Robotics Engineer I: Automation & Startup Lead

E & C Mid-Atlantic Ventures, LLC; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke Porter, An Ascential Technologies Company, is seeking an experienced robotics engineer to join our Grand Rapids team. You will integrate robots with PLCs, safety, and vision systems, and develop complete robot programs from reference designs.

You will lead robot startups, coordinate installations, and support controls engineers with PLC/HMI programming during build, startup, and upgrade projects. Strong communication with customers and project managers is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing robot systems in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to perform safety reviews and assist in risk assessments.
• Ability to train Field Service Engineers and onboard junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety practices including lockout/tagout during cell work and field activities.
• Integrate robots with PLC, safety, and vision systems and verify handshakes and fault handling.
• Develop complete robot programs from reference designs with minimal supervision.
• Create robot cell simulations and offline programs for layout validation and cycle-time estimates.
• Lead robot startups on standard machines and coordinate installation services.
• Support Controls Engineers with PLC and HMI programming during build, startup, and upgrade projects.
• Instruct Field Service Engineers and assist in onboarding junior team members.
• Communicate effectively with customers, project managers, and team members while managing multiple concurrent projects.

Skills

Robot integration

Robot programming

Safety standards

PLC & HMI programming

Startup leadership

Project coordination

Effective communication

Tools

PLC

HMI

Robot simulation software

Offline programming tools

Job description

Burke Porter, An Ascential Technologies Company, is seeking an experienced robotics engineer to join our Grand Rapids team. You will integrate robots with PLCs, safety, and vision systems, and develop complete robot programs from reference designs.

You will lead robot startups, coordinate installations, and support controls engineers with PLC/HMI programming during build, startup, and upgrade projects. Strong communication with customers and project managers is essential.