Mechanical Robotics Engineer

American Woodmark•Lincolnton, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics & Automation is responsible for driving process improvements, equipment reliability, automation initiatives, and robotics integration throughout the manufacturing facility. This position serves as the technical expert for robotic systems, automated equipment, PLC controls, machine vision, and manufacturing technology while supporting continuous improvement, safety, quality, and productivity initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead the design, implementation, optimization, troubleshooting, and maintenance of robotic systems and automated manufacturing equipment while establishing standardized processes and equipment reliability programs.

Requirements

Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting automated manufacturing environments.
Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with industrial robotics and automation systems preferred.
Experience programming, troubleshooting, commissioning, and optimizing robotic equipment.
Experience with industrial robot manufacturers such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, Universal Robots, or similar.
Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, etc.).
Experience with HMI development and industrial control systems.
Experience with machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence or similar) preferred.
Experience with servo systems, motion control, VFDs, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical controls.
Demonstrated experience working directly on the manufacturing floor developing process controls and automation solutions.
Experience supporting preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs.
Six Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.
Proven project management experience from concept through implementation.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software preferred.
Experience with Microsoft Project preferred.
Experience supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives and manufacturing data collection is a plus.
Strong knowledge of industrial robotics programming, operation, and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of robotic safety standards including safeguarding, light curtains, safety scanners, area scanners, safety PLCs, and lockout/tagout requirements.
Ability to troubleshoot robotic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and software issues.
Ability to optimize robot cycle times, path programming, payloads, and end-of-arm tooling.
Understanding of end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), grippers, vacuum systems, and custom automation.
Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus, and industrial communication protocols.
Ability to read electrical schematics, ladder logic, mechanical drawings, blueprints, and P&IDs.
Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving skills.
Ability to collect and analyze production data and identify opportunities for automation improvements.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Advanced math skills including rates, ratios, percentages, statistical process analysis, and graph interpretation.
Strong Microsoft Office skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to train operators, maintenance personnel, and production leaders.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with industrial robotics and automation systems.
Experience with machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence or similar).
Six Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing experience.
Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
Experience with Microsoft Project.
Experience supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives and manufacturing data collection.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Program, troubleshoot, optimize, and maintain industrial robotic systems.
Develop robotic applications to improve safety, productivity, quality, and ergonomics.
Design, install, commission, and validate new robotic work cells.
Develop robot programs for new product launches and equipment upgrades.
Optimize robot cycle times and equipment throughput.
Troubleshoot robot programming, motion control, and communication issues.
Maintain robot backups, software revisions, and documentation.
Support robotic preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
Develop standards for robotic programming and equipment reliability.
Specify and integrate robotic end-of-arm tooling.
Evaluate and recommend new automation technologies.
Lead automation projects from concept through implementation.
Diagnose equipment issues and oversee repairs.
Develop preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
Maintain machining, assembly, dust collection, adhesives, conveyors, and automated equipment.
Support machine vision inspection systems.
Develop process controls that improve product quality and production efficiency.
Assist maintenance with complex electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
Maintain PLC, HMI, VFD, robot, and electrical documentation.
Oversee equipment upgrades to improve uptime and first-pass yield.
Develop maintenance procedures and train maintenance personnel.
Lead predictive maintenance initiatives including: Vibration analysis, Thermography, Oil analysis, Current signature analysis, Motor condition monitoring.
Analyze downtime data and implement corrective actions.
Lead root cause investigations utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Support capital equipment justification and implementation.
Participate in equipment acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, ANSI/RIA robotics standards, and company safety policies.
Develop and maintain operator training materials.
Train operators and maintenance personnel on robotic systems.
Mentor maintenance technicians in robotics troubleshooting.
Participate on continuous improvement teams.
Provide technical leadership for automation projects.
Ensure compliance with engineering documentation standards.
Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.