Robotics Automation Engineer (Research and Early Development)

Creative Solutions Services, LLC; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Solutions Services, LLC is seeking a Robotics Automation Engineer for our Tucson, AZ location. This contract role focuses on research and early development in robotics, automation, motion control, and machine vision.

You will prototype, test, and integrate hardware and software solutions, ensuring robust, scalable prototypes. The successful candidate will design and assemble multi-disciplinary prototype systems, implement PID and feedback controls, and collaborate with an Agile research

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with Robotics focus.
• Hands-on experience designing, prototyping, and integrating robotic systems.
• Strong knowledge of motion control, machine vision, and robotics fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced engineering knowledge to research and early development projects involving robotics and automation.
• Develop, assemble, and test robotics prototypes and motion-control systems.
• Design and integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components into functional prototypes.
• Develop motion-control systems including motors, encoders, and feedback loops.
• Apply machine vision for object detection, robot guidance, calibration, and positioning.
• Troubleshoot and iterate designs based on test results and feedback.
• Contribute to new components and processes for pathology lab applications.
• Prepare and present project results to diverse audiences.

Skills

Robotics

Motion control

Machine vision

Prototype development

Sensor integration

Robot programming

PID control

Industrial networks

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's in Engineering

PhD

Tools

ABB RobotStudio

SolidWorks

PLC programming

TCP/IP networking

EtherCAT

PROFIBUS

Job description

Robotics Automation Engineer – Research & Early Development

Location: 1910 East Innovation Park Drive, Tucson, AZ 85755

Contract Duration: 12 Months — Potential Extension or Full-Time Conversion

Pay Rate: $55–$65/hour (W2)

Benefits: Weekly Pay, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Robotics Automation Engineer to join a research and early development engineering team focused on robotics, automation, motion control, machine vision, and physical AI.

The ideal candidate has strong hands‑on experience prototyping and integrating robotic and motion‑control systems, with the ability to develop, test, and iterate both hardware and software solutions.

Key focus areas for this role include:

• Robotics and automation system integration
• Motion control and robotic prototyping
• Machine vision for calibration, object detection, and robot guidance
• Mechanical, electrical, and software prototyping
• Robotics/physical AI applications
• Hands‑on development and testing of prototype systems

Key Responsibilities

• Apply advanced engineering knowledge to research and early development projects involving process automation and robotic system integration.
• Generate concepts and develop, assemble, and test robotics and automation prototypes.
• Design and integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components into functional prototype systems.
• Develop and implement motion‑control systems, including stepper motors, servo motors, encoders, and feedback systems.
• Apply machine vision technologies for object detection, robot guidance, calibration, and positioning.
• Conduct simulations, analyses, experiments, and testing to evaluate design concepts and project hypotheses.
• Troubleshoot and iterate prototype designs based on testing, performance results, user feedback, and project requirements.
• Participate in the development of new components, products, and processes, particularly for pathology laboratory applications.
• Contribute to potentially patentable components, systems, processes, or technical solutions.
• Work independently under general direction while exercising sound technical judgment.
• Participate in project planning and execution as part of a cross‑functional Agile research engineering team.
• Prepare and present project results, technical findings, and data to diverse audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

• ​Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a directly related discipline; Robotics preferred.
• Candidates must meet one of the following experience requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree + 8 years of related experience, OR
  • Master’s degree + 4 years of related experience, OR
  • PhD + 2 years of related experience.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of robotics/mechatronics engineering principles, motion control, sensing, and coordinate systems.
• Hands‑on experience assembling, integrating, and testing robotics or automation systems.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, and software prototyping.
• Experience with robot programming/software; ABB RobotStudio preferred.
• Experience with motion‑control systems, including:
  • Stepper motors
  • Servo motors
  • Encoders
  • Feedback systems
• Experience using machine vision for:
  • Object detection
  • Robot guidance
  • Calibration
  • Positioning
• Experience with electronic control systems, including PID control, PLCs, or industrial controls.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as:
  • PROFIBUS
  • EtherCAT
  • PROFINET
  • RS‑485
  • Similar industrial communication technologies
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently in a research and development environment.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Creative and analytical mindset with the ability to learn and iterate quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robotic calibration using machine vision, including:
  • Fiducial markers
  • ArUco tags
  • AprilTags
• Experience with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience with industrial networking, including:
  • Network switches
  • Fortinet
  • Routers
  • TCP/IP
• Experience in the diagnostic, medical device, or pathology laboratory industry.

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