Robotics Engineer

Sodecia; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodecia is seeking an Automotive Robotics Engineer to lead the design, development, commissioning, and optimization of robotic welding for automated assembly systems in tier-one automotive manufacturing. You will drive safety, quality, throughput and cost objectives across ladder frame, subframe, crossmember and chassis assemblies.

The role requires collaboration with Product Engineering, Controls, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, suppliers, and OEM customers through design, buy-off, installation,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive robotics welding or automated assembly experience.
• Experience with ladder frame, subframe, BIW, chassis or structural manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop robotic welding and automated assembly processes for automotive components.
• Define robotic cell layouts, process flow, tooling concepts and equipment specs.
• Lead cell design reviews, feasibility studies and manufacturing readiness assessments.
• Optimize cycle time, robot utilization, line balancing and OEE.
• Coordinate product launch activities from concept through SOP and support PPAP/APQP.

Skills

Robotics

Welding

Leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Automation/Mechatronics background

Tools

FANUC

ABB

KUKA

Job description

The Automotive Robotics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, commissioning, optimization, and continuous improvement of robotic welding for automated assembly systems supporting automotive ladder frame, subframe, crossmember, and chassis assembly operations. The successful candidate will lead manufacturing engineering activities from concept through production launch, ensuring robotic systems achieve safety, quality, throughput, and cost objectives while meeting customer and APQP requirements.

This position works closely with Product Engineering, Controls Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Simulation, Program Management, suppliers, and OEM customers throughout equipment design, buy-off, installation, commissioning, and production support.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Robotics Engineering

• Design and develop robotic welding and automated assembly processes for automotive ladder frames, subframes, cradles, and chassis assemblies.
• Define robotic cell layouts, process flow, tooling concepts, and equipment specifications.
• Lead robotic cell design reviews, feasibility studies, and manufacturing readiness assessments.
• Optimize cycle time, robot utilization, line balancing, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Develop equipment standards to support global manufacturing consistency.

Robotic Welding & Automation

• Program and optimize industrial robots including FANUC, ABB, KUKA. Preferably KUKA
• Develop robotic welding paths for MIG, MAG, resistance spot welding, projection welding, and laser welding applications.
• Optimize weld schedules, robot motions, weld quality, and consumable utilization.
• Support robotic vision systems, weld inspection, seam tracking, and adaptive welding technologies.
• Troubleshoot robotic equipment, weld defects, and automation issues during launch and production.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop manufacturing process documentation including:
• Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Work Instructions
• Cycle Time Analysis
• Capacity Analysis
• Support APQP and PPAP activities.
• Define critical process parameters and key product characteristics (KPCs).

Product Launch

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities for new vehicle launches from concept through Start of Production (SOP).
• Support prototype builds, pilot production, Run-at-Rate, and production validation.
• Participate in equipment FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) and SAT (Site Acceptance Test).
• Coordinate equipment installation, debugging, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
• Manage launch timing, open issues, and engineering change implementation.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate welding quality concerns using structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone).
• Improve first-pass yield, reduce scrap, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Support dimensional validation, CMM studies, GD&T compliance, MSA, SPC, and capability studies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Controls Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Production, Purchasing, Tooling Suppliers, Integrators, and OEM customers.
• Support supplier technical reviews and equipment buy-offs.
• Participate in customer engineering reviews and launch meetings.
• Mentor junior manufacturing and robotics engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Robotics Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive robotic welding or automated assembly.
• Experience with ladder frame, subframe, BIW, chassis, or structural automotive manufacturing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Rivian, Scout Motors, Tesla, or other automotive OEMs.
• Experience working for a Tier-1 automotive supplier.
• Launch experience supporting greenfield manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with global manufacturing operations.

Technical Skills

Robotics

• FANUC
• ABB

Welding Technologies

• MIG Welding
• MAG Welding
• Resistance Spot Welding
• Projection Welding
• Laser Welding

PLC & Controls

• Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
• Beckoff
• HMI systems
• Safety PLCs
• Servo systems

Manufacturing Engineering

• APQP
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• GD&T
• SPC
• MSA
• Process Flow
• Capacity Planning
• OEE
• MTM

CAD & Simulation

• CATIA
• NX
• SolidWorks
• AutoCAD
• Process Simulate
• DELMIA
• RoboGuide
• ABB RobotStudio

Quality Systems

• IATF 16949
• ISO 9001
• AIAG Core Tools
• Layered Process Audits
• Error Proofing (Poka-Yoke)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Equipment OEE
• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Cycle Time Achievement
• Launch Readiness
• Weld Quality
• Scrap Reduction
• Downtime Reduction
• MTTR (Mean Time to Repair)
• MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
• Customer PPM
• Safety Performance

Desired Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced launch environment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% domestic and international travel for equipment buy-offs, supplier support, launch activities, and customer meetings.