Robotics System Reliability Specialist

Sonwil Distribution Center, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

FourSquare Solutions in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Robotics System Reliability Specialist to support the development team by improving the reliability and performance of robotic pallet-handling systems.

The role is hands-on and field-based, requiring working with live robotic equipment at heights to investigate failures and implement improvements across controls, electrical, mechanical, and operational areas.

Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, post-secondary training, or equivalent experience in related fields preferred.
• Foundational understanding of PLC-controlled machines, state-based logic, sensors and devices.
• Willingness to work with live robotic equipment to investigate problems and validate solutions.

Responsibilities

• Observe live robotic systems, including at significant heights, under actual operating conditions.
• Investigate, reproduce, and troubleshoot robotic system failures across controls, electrical, mechanical, and operational components.
• Collect, document, and analyze failure data, operating conditions, fault information, and key observations for root cause analysis.
• Identify recurring failure modes and reliability improvement opportunities.
• Review reliability and failure KPI data to assess trends and priorities.
• Communicate root causes, failure trends, and recommended actions to the development team.
• Support the CICO process by providing live-system feedback and assisting with corrective actions.
• Assist with system improvements, including PLC controls and configuration changes.
• Test, validate, and monitor corrective actions on live equipment to confirm impact.
• Develop understanding of interaction between robotic devices, PLC controls, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Support ongoing reliability improvements that reduce failures and advance autonomous operation.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Observing equipment

Strong communication

Safety procedures

Reading schematics

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Height safety awareness

Education

Associate degree in Mechatronics/Automation/Robotics

Tools

PLC programming

CODESYS

Turck PLC

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Ladder logic

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Robotics System Reliability Specialist

Regular Full Time Technical Buffalo, NY, US 1 Attachments

Salary Range: $26.54 To $33.65 Hourly

*** This position REQUIRES work at heights of up to 60+ feet, please read the full job description before applying***

Job purpose

The Robotic System Reliability Specialist supports the FourSquare Solutions development team by improving the reliability and performance of robotic pallet-handling systems. This hands‑on, field-based role works with live robotic equipment, including at significant heights, to investigate failures, perform root cause analysis, and help implement improvements across controls, electrical, mechanical, and operational areas. The role helps reduce failures, minimize operational intervention, and support highly autonomous operation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Observe live robotic systems, including equipment at significant heights, under actual operating conditions.
• Investigate, reproduce, and troubleshoot robotic system failures across controls, electrical, mechanical, and operational components.
• Collect, document, and analyze failure data, operating conditions, fault information, and key observations for root cause analysis.
• Identify recurring failure modes, systemic issues, common characteristics, emerging trends, and reliability improvement opportunities.
• Review reliability and failure KPI data to assess trends, operational impact, and improvement priorities.
• Communicate root causes, failure trends, technical observations, and recommended actions to the development team.
• Support the CICO process by providing live-system feedback, collaborating on corrective actions, and helping move changes through implementation and validation.
• Assist with system improvements, including PLC controls and configuration changes, as training and access permit.
• Test, validate, and monitor corrective actions on live equipment to confirm intended behavior, identify unintended effects, and measure impact on failure recurrence, reliability, and stability.
• Develop a strong understanding of how robotic devices, PLC controls, electrical systems, mechanical components, and the FourSquare solution interact.
• Support ongoing reliability improvements that reduce failures, minimize intervention, and advance autonomous operation.

Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, post-secondary training, or equivalent experience in Mechatronics, Automation, Robotics, Electrical Technology, Electromechanical Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Technical aptitude with mechanical, electrical, controls, and complex automated equipment.
• Foundational understanding of PLC-controlled, state-based machines, including states, logic, inputs, sensors, outputs, conditions, and device behavior.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, including observing equipment, gathering information, isolating causes, and developing root cause conclusions.
• Ability to recognize behavior and data patterns that indicate reliability improvement opportunities.
• Hands‑on aptitude and willingness to work directly with live equipment to investigate problems and validate solutions.
• Commitment to working safely around automated equipment, following procedures, and recognizing unsafe conditions.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and basic PLC wiring; hands‑on experience with PLC wiring, sensors, controls, or industrial electrical systems strongly preferred.
• Experience with PLC programming and logic; CODESYS and Turck PLC familiarity strongly preferred; Allen‑Bradley PLCs and ladder logic helpful.
• Desire to build proficiency in PLC programming, controls, electrical systems, and FourSquare technologies.
• Familiarity with warehousing, distribution, logistics, material handling, or automated product movement helpful.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including documenting findings and explaining system behavior, root causes, and recommendations.
• Curiosity, initiative, and problem‑solving mindset to learn systems, investigate unfamiliar issues, and follow problems through resolution.
• Ability to work collaboratively while independently advancing assigned reliability issues.

Physical requirements

• Ability and willingness to work safely at heights up to approximately 60 feet while accessing, observing, troubleshooting, and interacting with robotic equipment.
• Ability and willingness to complete and maintain required height, fall protection, and safety training/certifications.
• Ability to access robotic system equipment safely, including climbing, bending, reaching, and working in positions needed to inspect, troubleshoot, and service components.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, position, and maneuver equipment, components, tools, and products up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in an active automated material‑handling environment around moving equipment and follow established safety procedures.

Direct reports

No direct reports are expected.

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Attachments (1)

Robotics System Reliability Specialist.doc