Lead Robotics Automation Engineer (PLC, PID)

Quest Diagnostics; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics is seeking a Regional Automation Engineer to lead automation across the region, drive improvements, and troubleshoot automated lab equipment. You will collaborate with the Enterprise Automation Team to implement new systems, optimize reliability, and support maintenance programs.

The role requires robotics expertise and strong problem-solving skills across teams. Responsibilities include leading PLC/HMI/vision system deployments, managing revisions, and ensuring safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics or related field.
• 5+ years in industrial automation integration and robot programming.
• Proficient with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Robotics expertise with FANUC, ABB, KUKA; vision systems a plus.
• AI and vision systems experience (Cognex, Keyence, Omron).
• SCADA, HMI development and industrial protocols mastery.
• Strong PID, motion control and industrial networking knowledge.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management.
• Strong communication and cross-team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation, preventive maintenance and repair of advanced automation equipment.
• Validate and lead new automation implementations within region.
• Optimize existing automation systems for reliability and performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to minimize downtime.
• Develop and program industrial robots for material handling and connectivity.
• Manage automation software revisions, schematics and configurations.
• Be the regional automation SME and training leader for labs.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Automation to design, install and commission new systems (PLC, HMI, vision, sensors).
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Support preventive maintenance and reliability programs; use CMMS.
• Work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, holidays.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics systems

Vision systems

AI vision

SCADA

Industrial networking

Lean six sigma

Problem solving

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

FANUC

ABB

KUKA

Cognex

Keyence

Omron

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, 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).
• Work flexible schedule/shift including weekends, nights and /or holidays.

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.

About The Team

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