Robotics Engineer – Automation & Controls

Location: Lake Orion, MI

Pay Rate: $65–$75/hour (Contract-to-Hire)

Schedule: Full-Time | 45–55 Hours/Week

Travel: 35–50% throughout North America & Mexico (2–3 weeks at a time)

Contract-to-Hire: Opportunity for direct hire after approximately 6 months

Drive the Future of Industrial Automation

We're seeking a highly skilled Robotics Engineer to support the design, programming, commissioning, and launch of advanced robotic automation systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys taking projects from concept through production while working directly with customers, controls engineers, and manufacturing teams.

You'll play a key role in supporting large-scale automotive and industrial automation projects, leading robot integration efforts, optimizing production processes, and troubleshooting complex robotic systems in the field.

What You'll Be Doing

Robotics Programming & Commissioning

• Program, configure, and commission industrial robotic systems from blank controller through customer buyoff.
• Teach and configure TCPs, User Frames, payload data, robot safety zones, and DCS safety systems.
• Configure robot I/O, industrial communications, and network integration.
• Integrate robots with tooling, conveyors, sensors, vision systems, and other automation equipment.
• Support startup, validation, and production launch activities at customer facilities.

Offline Programming & Simulation

• Develop robotic simulations and offline programming (OLP) solutions.
• Validate robot paths, cycle times, reach studies, and process feasibility.
• Create simulation models for internal reviews, customer approvals, and launch readiness.
• Ensure simulation accuracy and maintain digital manufacturing models.

Process Development & Optimization

• Commission and optimize robotic applications including:
• Material Handling
• Spot Welding
• Arc Welding
• Laser Welding
• Adhesive & Sealer Dispensing
• Urethane Applications
• Paint Systems
• Improve cycle times, throughput, and overall system performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation enhancements.

Vision Systems Integration

• Configure and integrate robotic and third-party vision systems.
• Support FANUC 2D Vision, 3D Vision, and other machine vision technologies.
• Troubleshoot vision-guided applications and improve process reliability.

Project Leadership & Support

• Lead robotics activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support project schedules, budgets, workload planning, and technical deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership during installation, commissioning, and production support.
• Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and project team members.
• Serve as a key customer-facing technical resource during launches and troubleshooting efforts.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred
• Equivalent experience in robotics and automation will be considered in lieu of a degree

Experience

• 7–10+ years of industrial robotics experience
• 5+ years of hands-on commissioning and startup experience
• Proven experience taking robotic systems from blank controller through final customer acceptance
• Automotive manufacturing and launch experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Technical Skills

Robotics Platforms

Experience with one or more of the following:

• FANUC (Preferred)
• ABB
• Yaskawa / Motoman
• Kawasaki
• Nachi

Automation & Controls

• Rockwell Automation PLC platforms
• Robot safety systems and DCS configuration
• Industrial networking and communications
• External axis integration
• Offline programming and simulation tools
• FANUC RoboGuide
• FANUC 2D & 3D Vision
• Root cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting

#HRUProfessional