Lead Robotics Automation Engineer (PLC, PID)

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated in Tampa, Florida is seeking a Regional Automation Engineer to lead automation systems and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of automated equipment that supports lab operations and for collaborating with other teams to enhance system efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and over 5 years of experience in industrial automation, robotics programming, and PLC development. This role requires strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to reliability strategies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation integration and robot programming.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and control systems.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, six sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of advanced automated equipment.
• Develop and program industrial robots for various automation applications.
• Collaborate with the Enterprise Automation team for new system installation.

Skills

Industrial automation integration

Robot programming (FANUC, ABB, KUKA)

PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Siemens)

AI and vision systems expertise

SCADA and HMI development

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Industrial communication protocols (ethernet/IP, MODbus, Profibus)

Job description

Regional Automation Engineer is responsible to lead all automation systems inside our region, drive continuous improvement initiatives to our automated systems, troubleshoot automated equipment, analyze performance and reliability, and collaborate with Enterprise Automation Team on creating or improving automated systems inside our labs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operation, preventive maintenance, and repair of advanced automated equipment which supports continuous lab operations, 24/7 operations.
• Validate and lead all new automation system implementation inside our region, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Optimize existing automation systems for better reliability and performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of automation systems to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
• Develop and program industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, UR, YASKAWA) for various automation applications such as material handling, and inter-process connectivity.
• Manage and document automation software revisions, electrical schematics, system configurations, including service/repair reports, calibrations, etc.
• Be the regional automation SME supporting and training leader for all lab automated systems.
• Work in collaboration with Enterprise Automation team to design, install and commission new automation systems including PLC’s, HMI’s, Vision Systems & Sensors, Actuators and industrial networks into cohesive control systems to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation and engineering control.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and drive proactive reliability strategies.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation integration and robot programming.
• Proficient with programming PLCs (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
• Expertise in robotics systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, etc.) and vision-guided systems a plus.
• Expertise in AI and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Matrox, Omron, etc.).
• Proficiency in SCADA, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols (ethernet/IP, MODbus, Profibus, etc.) strong understanding of PID control loops motion controls, etc.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and control systems.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, six sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving analytical and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical discussion across teams.
• Able to differentiate between color coded wires and interpret visual readouts.
• Work flexible schedule/shift including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.