Automation Robotics Engineer

Job Title:

Automation Robotics Engineer Job Description The Automation Robotics Engineer will join a high-impact automation and advanced manufacturing systems team responsible for leading, supporting, implementing, and managing complex automation initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites in North America. This role drives innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement in advanced manufacturing operations by delivering cutting-edge automation and robotics solutions that enhance productivity, safety, quality, and system reliability. The engineer will own automation projects from concept through deployment and provide ongoing technical leadership and support to internal teams and external partners. Responsibilities Lead, support, implement, and manage complex automation and robotics initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites in North America. Design and implement automation cells, ensuring they align with established automation standards and best practices. Own automation projects from concept through deployment, including requirements definition, system design support, installation, commissioning, and handover to operations. Provide system design support for both mechanical and electrical aspects of automation and robotics systems. Serve as a technical subject matter expert for automation and robotics, offering project leadership and guidance to internal engineering teams and external system integrators. Support plant startups by commissioning new automation systems and ensuring they meet performance, safety, and quality expectations. Train operational and plant-level teams on newly deployed automation systems, including operation, troubleshooting, and basic maintenance. Deliver automation solutions that improve productivity, safety, quality, uptime, and overall system reliability. Integrate, program, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair FANUC and Universal Robots (UR) systems in production environments. Develop and modify HMI applications to support operator interaction, monitoring, and control of automation systems. Read and interpret electrical schematics to diagnose and resolve equipment and system issues efficiently. Apply strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions. Establish and track performance metrics to improve equipment uptime, reliability, and overall system performance. Contribute to contingency planning and disaster recovery strategies for critical automation and control systems. Complete automation risk assessments to ensure compliance with safety standards and to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Mentor and train controls and automation engineers at the plant level to build local technical capability. Support production operations as needed by addressing automation-related issues and optimizing system performance. Collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, and support teams to deliver integrated solutions and drive continuous improvement. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including improvement events, improvement walks, and error-proofing projects. Work closely with multiple manufacturing environments and system integrators across North America, providing technical input and oversight. Travel up to 50% within North America to support project implementation, plant startups, training, and ongoing system optimization. Essential Skills Hands-on experience with FANUC and Universal Robots (UR), including integration, programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. Proven ability to manage small to medium automation projects, including retrofits and safety upgrades, from concept through deployment. Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting capabilities in an automation or manufacturing environment. Proficiency with FANUC robotic systems, including configuration, programming, and optimization. Strong knowledge of Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms such as MicroLogix and CompactLogix, using RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, and Studio 5000. Experience developing and modifying HMI applications to support automated equipment operation and monitoring. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics to diagnose and resolve equipment and control system issues. Analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate data and determine optimal technical solutions. Experience establishing performance metrics to improve equipment uptime and reliability. Knowledge of contingency planning and disaster recovery strategies for automation and control systems. Experience completing automation risk assessments to identify hazards and implement appropriate safeguards. Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% within North America. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field. 3-5 years of experience in an automation, robotics, or controls engineering role. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems or Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) systems. Experience with vision systems used for robotic guidance and positional offsets. Experience working with additional robot platforms beyond FANUC is a plus. Background in continuous improvement activities such as improvement events, improvement walks, and error-proofing projects. Demonstrated ability to mentor and train other engineers and technical staff. Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, and support teams. Prior experience in advanced manufacturing environments with a focus on innovation and operational excellence. Interest in ongoing technical and leadership development within automation and robotics. Work Environment The Automation Robotics Engineer will work within advanced manufacturing environments that utilize cutting-edge automation, robotics, and control systems. The role involves frequent collaboration with a highly skilled team focused on innovation, standardization, and operational excellence. The engineer will interact regularly with FANUC robots, Universal Robots (UR), Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms (including MicroLogix and CompactLogix), RSLogix 500/5000, Studio 5000, and HMI applications, as well as potentially AGV/AMR and vision systems. The position requires 30-50% travel to manufacturing sites across North America to support project implementation, plant startups, training, and ongoing system optimization. The work environment combines office-based engineering tasks, such as design and programming, with time on the production floor for commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities. The organization offers strong company benefits and supports continued technical and leadership development in a culture that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Grand Rapids, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $150000.00/yr. Lear Corporation - Employee Benefits Overview Health & Insurance Benefits Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) [payscale.com], [jobzmall.com] Retirement & Financial Benefits 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions Profit sharing Defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans (role/location dependent) [payscale.com], [jobzmall.com] Paid Time Off & Leave Paid holidays Paid vacation time Paid sick leave Paid maternity leave (availability varies by region) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.