Lead Robotics Automation Engineer

Kforce Inc; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce Inc. in Tampa, FL seeks a Lead Robotics Automation Engineer to drive reliability and optimization of highly automated operations across a multi-site environment. You will lead PLCs, vision systems, robotics, and control networks while mentoring teams.

The role requires 5+ years in automation, strong PLC/robotics experience, and a focus on safety standards, documentation, and continuous improvement across complex manufacturing systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in industrial automation, robotics, or controls integration.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in related engineering field.
• Experience programming PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Siemens) and robotics platforms.
• Familiarity with vision, SCADA, HMI, and CMMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead performance, maintenance, troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems 24/7.
• Drive continuous improvement to raise automation reliability and OEE.
• Validate and commission new automation solutions per safety standards.
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Program and support industrial robots in material handling and workflows.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design and improve automation systems.
• Serve as regional automation SME, providing guidance and training.
• Maintain documentation of software revisions, schematics and reports.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs and reliability strategies.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial robotics

Vision systems

SCADA

HMI development

Industrial networks

CMMS

Lean Six Sigma

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

FANUC robotics

ABB robotics

KUKA robotics

Yaskawa robotics

Universal Robots

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in Tampa, FL that is seeking a Lead Robotics Automation Engineer. Summary: Are you passionate about robotics, industrial automation, and cutting-edge technology? We are seeking a Regional Automation Engineer to play a key role in supporting and advancing highly automated operations across a multi-site environment. This is an exciting opportunity to work with advanced robotics, vision systems, controls, and automation technologies while driving reliability, innovation, and continuous improvement. What You'll Do:

• Lead the performance, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated systems supporting critical 24/7 operations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance automation reliability, efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Validate, implement, and commission new automation solutions while ensuring compliance with safety and engineering standards
• Perform root cause analysis and develop long-term corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve system performance
• Program and support industrial robots used in material handling, system integration, and automated workflows
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design, install, and improve automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, actuators, and industrial networks
• Serve as the regional automation subject matter expert, providing technical support, guidance, and training to operational teams
• Maintain system documentation including software revisions, electrical schematics, configurations, calibration records, and service reports
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs while developing proactive reliability strategies
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies, robotics advancements, and industry best practices

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, robotics, or systems integration
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms
• Experience with industrial robotics platforms such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, or similar technologies
• Knowledge of machine vision, inspection, or AI-enabled vision systems
• Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus
• Strong understanding of industrial networking, control systems, motion control, and process automation
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, reliability engineering, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience using CMMS platforms for maintenance planning and asset management
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, project management, and communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule when needed, including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays
• Ability to distinguish color-coded wiring and interpret technical displays, diagrams, and system readouts

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with advanced robotics, automation, vision, and control technologies
• Exposure to large-scale automation initiatives and new system implementations
• Collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement
• Career growth opportunities through technical leadership and hands-on ownership of critical automation programs
• Comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.