Robotics Technician

Actalent supports body-weld production by installing, programming, and maintaining robotic and automated equipment across multiple manufacturing plants in North America.

About the role

The Robotics Technician focuses on online and offline robot and PLC programming, equipment installation, safety validation, and troubleshooting electrical control systems to ensure reliable, efficient operation of automated welding and material-handling systems. The position involves significant project-based travel and close collaboration with maintenance teams to train them on new equipment and support production through start of production.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and modify industrial robots and PLCs both online and offline to support automated body-weld and related manufacturing processes.
• Install new equipment and automation systems, ensuring they meet established body-weld standards and production specifications.
• Confirm proper operation of all safety devices and interlocks on new installations and model changes, ensuring equipment is safe for production use.
• Support equipment production activity in the body-weld shop, including start-up, commissioning, and optimization of robotic and automated systems.
• Travel to North American manufacturing centers to support projects, primarily in Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and Canada, as well as other designated plants as needed.
• Learn and understand established standards for equipment setup and apply these standards consistently across all installations.
• Train plant maintenance teams on the operation, adjustment, and basic troubleshooting of new equipment and automation systems.
• Assist production teams through start of production (SOP), helping to stabilize equipment performance and resolve issues quickly.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical control systems, including PLCs, industrial controls, and related hardware to minimize downtime.
• Interpret and work from mechanical and electrical drawings to diagnose issues and implement equipment changes.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and machinery to perform installation, adjustment, and repair tasks on automated and robotic equipment.
• Work safely at heights and on varying surfaces, including climbing ladders and accessing confined or challenging spaces as required by the project.
• Adapt to project-based assignments that typically range from 9 to 18 months, transitioning to new projects at designated manufacturing centers upon completion.
• Participate in extended travel rotations during peak project periods, typically around 12 days on site at designated locations.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and implementation teams to ensure equipment meets performance, quality, and reliability targets.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience with platforms such as Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley.
• Minimum 2 years of comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience with PLCs in industrial environments.
• At least 2 years of comprehensive knowledge of electrical circuits and industrial controls, including hydraulics and motor starters.
• 2-year technical degree or completion of a trade school program in fields such as Electrical Engineering Technology or Industrial Maintenance Technology, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings accurately.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, including the potential for international travel.
• Ability to work up to 30% overtime when required to meet project and production needs.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds on occasion as part of equipment installation and maintenance activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and crouch frequently on varying surfaces throughout the workday.
• Manual dexterity to safely and effectively operate hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights as required by equipment access and installation tasks.
• Good vision and hand-eye coordination to perform detailed repairs and adjustments on complex equipment.
• Ability to work in various environments, including hot, cold, or confined spaces, while maintaining safety and productivity.
• Stamina to perform repetitive tasks and work long shifts during peak project or production periods.
• Solid foundation in industrial maintenance, robotics, PLC programming, and automation.

Skills

• Experience with robotics programming and integration in manufacturing environments.
• Experience in industrial maintenance with exposure to automated body-weld or similar production systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose complex electrical and control issues efficiently.
• Effective communication skills to train maintenance personnel and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently on remote project sites while maintaining alignment with engineering and implementation standards.
• Willingness to engage in long-term, project-based work and transition between facilities as projects conclude and new ones begin.
• Interest in continuous learning and professional development within advanced manufacturing and automation.
• Comfort working within structured standards and specifications for equipment installation and performance.

Work Environment

The role operates within a highly automated manufacturing environment where the implementation arm of engineering ensures that all equipment runs according to defined standards and specifications. Work is primarily performed in body-weld shops and related production areas that use advanced robotics, PLC-based control systems, and industrial automation equipment.

The position is project-based, with individual projects typically lasting from 9 to 18 months, and subsequent assignments at designated North American manufacturing centers. Travel is a regular part of the role, with back-and-forth trips to plants and peak periods involving approximately 12 days on site at project locations. The environment can include hot, cold, or confined spaces, varying floor surfaces, and work at heights. Technicians use a range of hand tools, power tools, and machinery and must follow strict safety procedures.

The culture emphasizes long-term planning, stable project pipelines, and strong support for consultants, including flexible scheduling where possible, opportunities to gain extensive hands-on experience, and long-term contract stability.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $37.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
• Paid holidays
• Overtime compensation at time and a half for hours over 40
• Coordinated travel arrangements for project assignments

Schedule

• Contract position based out of Georgetown, KY.
• Fully onsite role.
• Project-based assignments typically range from 9 to 18 months.
• Travel up to 50% of the time, including extended rotations of approximately 12 days on site during peak periods.
• Ability to work up to 30% overtime when required.