Automation Specialist

Hardware FYI

San Antonio (TX)

Hybrid

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Hardware FYI in San Antonio, TX, is seeking an Automation / Robot Specialist to own automation performance in manufacturing facilities. You will develop, integrate, and support PLCs, robotics, vision systems, motion controls, and safety networks to hit targets for cycle time, throughput, quality, and uptime.

This role suits an engineer with a strong controls background who enjoys troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems, driving continuous improvement, and working in a fast-paced

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
2–3+ years of experience as a Controls/Automation Engineer.
Hands-on experience in industrial automation environments.
Experience with machine vision systems and FANUC robots.
Strong troubleshooting and programming with FANUC/AB PLCs (must-have).
Experience developing and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, motion, safety systems.
Analytical and problem-solving skills for complex automation issues.

Responsibilities

Own automation system performance and drive improvements in cycle time, throughput, quality, and uptime.
Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robot, vision, motion-control, and safety programs.
Optimize robot paths, motion profiles, and recovery routines.
Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Configure and maintain vision systems, sensors, and safety devices.
Support installation, commissioning, launch activities, and stabilization.
Conduct offline programming, reach studies, and system validation.
Maintain documentation and version-control practices.
Train maintenance and production personnel.
Track metrics like cycle time and uptime.

Skills

PLC programming

FANUC Robotics

Robot programming

Vision systems

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Automation/Controls

Tools

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

RSLinx

FANUC RoboGuide

In-Sight

KAREL

WinOLPC

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Automation / Robot Specialist - Position Summary

The Automation / Robot Specialist serves as the technical owner of automation performance within manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for developing, integrating, optimizing, and troubleshooting PLCs, robotics, vision systems, motion controls, safety systems, and industrial communication networks to achieve production targets related to cycle time, throughput, quality, and uptime. The specialist will provide hands‑on support during equipment installation, commissioning, production launches, and stabilization efforts while driving continuous improvement and eliminating recurring equipment failures through structured root‑cause analysis.

This position is ideal for an engineer with a strong controls and automation background who enjoys troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems, improving automation performance, and supporting production in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Own automation system performance and drive continuous improvements in cycle time, throughput, quality, and equipment uptime.
Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robot, vision, motion‑control, safety, and supporting automation programs.
Optimize robot paths, motion profiles, process sequencing, alarms, interlocks, and recovery routines.
Perform root‑cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions for chronic equipment and process issues.
Configure, validate, calibrate, and maintain vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and error‑proofing devices.
Support equipment installation, commissioning, launch activities, and post‑launch stabilization.
Conduct offline programming, reach studies, cycle‑time simulations, risk assessments, and system validation.
Maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, backups, and version‑control practices.
Train maintenance and production personnel and provide a smooth transition to sustainment teams.
Track performance metrics including cycle‑time achievement, uptime, labor reduction, and repeat‑failure elimination.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field.
2-3+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Automation Specialist, or similar role.
Hands‑on experience in industrial automation and manufacturing environments.
Experience with machine vision systems and FANUC robots.
Strong troubleshooting and programming experience with FANUC Robotics and Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLCs. This is a must‑have requirement.
Experience developing and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, motion control, safety, and automation systems.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex automation issues.

Preferred Qualifications

Automotive manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
Experience supporting production launches, commissioning activities, and equipment stabilization.
Experience working with industrial networking protocols and system integration.
Familiarity with version control systems such as Git or SVN.
Experience with Factory I/O, FlexSim, or similar simulation tools.

Technical Requirements

PLC, HMI, Motion & Safety Controls