Robotics & PLC Training Lead — Hands-On

Challenge Mfg. Company LLC; Walker, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-Term Disability

Basic Life Insurance

Voluntary Life

Long-Term Disability

Employer 401k Match

Tuition reimbursement

Referral Bonus Program

Challenge Incentive Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing, a leading Tier-1 auto supplier, is hiring a Senior Technical Trainer - Robotics & PLC Automation in Walker, MI. You will deliver hands-on training for Fanuc, ABB, and Kawasaki robotics, PLCs, and automated equipment, building plant capability and safety across shifts.

You will develop standardized pathways, support new automation launches, and measure impact on downtime, safety, and capability while collaborating with engineering and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of manufacturing experience with automation and controls.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on technical training in robotics/PLC automation.
• Experience with Fanuc, ABB, and Kawasaki robotics systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Instructional Design, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver instructor-led and hands-on robotics and PLC training across teams.
• Develop structured technical learning paths for maintenance and engineering staff.
• Create certification-style programs validating hands-on competency.
• Support new automation launches and reduce downtime through training.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance to align standards.
• Maintain training records in the LMS and evaluate skills with assessments.
• Present training results to plant leadership and executives.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Excellent time management

Facilitation and coaching

On-floor training delivery

Team collaboration

Adaptability to changing priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Instructional Design

Tools

Fanuc robotics

ABB robotics

Kawasaki robotics

PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley)

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing, a leading Tier-1 auto supplier, is hiring a Senior Technical Trainer - Robotics & PLC Automation in Walker, MI. You will deliver hands-on training for Fanuc, ABB, and Kawasaki robotics, PLCs, and automated equipment, building plant capability and safety across shifts.

You will develop standardized pathways, support new automation launches, and measure impact on downtime, safety, and capability while collaborating with engineering and maintenance teams.