Lead Robotics Automation Engineer (PLC, PID)

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Diagnostics is seeking a Regional Automation Engineer to lead all automation systems within the region. You will own the operation, maintenance and improvement of automated equipment in labs, drive new system implementations, and collaborate with Enterprise Automation to integrate PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, and networks.

The role requires 5+ years in industrial automation, strong PLC/robot programming skills, and experience with robotics and vision 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 (Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
• Experience in robotics systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, etc.) and vision-guided systems a plus.
• Experience 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate, preventive maintenance, and repair of advanced automated equipment supporting 24/7 lab operations.
• Validate and lead new automation system implementations within the region, ensuring safety compliance.
• Optimize automation systems for reliability and performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
• Develop and program industrial robots for material handling and inter-process connectivity.
• Manage and document automation software revisions, schematics, configurations, and service reports.
• Be the regional automation SME, training teams on lab automation systems.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Automation team to design, install, and commission new systems including PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, and networks.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in automation and control.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and drive proactive reliability strategies.
• Experience with CMMS is a plus.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics systems

Vision systems

Industrial networking

Project management

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/mechatronics

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

FANUC robotics

ABB robotics

KUKA robotics

UR robotics

YASKAWA robotics

Cognex vision

Keyence vision

Matrox vision

Omron vision

Ethernet/IP

MODbus

Profibus

Job description

Job Description

Regional Automation Engineer is responsible to lead all automation systems inside our region, drive continuous improvement initiatives to our automated systems, troubleshooting automated equipment, analyzing performance and reliability, collaborating 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 commissioning 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 bets 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.)
• Experience in robotics systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, ETC) and vision-guided systems a plus
• Experience 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

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Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

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