Lead Robotics System Engineer

Sterling St James Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James Inc. in Milwaukee, WI seeks a Senior Robotics & Controls Engineer to own turnkey automation projects from cell design to site commissioning.

You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, implement Robotic platforms (Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB), and ensure robust PLC communication and vision integration. The role requires 4–6 years of robotics and PLC experience, travel up to 40%, a valid driver’s license and passport, and a strong commitment to engineering craftsmanship on global

Qualifications

• Requires 2- or 4-year engineering degree.
• 4–6 years of industrial robotics and PLC integration experience.
• Hands-on mastery of Fanuc, Yaskawa and ABB platforms with PLC troubleshooting and vision systems.
• Willingness to travel 30–40% and reside within a 45-minute commute of Greater Milwaukee, WI.

Responsibilities

• Initialize ground-up robotic cell setups and calibrations.
• Design control logic coordinating with master PLCs.
• Deploy and program industrial vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, iRVision).
• Lead on-site commissioning and field service.
• Mentor junior technicians and support engineering.

Skills

Robotics mastery

Fanuc

Yaskawa

ABB

PLC troubleshooting

Industrial vision

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

RobotStudio

RoboGuide

iRVision

Job description

Senior Robotics & Controls Engineer – Turnkey Systems Integration

$83,200 – $104,000 ($40.00 – $50.00/hr) + Overtime Greater Milwaukee Area 1st Shift Direct-Hire

• Pay & Incentives: Baseline target from $40.00 to $50.00/hr ($83,200 – $104,000 annually, scaling directly with technical depth) + premium overtime pay and a full corporate benefits package.
• Work Pattern/Schedule: Dedicated 1st Shift schedule managing ground-up custom automated cell builds and shop-floor debugs, paired with 30–40% domestic and international field commissioning (Valid Driver’s License and Passport required).
• Environment & Company Profile: Direct-hire seat with a premier, privately held automation leader featuring a century-long legacy of engineering excellence; designs complex turnkey automated systems for global manufacturing clients in automotive, consumer goods, and heavy industrial sectors.
• Core Technical Scope: Robotic platform setups (Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB), master PLC communication handshaking, industrial vision system integration/programming (Cognex, Keyence, iRVision), EOAT integration, and on-site client commissioning.
• Strict Requirements & Authorization: Requires 2-Year or 4-Year Engineering Degree, 4 to 6 years of dedicated robotic, PLC, and vision integration depth, US work authorization, and residency within a 45-minute daily commute of Greater Milwaukee, WI (North Milwaukee / Brown Deer vicinity).

If you are an experienced robotics specialist looking to step away from repetitive field service or routine line maintenance and own high-complexity, ground-up custom automation projects, this senior-level seat is built for you. Our client is a premier, privately held automation leader with a century-long legacy of engineering excellence, designing complex turnkey automated systems deployed globally across automotive, consumer goods, and heavy industrial sectors.

Operating with a supportive, non-bureaucratic culture that deeply respects engineering craftsmanship, this organization gives you total project ownership. You will lead robotic builds from initial cell design kickoff and physical in-house build, through shop-floor debug, and ultimately to high-impact commissioning on client factory floors worldwide.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Initialize Robotic Platforms: Execute ground-up cell setups, coordinate calibrations, and configure I/O communication networks on Fanuc, ABB, or Yaskawa robotics.
• Design Control Logic & Architecture: Program robot cell architecture to ensure seamless handshaking and logic coordination with master PLC controllers and standalone equipment.
• Deploy Industrial Vision Systems: Integrate, configure, and program advanced industrial vision hardware and software platforms for precise part guidance, inspection, and high-speed handling.
• Lead In-House Assembly & Debug: Partner with project engineering teams through full shop-floor assembly, control wiring verification, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) integration.
• Execute Field Commissioning: Travel 30–40% domestically and internationally to oversee on-site deployment, mechanical/electrical startup, and final commissioning with global manufacturing partners.
• Support Applications Engineering: Provide technical layout insights, cycle-time analyses, and feasibility data for prospective customer designs and quotes.
• Provide Floor Mentorship: Guide in-house assembly personnel and junior technicians to optimize build workflows and adhere to strict client specifications.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Required Education: 2-Year or 4-Year Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Software Engineering).
• Integration Experience: 4 to 6 years of dedicated industrial robotics & PLC integration experience on custom manufacturing machinery.
• Robotics & Controls Mastery: Hands-on mastery of Fanuc, Yaskawa, or ABB robot platforms combined with advanced PLC troubleshooting skills.
• Vision & Digital Tools: Hands-on proficiency with industrial vision systems, offline simulation tools, and CAD/SolidWorks software.
• Multidisciplinary Diagnostics: Expert ability to diagnose and debug complex automated machinery across robotic, electrical, fluid power, and mechanical domains.
• Travel & Licensing: Ability to travel 30% to 40% (valid Driver’s License and active Passport capability required); residing within a 45-minute daily commuting radius of the Greater Milwaukee, WI area (North Milwaukee / Brown Deer vicinity).

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Vision Software Expertise: Deep experience programming Cognex, Keyence, or FANUC iRVision hardware and software packages.
• PLC Platform Depth: Advanced proficiency writing or troubleshooting logic in Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000) or Siemens (TIA Portal) environments.
• CAD & Simulation Tools: Hands-on experience with RoboGuide, RobotStudio, or SolidWorks for cell layout and reach studies.