Robot Specialist (End Plant)

About the role

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities. We are searching for a highly skilled Robot Specialist to oversee the programming, maintenance, and optimization of our robotic automation systems.

Responsibilities

The Robot Specialist ensures these systems operate at peak efficiency, minimizing "micro-stops" and ensuring seamless integration between production machinery and the automated warehouse. Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and refine robot paths and logic to optimize cycle times and prevent collisions
• Calibrate and troubleshoot 2D/3D vision systems integrated with robots for quality inspection and part orientation
• Design, maintain, and repair vacuum grippers, mechanical clamps, and magnetic tools used for handling aluminum ends and pallets
• Execute complex preventative maintenance on robotic controllers, mechanical arms, and cabling to prevent unexpected downtime
• Act as the Tier 3 technical responder for "Robot Fault" events, utilizing teach pendants and laptop diagnostics to resolve servo errors, communication losses, and limit switch issues
• Manage the replacement of encoders, motors, gearboxes, and "dress packs" (internal cabling)
• Ensure robust communication between Robotic Controllers and Allen-Bradley PLCs via EtherNet/IP or DeviceNet
• Maintain and audit robotic safety perimeters, including light curtains, area scanners, and "Safety-Rated Soft Axis" limits to ensure a zero-accident environment
• Utilize “Industry 4.0” (smart digital technology) data collection tools to track robot uptime, cycle counts, and fault trends to drive continuous improvement projects
• Train production operators and technicians on basic “TP” teach pendant operation, recovery procedures, and safety protocols
• Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for robotic cell startups, shutdowns, and emergency recovery

Requirements

Required: High school diploma or equivalent; Technical degree or journeyman status in a related field (e.g., Industrial Automation, Controls Programming, etc.) is preferred. Experience with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and control loop documentation. Proficiency in Fanuc "TP" programming or equivalent; experience with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 is highly preferred.

• Preferred: 3+ years of experience working directly with industrial robots in a high-speed automated machinery, preferably in metal forming, packaging, or can manufacturing industry
• Fanuc iRVision or similar robotic vision certification is a significant plus

Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Understanding of manufacturing processes
• Experience with data collection and analysis in a high-volume automated manufacturing environment
• Ability to understand and interpret technical manuals, 2D drawings, P&IDs, fluid and electrical schematics and other engineering documentation
• Proven understanding of BOMs, manufacturability, process design, process validation, assembly methods, design reviews and cost reduction methodologies
• Innovative leader with the ability to identify opportunities and influence organizations to gain support and overcome resistance with data and persuasion
• Ability to develop manufacturing documentation
• Capable of identifying critical process parameters and applying statistics to process measurement and control
• Development and qualification of tooling/equipment skills
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain accurate, detailed records that will be audited periodically
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees and clients
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once with tight deadlines
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards.

Schedule

This position is primarily day shift, Monday through Friday. Must be present to fulfill job duties and meet operational demands/support. Schedules may vary depending on plant operational needs; flexibility is required, which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.