Robotics Automation Engineer – Custom Systems Integration

Software Placement Group, SPG; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Up to 30% travel

Job summary

Software Placement Group (SPG) is seeking a Robotics Automation Engineer in the Waukesha area to design, build, and commission unique automated machinery and robotic cells from concept through deployment.

You will write RAPID code, perform RobotStudio simulations, and lead full lifecycle projects from design through floor build and debugging, with up to 30% travel for installations and SATs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or extensive hands-on systems integration experience.
• Experience with ABB robots and RAPID programming preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% and reside within commuting distance of Waukesha County.

Responsibilities

• Develop RAPID code and RobotStudio simulations to integrate ABB robots with PLCs.
• Lead full lifecycle custom machine projects from design to on-floor build and debugging.
• Configure electrical communication setups, fieldbus protocols like EtherNet/IP/PROFINET, and EOAT wiring.
• Troubleshoot pathing errors, cycle-time bottlenecks, interferences, and control logic on site.
• Travel up to 30% domestically and internationally for installations and SATs.
• Document system logic, operation sequences, and electrical schematic redlines.

Skills

ABB RAPID programming

RobotStudio simulation

PLC development

Ladder logic

Motion control

Vision-guided systems

Safety networks

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related discipline

Tools

ABB RobotStudio

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Cognex / Keyence vision systems

FactoryTalk View

Job description

Location: Waukesha County, WI Area | Schedule: Full-time, Onsite with up to 30% travel | Compensation: Up to $120,000 base + benefits

Overview

A respected custom industrial automation systems integrator serving a diversified global client base is seeking a Robotics Automation Engineer to design, build, and commission unique automated machinery and robotic cells from concept through deployment. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to move beyond repetitive production-line work and take ownership of complex, custom builds from design through physical assembly.

What you'll do

• Develop, write, and optimize RAPID code and ABB RobotStudio simulations to integrate ABB robotic arms with master PLCs and plant-wide automation systems
• Lead full-lifecycle custom machine projects, from system design and kinematics simulation through floor build and physical debugging
• Configure electrical communication setups, fieldbus protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET), and software handshakes for ABB robotic packages and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT)
• Troubleshoot pathing errors, cycle-time bottlenecks, mechanical interferences, and control logic issues on the build floor and in the field
• Travel up to 30% domestically and internationally to lead system installations, site acceptance testing (SAT), and customer engineering sign-offs
• Author system logic documentation, sequence-of-operation manuals, and electrical schematic redlines for custom machinery builds

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of verifiable experience programming ABB robots, including at least 2 years focused on RAPID programming and RobotStudio simulation
• 2+ years of practical PLC development and ladder logic programming using Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Studio 5000 or equivalent major industrial controllers
• Solid foundation configuring industrial motion control, vision-guided systems, and safety networks (light curtains, safety relays, SafeMove)
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related discipline (extensive hands‑on systems integration experience considered in lieu of degree)
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% worldwide, backed by a valid U.S. Passport (or ability to obtain one immediately)
• Residency within a 45‑minute daily commute of Waukesha County / Greater Milwaukee, WI
• US Citizen or Green Card holder

Preferred qualifications

• Direct experience integrating 2D/3D machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) or complex servo‑driven end‑effectors
• Secondary experience programming FANUC (KAREL/TP), KUKA, or Yaskawa robotic systems
• Familiarity with digital twin software or building custom HMI screens (FactoryTalk View) for machine operators

Compensation and benefits

• Up to $120,000 base salary, commensurate with programming depth
• Full health and retirement benefits

Why this role

This direct-hire position offers true technical autonomy, moving away from repetitive production cycles toward designing and building custom, leading-edge machinery with design and assembly teams under one roof.