Robotics Systems Engineer I: Safety, PLC & Startup Lead

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand, is seeking a Senior Robotics Automation Engineer to lead the development and integration of robotic cells in customer projects in Grand Rapids. You will integrate robots with PLC, safety, and vision systems, develop robot programs from templates, and lead startups while coordinating with field service and project teams.

The role requires hands-on startup experience, ability to manage multiple projects, and clear communication with customers and

Responsibilities

• Follow established safety practices, including lockout/tagout and robot safeguarding procedures, during cell work, checkout, and field activities.
• Integrate robots with PLC, safety, and vision systems in compliance with robotic safety standards (ANSI/RIA, ISO 10218), verifying handshaking, fault handling, and safety functions during build and checkout, and support machine risk assessments led by senior engineers.
• Develop complete robot programs for standard machine applications from reference designs and company templates with minimal assistance, meeting project schedule.
• Develop robot cell simulations and offline programs for standard applications, including cell layout validation, reach studies, and cycle time estimates.
• Lead robot startups on standard machines and coordinate installation services, resolving punch-list items by committed dates.
• Support Controls Engineers with PLC and HMI programming during build, startup, and upgrade projects.
• Instruct Field Service Engineers in the operation and startup of robotic systems, and assist in onboarding RE I engineers and answering technical questions from junior team members.
• Communicate effectively with customers, project managers, and team members while managing multiple concurrent projects.

Job description

Burke Porter, an Ascential Technologies Brand, is seeking a Senior Robotics Automation Engineer to lead the development and integration of robotic cells in customer projects in Grand Rapids. You will integrate robots with PLC, safety, and vision systems, develop robot programs from templates, and lead startups while coordinating with field service and project teams.

The role requires hands-on startup experience, ability to manage multiple projects, and clear communication with customers and