Lead Automation Engineer (Robotics)

Responsibilities

• Lead all automation systems inside our region, drive continuous improvement initiatives to our automated systems, troubleshoot automated equipment, analyze performance and reliability, collaborate with Enterprise Automation Team on creating or improving automated systems inside our labs.
• Responsible for the operation, preventive maintenance, and repair of advanced automated equipment which supports continuous lab operations, 24/7 operations.
• Validate and lead all new automation system implementation inside our region, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Optimize existing automation systems for better reliability and performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of automation systems to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
• Develop and program industrial robots (e.g. FANUC, ABB, KUKA, UR, YASKAWA) for various automation applications such as material handling, and inter-process connectivity.
• Manage and document automation software revisions, electrical schematics, system configurations, including service/repair reports, calibrations, etc.
• Be the regional automation SME supporting and training leader for all lab automated systems.
• Work in collaboration with Enterprise Automation team to design, install and commissioning new automation systems including PLC’s, HMI’s, Vision Systems & Sensors, Actuators and industrial networks into cohesive control systems to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation and engineering control.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and drive proactive reliability strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation integration and robot programming.
• Proficient with programming PLCs (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
• Expertise in robotics systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, ETC) and vision-guided systems a plus.
• Expertise in AI and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Matrox, Omron, etc).
• Proficiency in SCADA, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols (ethernet/IP, MODbus, Profibus, etc).
• Strong understanding of PID control loops, motion controls, etc.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, six sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions across teams.
• Able to differentiate between color-coded wires and interpret visual readouts.