Robotics Launch Manager — Automation for Logistics Ops

Universal Logistics Holdings Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Logistics Holdings Inc. is seeking a Robotics Launch Engineer to develop, industrialize, and launch robotic automation across operations and customer facilities. You will lead robot cells, tooling, machine vision, and controls from concept to production ramp-up, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering in manufacturing and logistics, with responsibilities for safety, quality, throughput, and process capability during launches.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in manufacturing engineering, automation, robotics integration, or equipment launch in manufacturing, warehousing or logistics.
• Experience with industrial or collaborative robots, end-of-arm tooling, PLCs/ HMIs, machine vision, sensors, safety systems.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, layouts and specs; perform cycle-time analysis and root-cause analysis.
• Experience coordinating suppliers, schedules, and launch issues; willingness to travel and support non-standard hours during launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop robotic automation concepts for applications such as pick-and-place, kitting and sequencing, palletizing, depalletizing, machine tending, packaging, and material handling; perform feasibility, cycle-time, capacity, layout, and process studies.
• Define technical requirements and statements of work for robotic cells, including robot selection, end-of-arm tooling, fixtures, machine vision, guarding, safety devices, controls, conveyance, and equipment interfaces.
• Manage system integrators and equipment suppliers from RFQ and design through build, FAT, installation, SAT, commissioning, and production ramp-up; track project timing, cost, deliverables, risks, and open issues.
• Lead design reviews, process reviews, risk assessments, FMEA activities, and site-readiness planning while coordinating Operations, Engineering, Controls, IT, Safety, Quality, Maintenance, Facilities, and customer teams.
• Support robot/cobot programming and integration of PLC/HMI controls, machine vision, and end-of-arm tooling; debug issues during commissioning and validate safety, quality, cycle time, throughput, uptime, and process capability.
• Develop acceptance criteria, operating standards, training, spare-parts and preventive-maintenance requirements, and lessons learned; complete formal handoff to site operations.

Skills

Robotics integration

PLC/controls

Machine vision

End-of-arm tooling

Schematic reading

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial/Mechatronics/Robotics Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Robot simulation

Lean/Six Sigma

Job description

Universal Logistics Holdings Inc. is seeking a Robotics Launch Engineer to develop, industrialize, and launch robotic automation across operations and customer facilities. You will lead robot cells, tooling, machine vision, and controls from concept to production ramp-up, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering in manufacturing and logistics, with responsibilities for safety, quality, throughput, and process capability during launches.