Robotics & Automation Manager

KB Search Team; Markle (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

KB Search Team seeks a Robotics & Automation Manager to lead development and improvement of robotic and automated systems across a first shift manufacturing operation. This is a hands-on leadership role that connects engineering and production while directing a team of robotics programmers and technicians.

The role requires a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, 4–5 years in robotics/programming in manufacturing, and 2+ years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
• 4–5 years of robotics programming and automation experience in manufacturing.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience managing technical employees.
• Strong experience with robotic programming for welding.
• Experience with Fanuc Roboguide and Lincoln Electric WeldPro preferred.
• Knowledge of PLCs, ladder logic, electrical systems, sensors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and vision systems.
• Experience with 2D/3D CAD; Inventor preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP and product configuration systems.
• Strong problem-solving with hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills across engineering, production, and leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of robotics programmers and technicians.
• Identify and prioritize automation opportunities across welding, blasting, and painting operations.
• Lead automation projects from concept through installation, testing, and production.
• Use Fanuc Roboguide and WeldPro to simulate and validate programs.
• Read drawings and 3D models to support automation design and programming.
• Serve as go-to resource for robotics, PLCs, electrical systems, sensors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and tooling.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Develop training, work instructions, and documentation for safe operation and troubleshooting.
• Partner with Operations and Continuous Improvement to improve processes and future strategies.
• Stay current on new automation technologies and identify implementation opportunities.

Skills

Robotics programming

Leadership

Welding robotics

PLC & electrical knowledge

CAD (Inventor)

Automation project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Fanuc Roboguide

Lincoln Electric WeldPro

Inventor

PLC programming

Job description

The Opportunity

Our client is looking for a Robotics & Automation Manager to lead the development and improvement of robotic and automated systems across a first shift manufacturing operation. This is a hands-on leadership role that connects engineering and production while leading a team of Robotics Programmers and Robotic Process Technicians.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Robotics Programmers and Robotic Process Technicians.
• Identify and prioritize automation opportunities across weld, blast, and paint operations.
• Lead automation projects from concept and programming through installation, testing, and production.
• Use tools such as Fanuc Roboguide and Lincoln Electric WeldPro to simulate and validate robotic programs.
• Read engineering drawings and 3D models to support automation design and robotic programming.
• Serve as the go-to resource for complex issues involving robotics, PLCs, electrical systems, sensors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and tooling.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Develop training, work instructions, and documentation to help technicians and production teams safely operate and troubleshoot automated systems.
• Partner with Operations and Continuous Improvement to improve processes and develop future automation strategies.
• Stay current on new automation technologies and identify opportunities to put them to work at Novae.
• Support other projects and priorities as needed.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering
• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in robotics programming and automation within a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience managing technical employees.
• Strong experience with robotic programming for welding
• Experience with Fanuc Roboguide and Lincoln Electric WeldPro preferred.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, ladder logic, electrical systems, sensors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and vision systems.
• Experience with 2D/3D CAD; Inventor experience preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP and product configuration systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, practical approach.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and leadership teams.

Why You’ll Like This Role

If you enjoy leading people, solving technical problems, and finding better ways to do things, this role gives you the opportunity to make a real impact.