ROBOTICS AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN

Deco Products was established in 1960 in downtown Decorah. The name Deco comes from the first 4 letters of DECOrah. Deco Products is the largest stand-alone dedicated zinc die caster in North America. Zinc castings are used in many diverse products and our customer base is equally diverse. A few of our primary markets are office furniture, window and door products and components for commercial vehicles and the RV market. A few specific examples are legs for office partitions, office chair brackets, brake valve components for semi-trucks, sash locks for windows and window operators for motorhomes. We also have products that go into the electrical industry, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and an extensive line of broom and mop components. Position Objective The Robot Technician is responsible for the installation, programming, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of robotic and automated systems throughout the manufacturing facility. This role ensures optimal performance, safety, and uptime of robotic work cells and integrated automation systems in support of production goals. Job Duties and Responsibilities A. Robotic Systems Maintenance & Troubleshooting Perform daily inspection, diagnostics, and repair of robotic systems (including arms, sensors, controllers, and end-effectors). Monitor robot performance and respond promptly to equipment malfunctions or alarms. Conduct preventative and predictive maintenance to minimize downtime. Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and technical issues. B. Robotic Cell Implementation & Integration Support the installation, wiring, and calibration of new robotic systems. Assist in the integration of robotics into existing manufacturing Die Cast Machine cells. Configure safety systems such as light curtains, interlocks, and emergency stop circuits. Collaborate with engineering team during robot startup. C. Automation & Controls Support Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems including control panels, sensors, relays, PLCs. Maintain and service mechanical components such as conveyors, pneumatic/hydraulic actuators, and gear-driven assemblies. Perform PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming and modifications to improve control and efficiency. Develop and adjust HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens for user interaction. D. Continuous Improvement & Efficiency Optimization Analyze root causes of recurring faults or process inefficiencies. Optimize robot motion paths and routines for cycle time improvements. Participate in Kaizen and Lean manufacturing initiatives related to automation. Implement process control improvements to minimize variation and defects. Page Break E. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering departments to ensure alignment on project goals and downtime response. Train production operators and maintenance staff on robot operation and basic troubleshooting. Assist with ergonomic and safety reviews of automation systems.

Qualifications:

Associate degree or equivalent technical education in Robotics, Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field preferred. Hands-on experience with PLC programming. Strong mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting experience in a manufacturing setting. Working knowledge of robotics systems.