Robotics & PLC Training Lead | ESOP & 1st Shift

Challenge Mfg. Holdings, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA contributions

FSA

Disability & Life insurance

Voluntary life

401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonus

Incentive program

Paid time off

Job summary

Challenge Mfg. Holdings, Inc. in Walker, MI, is seeking a Senior Technical Trainer - Robotics & PLC Automation to scale hands-on training that builds plant capability across Fanuc, ABB and Kawasaki systems.

You will develop standardized training pathways, support new automation launches, and reduce downtime by improving operator, technician, and maintenance skills through practical learning tools. This role emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and collaboration with engineering and

Qualifications

• 8+ years in manufacturing with automation/controls.
• 5+ years hands-on technical training in robotics, PLCs.
• Experience with Fanuc, ABB and Kawasaki robotics.
• PLC programming in production environments.
• Knowledge of ladder logic, diagnostics, and fault response.
• Ability to teach PLC concepts clearly to technicians.
• Strong facilitation and instructional delivery skills.
• Comfortable on the shop floor, labs, and classrooms.
• Fanuc HandlingTool or iRProgrammer cert.
• ABB RobotStudio training.
• Kawasaki robotics programming credentials.
• Rockwell/AB PLC coursework.
• OSHA/RIA robotic safety training.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Instructional Design, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver instructor-led training for Fanuc, ABB, and Kawasaki robotics.
• Teach robot fundamentals: teach pendant navigation, program creation, tool and frame setup, motion and downtime optimization.
• Train teams in robotic safety standards, interlocks, and safe work practices.
• Develop PLC training: ladder logic, architecture, I/O troubleshooting, sensor diagnostics, fault recovery.
• Partner with engineering and maintenance to align training with plant controls standards.
• Build structured learning pathways for maintenance technicians, controls technicians, and engineers.
• Create certification-style training programs with hands-on competency validation.
• Develop practical learning tools: programming exercises, troubleshooting simulations, start-up checklists, job aids.
• Support new equipment launches by training teams before production ramp-up.
• Use outcomes to reduce downtime, speed troubleshooting, and improve safety.
• Maintain training documentation and competency records in the LMS.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify automation skill gaps and deploy development plans.

Skills

Robotics training

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Technical training

Teaching skills

Safety training

On-floor training

Communication skills

Team facilitation

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Instructional Design degree

Tools

Fanuc robotics

ABB robotics

Kawasaki robotics

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

Challenge Mfg. Holdings, Inc. in Walker, MI, is seeking a Senior Technical Trainer - Robotics & PLC Automation to scale hands-on training that builds plant capability across Fanuc, ABB and Kawasaki systems.

You will develop standardized training pathways, support new automation launches, and reduce downtime by improving operator, technician, and maintenance skills through practical learning tools. This role emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and collaboration with engineering and