Automation & Robotics Technician

Key Responsibilities

• System Troubleshooting & Recovery:
• Serve as the primary technical support for 20 automated work cells, responding immediately to machine stoppages, jams, or logic faults.
• Diagnose errors using HMI alarms and PLC logic monitoring to identify root causes (sensor misalignment, pneumatic failure, or software bugs).
• Reset and home 6-axis cobots after collision detection or safety stops.
• Troubleshoot 3D inspection camera failures (false fails/false passes) and clean/calibrate optics.
• Preventative Maintenance:
• Execute a strict PM schedule for 40 six-axis cobots (greasing joints, checking controller fans, cable management inspection).
• Perform mechanical maintenance on conveyors (tensioning belts, replacing motors/rollers) and pneumatic fixtures (cylinders, grippers, vacuum cups).
• Maintain backup images of PLC programs, robot jobs, and vision files.
• Maintain accurate logs of system performance, equipment usage, and repair history in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Programming & ECO Implementation:
• Implement "light" programming changes for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), such as adjusting robot waypoints, gripper pick/place coordinates, and timer delays.
• Modify vision inspection windows and tolerance thresholds on 3D camera software to accommodate new part revisions.
• Touch up points on cobots to account for mechanical wear or fixture adjustments.
• Assist Manufacturing Engineers in the deployment and debugging of new work cell logic.

Required Qualifications

• Education: A.S. degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Industrial Automation, or equivalent trade school certification.
• Experience: 3+ years of experience maintaining automated manufacturing equipment.
• Robotics: Proven experience with 6-axis robots (Universal Robots, Fanuc, or similar). Must understand coordinate systems (Tool Center Point, User Frames) and teach pendant navigation.
• Controls: Ability to read and troubleshoot PLC logic (Ladder Logic) and navigate HMIs. You do not need to write code from scratch, but you must be able to follow the logic to find a fault.
• Vision Systems: Familiarity with industrial vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, etc.), specifically regarding lighting, focus, and setting inspection tools.
• Mechanical: Strong aptitude with hand tools, precision measurement (calipers, micrometers), and understanding of pneumatic schematics.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in electronics manufacturing (ESD safety awareness, handling PCBs).
• Experience with scripting languages (Python/Lua) used in some cobot controllers.
• Soldering or electrical wiring certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, stoop, and kneel for extended periods to access lower machine cabinets.
• Comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment with moving machinery.