks.
• Build and test R&D prototypes to evaluate new robotic processes, tooling, sensing technologies, and manufacturing concepts.
• Translate successful proof-of-concept projects into clear requirements for outside systems integrators.
• Manage machine builders and integrators through design reviews, builds, testing, installation, and final acceptance.
• Coordinate project execution with manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, safety, vendors, and integrators.
• Provide technical ownership and engineering support for automation systems in production.
• Troubleshoot robotic, mechanical, pneumatic, sensing, controls, and process-related issues.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Improve existing automation systems to increase safety, quality, reliability, throughput, and maintainability.
• Develop and maintain robot-programming, mechanical-design, documentation, and integration standards.
• Create technical documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, specifications, test plans, robot backups, operating instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
• Support robotic risk assessments, guarding reviews, and equipment safety validation.
• Train and mentor engineering, maintenance, and production personnel on robotic automation systems.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or other related degree, and 3+ years of experience automating manufacturing equipment & processes is required. Equivalency to the qualification standard will also be considered.
• Experience working as a systems integrator is strongly preferred.
• Strong manufacturing process knowledge; preferably in low volume, high mix production environment.
• Ability to analyze existing processes to determine feasibility and cost-effectiveness of automating them to meet company productivity and cost goals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects from concept through production deployment.
• Proficiency designing fixtures, tooling, robotic end effectors, and automation equipment.
• Familiarity with robotic simulation tools.
• Background developing R&D systems, prototypes, or proof-of-concept automation.
• Ability to troubleshoot, support, and improve automation in a production environment.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, safety systems, or controls troubleshooting.
• Experience with machine vision or computer vision is a plus.
• Experience with pneumatics, servo motion, force/torque sensing, machine tending, material handling, grinding, polishing, inspection, or flexible automation.
• Knowledge of ANSI/RIA robotic safety requirements, OSHA, NFPA 79, NEC, machine guarding, and risk-assessment principles.
• Strong technical judgment, project ownership, communication, and hands-on problem-solving skills.

We do not expect every candidate to meet all the preferred qualifications listed above. If you have strong FANUC programming capability and experience in one or more areas such as mechanical design, systems integration, project engineering, controls, computer vision or advanced manufacturing, we would still like to hear from you.

Working Conditions

• Working Environment: Time to be split 50/50 between shop and office.
• Safety Requirements: Adherence to all safety policies required at all times. PPE required on shop floor (ear protection where specified, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, etc.).
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, may be sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 10% of the time.