Robotics Application Engineer

About the role

Location: Ann Arbor, MI. Job Type: Contract-to-Direct, Full-Time. Work Arrangement: Field-Based / On-Site / 1st Shift and 2nd Shift Openings.

The Opportunity We are seeking a Robotics Applications Engineer / Technician to support the deployment, troubleshooting, and operation of advanced robotic systems. This is a hands-on technical role for someone who enjoys working with robots, diagnosing complex problems, and solving issues across hardware, software, and networking. The ideal candidate may come from a traditional robotics/automation background, but we're also interested in candidates with robotics projects, drone programming, college engineering projects, robotics competitions, or strong personal projects.

Responsibilities

• Participate in intensive training covering robot kinematics, electrical controls, mechanical systems, and proprietary robotics software.
• Develop expertise in robotic system assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and software systems.
• Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical support for robotic hardware and software.
• Perform root-cause analysis using diagnostic logs, system telemetry, test protocols, and system data.
• Troubleshoot issues involving robots, sensors, actuators, embedded computers, software, communications, and networking.
• Work extensively in Linux-based environments to diagnose system problems.
• Use Python for scripting, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and automation.
• Work with ROS 1 and/or ROS 2.
• Provide R&D with detailed bug reports, reproduction steps, diagnostic logs, and operational information.
• Work with engineering teams to reproduce and resolve field issues.
• Document failure modes, root causes, workarounds, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Maintain technical knowledge bases and deployment documentation.
• Maintain local service tools, diagnostic equipment, and spare-parts inventory.
• Support field deployments and customer-facing technical activities as required.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in robotics, technical support, field service, applications engineering, automation, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Strong Linux experience.
• Experience with Python.
• Experience with ROS 1 and/or ROS 2.
• Basic understanding of computer networking and network troubleshooting.
• Understanding of robotics, sensors, actuators, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues using logs and diagnostic information.
• Familiarity with ticketing, incident-management, or bug-tracking systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical issues between end users and engineering/R&D teams.
• Enjoys figuring out why something isn't working and can troubleshoot across both hardware and software.
• Comfortable working in Linux and has hands-on robotics experience or significant robotics‑related projects.
• Able to work independently while knowing when to involve R&D.
• Communicates technical problems clearly and documents solutions thoroughly.
• Enjoys working in a hands‑on, field‑oriented environment.
• Wants to develop into a robotics subject‑matter expert.

Skills

• Linux
• Python
• ROS 1 and/or ROS 2
• C++ (helpful, not required)