Sr. Technical Trainer - Robotics & PLC Automation

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Walker, MI is seeking a Senior Technical Trainer – Robotics & PLC Automation to build plant capability across Fanuc, ABB, and Kawasaki systems. You will deliver hands-on training, develop certification-style programs, and align with engineering to reduce downtime while improving safety and reliability.

This role requires 8+ years in manufacturing with automation, plus strong on-floor instruction and the ability to train diverse plant teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, instructional design, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of manufacturing experience with automation and controls.
• 5+ years of hands-on technical training in robotics, PLCs, or industrial automation.
• Proven ability to design and deliver instructor-led, hands-on training.
• Experience with Fanuc/ABB/Kawasaki robotics systems and PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver instructor-led and hands-on training for robotics platforms.
• Develop structured learning pathways and certification programs.
• Train operators, technicians, and engineers on PLCs and control systems.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance to align standards.
• Assess skills with practical evaluations and simulations.
• Maintain training records in the LMS.

Skills

Robotics training

PLC essentials

Industrial automation

On-floor instruction

Certification development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Instructional Design, or related field

Tools

Fanuc robotics

ABB RobotStudio

Kawasaki robotics

Rockwell PLC

LMS documentation

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!Who We Want:The Senior Technical Trainer – Robotics & PLC Automation is responsible for delivering and scaling hands-on technical training programs that build plant capability in:Fanuc, ABB, and Kawasaki robotic systemsPLC programming and industrial controlsAutomated manufacturing equipment troubleshootingElectrical, safety, and robotics cell operationThis role is a key driver of technical workforce development across all plants, ensuring operators, technicians, and maintenance teams have the skills to safely program, support, and improve automated production systems. This position serves as the organization’s lead technical trainer for robotics and controls, building standardized training pathways, supporting new automation launches, and reducing downtime through capability building.What You’ll Do:Deliver instructor-led and hands-on training for industrial robotics platforms for Fanuc, ABB and Kawasaki systemsTeach robot fundamentals such as teach pendant navigation, program creation and editing, tool and frame setup, motion instruction and cycle optimization, cell start-up and recovery proceduresTrain teams in robotic safety standards, interlocks, and safe work practices inside automated cellsDevelop and deliver training in PLC-controlled manufacturing environments, including PLC fundamentals and architecture, ladder logic interpretation, input/output troubleshooting, sensor and actuator diagnostics, and fault recovery and downtime responsePartner with engineering and maintenance to align training with plant controls standardsBuild structured technical learning pathways for maintenance technicians, controls technicians, and manufacturing engineersCreate certification-style training programs that validate hands-on competency, not just completionDevelop practical learning tools such as programming exercises, troubleshooting simulations, equipment start-up checklists, job aids and quick-reference guidesSupport new equipment launches by training teams before production ramp-upUse training outcomes to drive measurable plant impact, including reduced automation downtime, faster troubleshooting response, improved safety in robotic environments, and Increased internal technical capabilityEvaluate skills using practical assessments, demonstrations, and performance-based validationMaintain training documentation and competency records through the LMSPartner with plant leadership to identify automation skill gaps and deploy targeted development plansWhen and Where:This will be a 1st shift, Monday - Friday position located at our facility in Walker, MI.What You Need to Have:Minimum 8 years of manufacturing experience, with significant exposure to automation and controls environmentsMinimum 5 years of hands-on technical training experience in robotics, PLCs, or industrial automationDemonstrated ability to train and support Fanuc robotic programming and operation, ABB robotic systems and automation cells, and Kawasaki robotics programming and troubleshootingExperience with PLC programming and troubleshooting in a production environmentKnowledge of ladder logic fundamentals, control system diagnostics, Industrial electrical systems, and automation fault responseAbility to teach PLC concepts clearly to technicians and plant teamsProven ability to teach complex technical concepts to diverse plant audiencesStrong facilitation, coaching, and instructional delivery skillsComfortable training directly on the floor, in labs, and in classroom environmentsFanuc HandlingTool or iRProgrammer certificationABB RobotStudio training experienceKawasaki Robotics programming credentialsRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLC courseworkOSHA/RIA robotic safety trainingBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Instructional Design, or related field preferredHas high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely.Strong communication skillsStrong time management skillsComfortable presenting in front of audiences and Executive Team