Automation Specialist

Adient

San Antonio (TX)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 110,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Avanzar is seeking an Automation / Robot Specialist in San Antonio to own and optimize manufacturing automation. You will troubleshoot PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and safety networks while supporting installations and launches.

Ideal candidates have a strong controls background, hands-on experience with FANUC and Rockwell PLCs, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement in a fast-paced plant.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics or related technical field.
2–3+ years as a Controls/Automation Engineer or similar.
Hands-on experience in industrial automation in manufacturing environments.
Experience with machine vision systems and FANUC robots.
Strong troubleshooting and programming with FANUC, PLCs, and HMI systems.

Responsibilities

Own automation system performance and drive improvements in cycle time, throughput, quality, and uptime.
Develop, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robot, vision, motion, safety, and automation programs.
Optimize robot paths and motion profiles; manage alarms and interlocks.
Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for equipment issues.
Configure and maintain vision, sensors, servos, and error-proofing devices.
Support installation, commissioning, launch, and post-launch stabilization.
Conduct offline programming, reach studies, cycle-time simulations, risk assessments, and validation.
Maintain technical docs, diagrams, backups, and version control.
Train maintenance and production staff; enable smooth sustainment transition.
Track performance metrics like cycle time, uptime, labor reduction, and repeat failures.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation engineering

Robot programming

Vision systems

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

FANUC Robotics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics or related field

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

RSLinx

FANUC RoboGuide

KAREL

Git or SVN

Job description

Job Description

Automation / Robot Specialist - Position Summary

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