Robotics & Machine Vision Controls Engineer

Staffing Inc; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Staffing Inc. in Grand Rapids seeks a Robotics & Machine Vision Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of automation systems on the production floor.

You will advance vision-guided robotic pick-and-place, implement PLC/HMI logic, and validate changes with QA and maintenance teams. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial robotics and machine vision, with CAD experience and a track record in Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree is required or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control architectures for automated equipment and industrial processes
• Integrate and optimize vision-guided robotic pick-and-place systems, including SCARA platforms
• Program and configure machine vision for detection, alignment, and error-proofing
• Troubleshoot robotic, vision, and control systems to ensure reliability and overall performance
• Create and refine PLC, HMI, VFD, and motion control logic
• Diagnose issues across PLC, PC, NC, and CNC systems
• Partner with engineering peers to complete system validation and hit project deadlines
• Provide technical support for production, maintenance, and cross-functional teams
• Drive process improvements, product lifecycle activities, and quality initiatives in manufacturing
• Resolve equipment and process issues across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic domains
• Assist with new product launches from quote through production ramp
• Participate in Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement projects
• Work with QA on root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Lead or support CapEx and automation projects, meeting timelines and budgets

Skills

Industrial robotics

Machine vision

PLC programming

Project management

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field

Tools

2D CAD

3D CAD

Job description

Robotics & Machine Vision Controls Engineer

Schedule: Full-time | 8am-5pm

Location: Grand Rapids

A day in the life

It's 8:00 a.m. on the production floor in Grand Rapids. You open with a review of last night's line data, pinpointing a vision-guided SCARA pick-and-place that needs a small tweak to improve alignment accuracy. By mid-morning, you're deploying updated PLC and HMI logic, validating it with maintenance and QA, and documenting the change for project tracking. After lunch, you're hands-on with a new automation cell-commissioning motion profiles, integrating a machine vision system for error-proofing, and collaborating with fellow engineers to complete system validation. You close the day by supporting a Kaizen event, identifying a process improvement that reduces downtime and preparing tasks for tomorrow's CapEx milestone.

What you'll own

• Design, develop, and implement control architectures for automated equipment and industrial processes
• Integrate and optimize vision-guided robotic pick-and-place systems, including SCARA platforms
• Program and configure machine vision for detection, alignment, and error-proofing
• Troubleshoot robotic, vision, and control systems to ensure reliability and overall performance
• Create and refine PLC, HMI, VFD, and motion control logic
• Diagnose issues across PLC, PC, NC, and CNC systems
• Partner with engineering peers to complete system validation and hit project deadlines
• Provide technical support for production, maintenance, and cross-functional teams
• Drive process improvements, product lifecycle activities, and quality initiatives in manufacturing
• Resolve equipment and process issues across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic domains
• Assist with new product launches from quote through production ramp
• Participate in Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement projects
• Work with QA on root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Lead or support CapEx and automation projects, meeting timelines and budgets

What you bring

• 5 years in industrial robotics or automation
• Deep experience with machine vision systems
• Proficiency in PLC programming and automation controls
• Proven project management experience
• Background in industrial or automotive manufacturing preferred
• 2D CAD required; 3D CAD preferred
• Lean Manufacturing exposure is a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field

Core competencies

• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Leadership mindset with strong attention to detail
• Critical thinking and time management
• Willingness to work overtime as needed

Physical requirements

• Comfort working on the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

About Staffing Inc

Staffing Inc. - an entirely employee-owned company - is the largest independent employer in West Michigan. Our mission is to match people with meaningful, long-lasting, and enjoyable careers, not just a job. Since 1988, we've helped match over 300,000 people just like you with top employers across West Michigan.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off