Lead Robotics & Controls Commissioning Engineer

Software Placement Group, SPG; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime potential

Full corporate benefits package

Job summary

Software Placement Group (SPG) is seeking a Lead Robotics & Controls Commissioning Engineer in the Greater Milwaukee area. The role oversees the commissioning of complex automated systems from shop floor debug to final field deployment at Tier-1 client sites, with substantial travel required.

The ideal candidate has 5–8+ years in automation commissioning, strong PLC diagnostic skills, and the ability to collaborate with design, PMs, and build teams.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of hands-on automation commissioning experience.
• Experience commissioning and integrating custom automated machinery.
• Proficient in PLC debugging and electrical schematics reading.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal commissioning, live-wire debug, and I/O validation before shop floor release.
• Calibrate multi-axis robotic systems and EOAT checks.
• Troubleshoot PLC logic, servo drives, vision systems, pneumatics, and safety interlocks.
• Lead onsite installations and customer training.
• Collaborate with mechanical design, PMs, and shop to isolate issues.
• Log daily test hours and maintain field progress reports.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical layouts reading

Travel readiness

Education

Associate or Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or Automation Technology

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

Cognex Vision Systems

Keyence Vision Systems

Job description

Location: Greater Milwaukee Area, WI | Schedule: Full-time, First Shift, blended hybrid model combining local shop floor work with field travel | Compensation: $49.00 – $59.00/hour base + overtime potential

Overview

A long-established, family-owned OEM manufacturer with nearly a century of manufacturing history is seeking a Lead Robotics & Controls Commissioning Engineer with 5 to 8+ years of hands-on custom automation commissioning experience to guide custom automation equipment from initial shop floor debug through final field deployment at Tier-1 global client sites. This role is central to delivering complex, multi-million dollar automated assembly and robotic systems, combining hands-on technical leadership with significant travel exposure.

What you'll do

• Direct internal commissioning, live-wire debug, and I/O validation of custom automated systems prior to shop floor release
• Validate multi-axis robotic platforms including initial electrical/mechanical calibration, communication network setup, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) checks
• Perform real-time troubleshooting across PLC logic architectures, servo drives, vision systems, pneumatic circuits, and safety interlocks
• Lead onsite equipment installations and technical run-offs at client facilities, including training customer engineering and maintenance personnel
• Collaborate with mechanical design engineers, project managers, and shop floor build teams to isolate hardware, software, or mechanical issues
• Track daily testing hours, manage open-issue lists, and submit detailed field progress logs to project stakeholders

Required qualifications

• 5 to 8+ years of hands-on custom automation commissioning experience, including 5+ years of verifiable experience commissioning, troubleshooting, and integrating custom industrial automated machinery and multi-axis robotics
• Strong diagnostic skills in PLC logic troubleshooting, I/O tracing, and basic logic modifications using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 or Siemens TIA Portal
• Ability to read, interpret, and trace complex electrical layouts, mechanical assembly drawings, and fluid power schematics
• Willingness and ability to travel 50% to 80%, primarily to domestic client sites with occasional international deployments
• Must reside within daily commuting distance of the Greater Milwaukee area
• Valid driver's license
• US Citizen or Green Card holder with valid passport eligibility

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced path teaching, payload configuration, and communication setup experience with FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa robotic arms
• Practical setup and calibration experience with Cognex, Keyence, or other 2D/3D industrial vision systems
• Associate (A.S.) or Bachelor's (B.S.) Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or Automation Technology (equivalent hands-on experience fully valued)

Compensation and benefits

• $49.00 – $59.00/hour starting base rate, commensurate with robotics and controls experience
• Overtime earning potential
• Full corporate benefits package

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to own complex automated machinery from initial plant debug through final customer sign-off worldwide, working within a high-trust, low-bureaucracy environment backed by nearly a century of manufacturing stability.