Group Automation Engineer – Robotics & Controls

KCM Technical; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

KCM Technical is seeking a hands-on Group Automation Engineer to standardize robotic automation across North American manufacturing operations. You will bridge corporate engineering, plants, and external integrators, guiding design, commissioning, and production launches with hands-on support.

The role emphasizes programming, troubleshooting, and developing reusable automation standards, with travel up to 30–40% across North America. This is a direct-hire, onsite opportunity in Michigan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on robotics/automation experience.
• Experience owning or supporting automation projects through design reviews, FAT, installation, commissioning, handoff.
• Experience collaborating with automation integrators, equipment builders, and cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robots (FANUC/ABB/KUKA/UR).

Responsibilities

• Lead robotic automation projects from concept to FAT, installation, SAT, and production handoff.
• Partner with integrators and builders to review concepts, designs, and safety systems.
• Provide hands-on shopfloor support during installation, line trials, and ramp-up.
• Program and troubleshoot robots and PLCs; optimize I/O, networks, and safety circuits.
• Integrate robotics with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley controls, vision systems, and EOAT.
• Support vision-guided robotics and inspection apps (Cognex/Keyence).
• Develop standardized robot programming structures and reusable automation solutions.
• Train plant engineers and maintenance teams; perform root-cause analysis for downtime.

Skills

Robotics

Automation

PLC programming

System integration

Project leadership

Cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor’s in Robotics/EE/ME/Mechatronics

Tools

Studio 5000

ControlLogix

Job description

ONSITE IN MICHIGAN, MUST BE MICHIGAN RESIDENT OR LOCAL TO AREA

Travel: Approximately 30–40% across North America

We are seeking a hands‑on Group Automation Engineer to support the development, launch, and standardization of robotic automation systems across North American manufacturing operations.

This position serves as the technical connection between corporate engineering, manufacturing plants, and external automation integrators. The engineer will help guide equipment builders through design and buyoff, provide hands‑on support during commissioning and production launches, troubleshoot robotics and controls issues, and develop reusable automation standards that can be applied across multiple facilities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an automation or robotics engineer who enjoys both technical problem-solving and project leadership. It is not an exclusively desk‑based design or simulation role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support robotic automation projects from concept and design review through FAT, installation, SAT, commissioning, and production handoff.
• Partner with automation integrators and machine builders to review concepts, specifications, designs, controls architecture, safety systems, and project deliverables.
• Provide hands‑on shopfloor support during equipment installation, launch, line trials, and production ramp‑up.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robots and collaborative robots, including FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots, or similar platforms.
• Troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, robot‑to‑PLC handshakes, industrial networks, I/O, safety circuits, and equipment sequence conditions.
• Integrate robotics with Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley controls, vision systems, sensors, manufacturing equipment, and end‑of‑arm tooling.
• Support vision‑guided robotics and inspection applications using Cognex, Keyence, FANUC iRVision, or similar technology.
• Optimize robotic paths, cycle time, throughput, equipment reliability, and system maintainability.
• Develop standardized robot programming structures, equipment specifications, EOAT guidelines, safety practices, and reusable automation solutions.
• Develop and evaluate proof‑of‑concept applications involving cobots, advanced vision, flexible automation, simulation, and emerging robotics technologies.
• Train and provide technical guidance to plant engineers, controls personnel, maintenance teams, and other stakeholders.
• Perform structured root‑cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions for automation‑related downtime.
• Ensure robotic applications comply with applicable corporate, OSHA, MIOSHA, and RIA safety requirements.
• Travel to North American facilities approximately 30–40% based on project and launch needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• Three or more years of hands‑on industrial robotics, controls, automation integration, or manufacturing automation experience.
• Experience owning or supporting automation projects through design reviews, FAT, installation, commissioning, and production handoff.
• Experience working directly with automation integrators, equipment builders, manufacturing teams, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Hands‑on experience programming, commissioning, or troubleshooting industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or Universal Robots.
• Ability to troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, robot‑to‑PLC handshakes, safety circuits, field networks, and I/O.
• Experience with Allen‑Bradley, ControlLogix, and Studio 5000 is strongly preferred.
• Experience with robotic vision, EOAT, safety systems, and production cell optimization.
• Strong communication, project ownership, and technical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 30–40% across North America.

Experience with cobots, RoboGuide, RobotStudio, offline programming, virtual commissioning, Industry 4.0, or multi‑plant automation standards is highly valued.

This is a direct-hire opportunity. Immigration sponsorship is not available.