Automation Engineer

Kids for the Future; City of Pewaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future Automation Engineer role focuses on programming, commissioning, and supporting custom automation systems with a moderate robotic scope. You will participate in customer‑facing FAT/SAT activities and mentor junior staff to develop technical leadership.

The position requires hands‑on robotics experience, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to validate system performance against throughput requirements. On-site work in Wisconsin is expected.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of hands‑on robotics experience in a custom automation or systems integration environment.
• Demonstrated experience with robot programming and debug activities for automated systems.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Technology, or closely related field — or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Independently program and validate robot systems for moderate‑complexity projects.
• Integrate robot controllers with PLCs, HMIs, vision, and peripherals.
• Conduct cycle time studies and timing analyses to meet throughput requirements.
• Lead commissioning activities during build, debug, and runoff.
• Serve as robotic technical contact during FAT/SAT with senior support.
• Provide end-user training to customer operators and maintenance staff.
• Perform on-site/remote fault diagnosis and root‑cause analysis.
• Mentor junior Automation Engineer I staff through coaching and code reviews.

Skills

Robot programming

Robot simulation

Robot-PLC communication

Engineering standards

Project tools

Education

Robotics/Mechatronics/ENG Technology degree

Tools

RobotStudio

ROBOGUIDE

Job description

• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree 2 Year Degree

Description

Robot Programming & System Integration

• Independently program and validate robot systems including motion paths, I/O logic, tool offsets, and safety zones for moderate-complexity projects
• Integrate robot controllers with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, and peripheral equipment
• Perform and document cycle time studies and timing analyses against customer throughput requirements
• Apply and help enforce Company programming standards and code structure best practices

Simulation & Pre-Build Engineering

• Conduct reach studies and offline simulation using ABB RobotStudio, Fanuc ROBOGUIDE, or equivalent tools
• Interpret simulation results to validate cell layouts, reach limitations, and tooling geometry
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering to incorporate simulation findings into design decisions
• Lead robotic commissioning activities for assigned systems during build, debug, and runoff
• Serve as a robotic technical point of contact during FAT/SAT, with senior engineer support on complex issues
• Present system performance and demonstrate cycle time compliance to customers
• Deliver end-user training to customer operators and maintenance personnel

Troubleshooting & Field Service Support

• Perform on‑site and remote fault diagnosis, program recovery, and root cause analysis for standard robot issues
• Support field service technicians through structured remote guidance
• Contribute to troubleshooting guides and preventive maintenance checklists
• Mentor Automation Engineer I staff through coaching and code review on assigned projects
• Participate in project kickoff and technical review meetings to assess robotic scope and risk

Requirements

Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Proficient in at least one major robot platform (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, Universal Robots); working knowledge of a second platform
• Proficient in offline simulation (RobotStudio and/or ROBOGUIDE) for reach studies and cycle time analysis
• Solid understanding of robot-PLC communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP)
• Working knowledge of ANSI/RIA R15.06, ISO 10218-1/-2, and ISO/TS 15066
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with project tracking tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar)

Experience & Education

Required

• 2–5 years of hands‑on robotics experience in a custom automation or systems integration environment
• Demonstrated experience with robot programming and debug activities for automated systems
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a closely related field — or equivalent combination of training and experience

Preferred

• Some customer‑facing experience including FAT/SAT participation
• Exposure to two or more specialized application areas listed above

Summary

Automation Engineer works with growing independence to program, commission, and support custom automation systems. This role owns moderate‑complexity robotic scope, participates directly in customer‑facing FAT/SAT activities, and begins mentoring Automation Engineer I staff while developing toward senior‑level technical leadership.