Robotics Engineer

W3Global; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a highly skilled Robotics Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and optimization of robotic and automated manufacturing systems for aerospace and defense industries.

The role requires hands-on experience with FANUC robots, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and motion control in high-precision manufacturing. You will collaborate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to drive continuous improvement and reliability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years programming and supporting industrial robotic systems.
• Hands-on FANUC robot programming, troubleshooting and integration.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servo systems, and motion controls.
• Experience with robotic welding, automated assembly, machine tending, and material handling.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, control diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other regulated industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robotic systems in aerospace/defense manufacturing.
• Develop, test, and maintain robotic programs and control logic to improve productivity.
• Integrate robotic systems with welding cells, tending equipment, and material handling.
• Diagnose electrical, PLC, and robotic issues to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance on improvements.
• Interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, ladder logic and wiring diagrams.
• Assist with equipment commissioning, FAT/SAT, startups, and process validation.
• Support NPI activities including process development and tooling integration.

Skills

Robotics programming

Troubleshooting

System integration

Electrical schematics reading

Project management

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree (EE / Controls / SE / Mechatronics / Robotics)

Tools

FANUC robotics

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Sensors and servo systems

Motion control protocols

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Robotics Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and optimization of robotic and automated manufacturing systems for the aerospace and defense industries. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience with industrial robot programming, automation controls, and system troubleshooting in high-precision manufacturing environments. This role collaborates closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to enhance automation performance, improve equipment reliability, and increase production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robotic systems used in aerospace and defense manufacturing operations.
• Develop, test, and maintain robotic programs, automation sequences, and control logic to improve productivity, repeatability, and product quality.
• Integrate robotic systems with welding cells, machine tending equipment, material handling systems, vision systems, and automated assembly processes.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, PLC, communication, and robotic system issues to minimize downtime and maximize equipment uptime.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to support automated manufacturing processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, PLC ladder logic, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Assist with equipment commissioning, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), system startups, and process validation.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including process development, fixture design reviews, tooling integration, and automation planning.
• Create and maintain technical documentation such as robotic backups, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action efforts to improve robotic and automation system performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience programming and supporting industrial robotic systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with FANUC robotic systems, including teach pendant programming, troubleshooting, and system integration.
• Solid understanding of industrial automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servo systems, motion controls, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with robotic welding, automated assembly, machine tending, and material handling applications.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills in automated manufacturing environments.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries is preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑pace production environment.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related field.
• FANUC robotics certifications, PLC programming certifications, or other automation-related technical certifications are strongly preferred.
• Experience with industrial automation software, machine vision systems, and advanced robotics integration is a plus.