Automation Lead @ FabLogix

FabLogix • Duncan, SC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

FabLogix is seeking a hands-on, technically strong Automation Lead to own the performance, uptime, and day-to-day health of its robotic and automated fabrication cells. The role trains operators, leads preventive maintenance, manages the software interface and file workflows feeding the cells, and serves as the primary technical contact for equipment OEMs. The Automation Lead bridges production and engineering to ensure drawings, programs, and data flow correctly into the cells and that equipment delivers predictable throughput and quality. The position reports to the Production Manager, with a dotted-line relationship to the Senior Engineering Manager, and is based in Duncan, South Carolina.

Requirements

• Associate degree or technical certificate in automation, robotics, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or welding technology, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 4 years of hands-on experience operating, programming, or maintaining industrial robots or automated fabrication equipment.
• Working knowledge of teach-pendant and offline robot programming, PLC/HMI basics, sensors, and safety circuits.
• Comfort using CAD and model file formats and transferring data to robotic or CNC equipment.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings, spool isometrics, and welding symbols.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, including reading schematics and using test equipment.
• Owner’s mindset and pride in equipment uptime.
• Patient, structured training approach that builds operator confidence and capability.
• Data-driven problem-solving skills and focus on root causes.
• Technically credible communication skills with OEMs, engineers, and operators.
• Comfort working on an active shop floor and willingness to flex hours when a cell is down.

Nice To Haves

• Welding experience.
• AWS certification.
• OEM training certifications.
• Experience with industrial robot brands or systems such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, or pipe-specific welding and cutting systems.

Responsibilities

• Own robotic and automated fabrication cells, accountable for availability, performance, and quality output.
• Track downtime, root causes, and utilization; report results and trends to the Production Manager.
• Respond to cell faults and breakdowns, diagnose issues, and restore production.
• Maintain a critical spare-parts and consumables list and coordinate purchasing with Procurement.
• Develop, schedule, and perform preventive maintenance based on OEM recommendations, including consumables, calibration, and tool center point checks.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs and equipment history for each cell.
• Coordinate planned maintenance windows with Production to limit schedule impacts.
• Manage cell software interfaces, including offline programming, job and part libraries, and process parameter sets.
• Manage cell file formats and data exchange, ensuring the correct revisions reach the floor.
• Work with Engineering and detailers to format design outputs for the cells and resolve file translation and import issues.
• Back up robot programs, configurations, and software versions; coordinate updates with the OEM and IT.
• Train and qualify operators in safe operation, setup, programming basics, and first-level troubleshooting.
• Develop SOPs, setup sheets, and quick-reference guides for each cell.
• Maintain an operator training matrix and build qualified-operator bench strength across shifts.
• Serve as primary technical contact with OEMs and integrators for troubleshooting, service calls, warranty claims, software updates, and upgrades.
• Provide OEMs with supporting technical information such as fault codes, logs, and video to help resolve issues.
• Partner with the Senior Engineering Manager on equipment evaluations, cell layout, process improvements, and capital requests.
• Identify opportunities to expand automated content and improve cell throughput.
• Enforce robotic-cell safety requirements, including guarding, interlocks, light curtains, lockout/tagout, and safe work zones.
• Partner with Quality to ensure cell output meets applicable welding procedures and code requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Company holidays.
• Clear pathways for career advancement.
• Autonomy and flexibility in an entrepreneurial environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree