Automation & Robotics Engineer

Horizon Controls Group•Mount Vernon, IN

About The Position

Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced Automation & Robotics Engineer to provide specialist engineering expertise in collaborative robotics, automated packing solutions and Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems within its manufacturing operations in Indiana. The role combines hands-on robotics and automation engineering knowledge, solution design, vendor evaluation, and technical and operational assessment of complex automation projects. The ideal candidate has experience designing or implementing robotics solutions in pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. The initial assignment is to spend approximately one week developing the scope and preliminary design for the next packing collaborative robot (cobot). This includes assessing the packing process, defining an appropriate robot configuration and automation level, considering integration with existing equipment and systems, evaluating suppliers, and documenting the recommended solution, technical considerations, risks, assumptions, and next steps. The role also includes an independent technical peer review of the site's existing AGV transformation project scope and implementation plan. The review covers the solution architecture and technical approach, suitability for site requirements, material flow and routing, integration, safety, navigation, charging and fleet management, project phases and dependencies, and commissioning, testing, validation, and handover. Findings and recommendations are to be documented and communicated to relevant engineering and project stakeholders. The engineer will work independently, assess existing engineering proposals, engage with equipment vendors, and provide clear, practical recommendations to support project decisions. Candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting relevant robotics, automation, material-handling, equipment-integration, and project-review experience.

Requirements

Degree or equivalent qualification in Robotics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Demonstrable experience in industrial automation and robotics engineering.
Previous experience developing automation concepts, technical scopes, or preliminary engineering designs.
Practical knowledge of collaborative robotics and/or industrial robotic applications.
Experience evaluating automation equipment, robotics solutions, and OEM suppliers.
Understanding of automation integration with existing manufacturing or packaging equipment.
Experience with AGV, AMR, or automated material-handling systems, preferably including project design or implementation.
Ability to conduct technical assessments and independent engineering peer reviews.
Strong understanding of industrial safety and human-machine interaction.
Ability to identify technical risks, assess solution feasibility, and develop practical recommendations.
Strong technical documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience in robotics and collaborative automation, including cobots, industrial robotics, robotic arms, EOAT and grippers, automated packing or product handling, human-robot collaboration, machine safety, robotic cell design, or automation integration.
Experience in automated material handling, including AGVs, AMRs, fleet management, navigation, route planning, material flow, or integration with conveyors, packaging equipment, and production systems.
Knowledge of PLCs and industrial control systems, Siemens, Rockwell Allen-Bradley or equivalent platforms, HMI and SCADA, industrial communication protocols, equipment interfaces, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
Experience with technical documentation, vendor assessment, technical evaluations, FAT/SAT, equipment installation and commissioning, or technical risk assessment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or medical device manufacturing.
Experience with automated packaging and secondary packaging equipment.
Experience implementing collaborative robots in production environments.
Knowledge of robotic manufacturers such as Universal Robots, FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or similar.
Experience with AGV/AMR suppliers and material-handling automation solutions.
Familiarity with GMP manufacturing environments and regulated equipment implementation.
Knowledge of machine safety standards, risk assessments, and industrial safety requirements.
Experience with vendor selection, technical bid evaluations, and equipment specification development.
Experience reviewing automation transformation projects from concept through implementation.

Responsibilities

Develop the technical scope and initial design concept for the next automated packing cobot.
Assess the existing packing process and identify opportunities for collaborative robotic automation.
Define the appropriate cobot type and configuration, including payload, reach, speed, accuracy, safety requirements, and end-of-arm tooling.
Evaluate the required level of automation and integration with existing production equipment, packaging lines, and manufacturing systems.
Identify suitable robotic technologies and potential equipment suppliers; evaluate vendors for technical capability, suitability, integration complexity, cost, and long-term support.
Consider operator interaction, ergonomics, accessibility, and safe human-robot collaboration in the cobot concept.
Prepare an initial design proposal covering the recommended solution, technical requirements, integration considerations, potential suppliers, feasibility, risks, assumptions, constraints, dependencies, and next steps.
Conduct an independent technical peer review of the site's current AGV transformation project scope and implementation plan.
Review the proposed AGV architecture, technical approach, project strategy, functionality, routes, traffic management, and interactions with people and other equipment.
Assess AGV integration with manufacturing systems, warehouse operations, material-handling processes, and site infrastructure.
Review implementation phases, dependencies, timelines, operational safety, navigation, charging infrastructure, fleet management, commissioning, testing, validation, and handover.
Identify technical gaps, risks, constraints, assumptions, and areas requiring further investigation in the AGV project.
Document constructive recommendations and improvement opportunities, and engage with engineering and project stakeholders to communicate findings and support decision-making.
Support technical scope development, conceptual and preliminary design, engineering specifications, vendor evaluations, FAT and SAT, installation and commissioning, risk assessment, peer reviews, project planning, and implementation.