Custom Systems Engineer

Methods Machine Tools Inc; Sudbury (MA); On-site; USD 102,292,000 - 128,117,000; Full time

Job summary

Methods Machine Tools Inc. is seeking a Custom Systems Engineer to lead the assembly, programming, and testing of advanced automation and robotic systems for CNC machine tools. The role entails integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components, supporting customer installations, providing training, and integrating factory options into turnkey solutions.

Travel to customer sites is required. You will collaborate with engineering, production, and service teams to ensure quality and

Qualifications

• Technical School Certificate, Trade School Diploma, or Bachelor's in Electrical/Mechanical/Electromechanical Engineering.
• High School Diploma required.
• Prior robotics or CNC tool experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical/electrical aptitude with hands-on automation experience.
• Ability to learn Fanuc Robo Guide or similar software.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Solid math, geometry, and trig for engineering tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication across levels.
• Proven ability to lead projects and work independently.
• Willingness to travel 20-40% and hold valid driver's license and passport.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, program, and test automation and robotic systems for CNC tools.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Support customer installations, training, and options integration.
• Provide onsite installation, setup and training.
• Offer remote and phone support after delivery.
• Travel to customer sites for installations and runoffs.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, service teams.
• Maintain system quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Perform other duties to support goals.

Skills

Robotics experience

Project leadership

Strong communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Technical/Engineering degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Fanuc Robo Guide

Microsoft Office

Job description

Methods Machine Tools was established in 1958 with three employees and a handful of refurbished machines. Since then, the company has become one of the largest privately owned machine tool importers in North America.

Job Summary:

The Custom Systems Engineer is responsible for leading the assembly, programming, and testing of advanced automation and robotic systems for CNC machine tools. This role will integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components to deliver turnkey automation solutions. The engineer will also support customer installations, provide training, and assist in integrating factory and aftermarket options into machine systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform mechanical and electrical assembly and installation of robots, automation systems, and peripheral equipment into CNC machine tools or as standalone automation cells.
• Evaluate and resolve issues related to form, fit, function, and communication between automation and machine tool systems.
• Conduct system testing, production simulation, and customer demonstrations to verify performance and reliability.
• Program and debug robot systems (Fanuc and other platforms) to meet application requirements.
• Provide onsite customer installation, setup, and training on automation and system operation.
• Deliver technical phone and remote support following system delivery.
• Travel to customer sites to support installations, turnkey runoffs, and troubleshooting as required.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and service teams to ensure system quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Perform all other duties assigned to support departmental and company goals.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Technical School Certificate, Trade School Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electromechanical Engineering (or related technical field).
• High School Diploma required.
• Prior experience in robotics, automation integration, or CNC machine tool systems is highly preferred.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with hands-on experience in automation or CNC machine tools.
• Ability to learn and apply Fanuc Robo Guide or similar robot programming software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Solid understanding of math, geometry, and trigonometry for mechanical and programming applications.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) across all levels of the organization and with customers.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to lead projects and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective team leadership skills - able to assign tasks, set deadlines, and ensure objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and manage priorities efficiently.
• Open to feedback and adaptable to change.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and passport for domestic and international travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 20-40% travel required to support installations, start-ups, and customer training.
• Occasional overnight stays required.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

Salary:

• $35.67 - $44.59 hourly

The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, and may exceed the posted range for highly qualified candidates.

Additional Information

This job description is designed to provide an overview of basic skills, experiences and education required to perform the job and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of the employee to perform the essential functions of the job. In instances where educational degrees are required, the company will take into consideration factors such as additional experience, training, and certifications in lieu of specific educational requirements.

Methods Machine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.