Manufacturing Engineer

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group in Lafayette, IN, seeks a Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics Programming to lead ABB robot programming, troubleshooting, system integration, and program optimization on the factory floor.

You will support engine assembly, testing, and paint operations, collaborate with PLC/Controls, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams, and drive continuous improvement in cycle time, OEE, safety, and product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of industrial robotics and manufacturing automation experience.
• Strong ABB robot programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience integrating ABB systems with PLCs and vision sensors.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and commission ABB industrial robots and work cells.
• Provide hands-on shop-floor troubleshooting for ABB robotic applications in engine assembly, testing, and paint operations.
• Diagnose downtime and resolve automation issues related to robots, tooling, and sensors.
• Develop, modify, and optimize ABB robot programs for new and existing processes.
• Lead system validation, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Collaborate with PLC/Controls, Quality, Maintenance, and Production to improve OEE and reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement focusing on cycle time and safety.

Skills

ABB robot programming

ABB RobotStudio

PLCs integration

Robotics troubleshooting

Lean / continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Robotics

Tools

RobotStudio

ABB controllers

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Job description

The Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics Programming will provide hands-on technical support and leadership for robotic automation systems within a manufacturing environment. This position will focus heavily on ABB robot programming, troubleshooting, system integration, program optimization, commissioning, and continuous improvement.

The engineer will support production-critical robotic applications across engine assembly, testing, and paint operations and work closely with Controls/PLC, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to improve equipment reliability, safety, quality, and throughput.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and commission ABB industrial robots and robotic work cells.
• Provide hands‑on, shop‑floor troubleshooting and issue resolution for ABB robotic applications supporting engine assembly, test, and paint operations.
• Diagnose and resolve production downtime related to robots, controls, tooling, sensors, cabling, and other automation equipment.
• Develop, modify, and optimize ABB robot programs for new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Analyze previous incidents and production observations to identify opportunities for robotic program optimization and permanent corrective actions.
• Optimize existing robot configurations, including harnesses, cabling, end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT), and associated equipment.
• Integrate robotic systems with PLCs, vision systems, sensors, conveyors, tooling, and other peripheral equipment.
• Partner closely with PLC/Controls Engineers to troubleshoot automation issues, determine root causes, and implement permanent resolutions.
• Lead and support robotic system validation, testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring robotic and manufacturing issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time, OEE, equipment reliability, safety, and product quality.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions, troubleshooting documentation, training materials, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Controls, Quality, Maintenance, Product Engineering, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Provide independent technical support for production‑critical robotic systems with a strong focus on minimizing downtime.

Required Skills

• Extensive hands‑on experience with ABB industrial robot programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong working knowledge of ABB RobotStudio and ABB robot controller platforms.
• Strong robotic troubleshooting and manufacturing automation experience.
• Ability to diagnose robot faults and resolve production‑critical automation issues directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Experience developing, modifying, debugging, and optimizing robotic programs.
• Experience with robotic applications such as arc welding, material handling, assembly, machine tending, paint operations, or other automated manufacturing processes.
• Experience integrating robotic systems with PLCs, including Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Understanding of robot interfaces with sensors, tooling, conveyors, safety systems, and peripheral equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing robot hardware configurations, including harnesses, cabling, and end‑of‑arm tooling.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, Lean principles, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and support critical production issues.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and cross‑functional problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with vision‑guided robotics and automated inspection systems.
• Experience commissioning new robotic automation equipment and production lines.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or similar continuous improvement experience.
• Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting robotic applications within engine, automotive, heavy‑equipment, or similar manufacturing environments.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years of industrial robotics and manufacturing automation experience required.
• Candidates with approximately 5–10 years of relevant experience are preferred.
• Significant hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting ABB industrial robots is required.
• Must be comfortable maintaining a strong shop‑floor presence and independently supporting production‑critical robotic systems.
• Must be available to work either 1st shift (6:00 AM–3:00 PM EST) or 3rd shift (10:00 PM–6:00 AM EST) onsite in Lafayette, Indiana.

Top Skills

• Robot Programming & RobotStudio
• Robotics Troubleshooting & Manufacturing Automation
• Robotic Program Optimization & Root Cause Analysis
• PLC/Controls Integration & Cross‑Functional Troubleshooting