Manufacturing Engineer ABB robot

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics Programming to lead ABB robot programming and troubleshooting on the shop floor in Lafayette, Indiana. You will integrate with PLCs, vision, sensors, and conveyors to improve equipment reliability and throughput.

The role requires 5+ years in robotics, a strong automation background, and availability for 1st or 3rd shift onsite in Lafayette, IN. Expect hands-on leadership and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of industrial robotics and manufacturing automation experience.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and commission ABB robots and work cells.
• Provide hands-on shop-floor troubleshooting for ABB robotic applications.
• Diagnose and resolve downtime related to robots, controls, tooling, sensors, and cabling.
• Develop, modify, and optimize ABB robot programs for processes.
• Lead robotic system validation, testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Drive continuous improvement focused on cycle time, OEE, reliability, and quality.

Skills

ABB robot programming

Robot troubleshooting

PLC/Controls integration

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Cross‑functional teamwork

Shop-floor presence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Robotics

Tools

ABB RobotStudio

ABB robot controller platforms

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

• ABB Robot Programming & ABB RobotStudio
• Robotics Troubleshooting & Manufacturing Automation
• PLC/Controls Integration & Cross‑Functional Troubleshooting