Controls Technical Lead Engineer - Robotics

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc; Kentucky; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Employee events

Free coffee beverages

Employee referral program

Safety shoe programs

Job summary

ATS Industrial Automation is seeking a Senior Robotics/Controls Design Engineer to drive machine concepts, design control software, and integrate systems across global projects. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, program state-of-the-art automation equipment, and travel internationally to support deployments.

The role emphasizes robotics, PLC-based and PC-based control, and hands-on development across electrical and mechanical subsystems, with opportunities for global site installations.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in mechanical, electrical, systems, or computer engineering.
• 6+ years of experience in engineering design, development, programming and commissioning automated systems, custom machinery or industrial equipment.
• Strong programming, mechanical and electrical problem solving skills.
• Thorough understanding and hands-on experience with PLCs, robotics control systems and machine operation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) based on standard ATS methods.
• Debug and commission control systems at ATS facility and on-site at customer locations.
• Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, motion controllers, sensors, and lasers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve integration of controls technology, safety, functionality and cost.
• Ensure schedules and budgets are adhered to or improved.
• Provide customer training on machine operation and programming principles.

Education

Post-secondary degree in mechanical, electrical, systems, or computer engineering

Tools

PLCs

Motion controllers

Robotics hardware

Job description

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Requisition ID: 17352

Location: Lewis Center, OH, US, 43035-9445

Date: Jul 23, 2026

Controls Technical Lead Engineer - Robotics

Job Description

About ATS Industrial Automation

With 40+ Years of experience bringing excellence to the automation field, ATS is an industry-leading automation
solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies. We leverage our experience by creating
custom automation, repeat automation, and services in industries such as transportation, consumer products and
energy.

About the Role

As a Senior Robotics / Controls Design Engineer you will be the driving force behind bringing ATS’ machines to life.
You will be a part of a highly motivated, dynamic, multi-disciplinary team working to design and commission world-class
automation solutions. You will drive impact in developing machine concepts, designing control software, integrating
software into electrical/mechanical systems, process development and ultimately site installations worldwide. You will
have the opportunity to program state-of-the-art automation equipment with PLCs, PCs, Robotics, motion controllers,
vision systems, dispense systems, laser systems and other leading-edge technologies – with a strong emphasis on
onroboticsthat are central to our automation platforms. This position also offers the added
benefit of international travel to support global project deployments.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• · Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements
  based on standard ATS programming methods.
• · Debug and commission control systems at our facility and on-site at customer locations.
• · Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, analog devices, motion controllers,
  sensors, vision systems, dispense systems and lasers.
• · Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve
  methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and
  reduced cost.
• · Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to ensure that labor and
  material budgets as well as scheduled delivery dates are adhered to or improved upon.
• · Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems in order to
  provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
• · Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
• · Provide accurate documentation for each project.
• · Advise customer on solving technical problems.
• · Follow and contribute to quality program (ex. ISO / NQA) procedures
• · Provide customer with training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles
  and program structure).
• · Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the
  ATS Code of Business Conduct.
• · Adhere to all health and safety rules and procedures. This includes following LOTO procedures and wearing
  appropriate PPE.
• · These responsibilities are subject to change as a function of the individual’s abilities.

TRAVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

• · Travel to customer and supplier sites to perform installation, commissioning and training duties.
• · This position requires frequent and extended travel, both domestically and internationally. You must be fully
  prepared to spend significant time at customer and supplier sites, often on short notice, to support system
  installation, commissioning, and training.
• · Travel is a core and essential part of this role to support system integration and customer success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• • Post-secondary degree or diploma in mechanical, electrical, systems, or computer engineering.

Experience:

• · 6+ years of experience in engineering design, development, programming and commissioning automated
  systems, custom machinery or industrial equipment.
• · Strong programming, mechanical and electrical problem solving skills.
• · Thorough understanding and hands‑on experience with PLCs, robotics control systems and machine operation.
• · Demonstrated hands‑on experience with robotics and control systems.
• · Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing with the ability to work either independently and part
  of a team in fast‑paced environments.

HEALTH, SAFETY, & ENVIRONMENTAL (HSE) REQUIREMENTS:

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or
environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of
the organization.

Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

• · Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative
  requirements.
• · Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through
  lockout-tagout methods.
• · Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defects in any equipment or protective device, and any
  accidents/incidents to the supervisor.
• · Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks.
• · Attend all required health, safety and environmental training.
• · Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable

Join our globally growing team at ATS Industrial Automation where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world.

At ATS, a publicly traded global company with a proud 40-year history, we help drive the future with our factory‑wide automation solutions. At ATS Industrial Automation, what we do matters - both to our customers and to their customers. With 600 skilled employees around the world, we design, build and service mission‑critical automated assembly and test solutions for mobility, nuclear and specialty automation. Our customers are leaders in their industries and rely on us to deliver what we promise - on time and on budget. Combined with our broad product portfolio, financial strength and global presence, we provide our customers with the best automation solutions wherever and whenever they need them.

Join our ATS Industrial Automation Team because:

• We VALUE our People: The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower, and energize our people.
• We’ve got GREAT Work Perks: We provide a variety of perks to our employees. Make sure you ask more about our flexible work schedules, employee events, free coffee beverages, employee referral program and safety shoe programs.
• We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards: Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, company paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance, comprehensive health benefits, 401K matching program, Employee Incentive Bonus program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program.
• We support internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT: ATS Automation offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development, including tuition reimbursement programs and our commitment to promoting from within.