Robotics & Automation Engineer

Job Description

Robotics & Automation Engineer
Position Summary

The Robotics & Automation Engineer supports all automated and semiautomated systems within the Helix Plant, a highly automated chemical manufacturing environment. This role provides advanced technical support across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Maintenance-leading debugging, optimization, equipment commissioning, training, SOP development, hazard reviews, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
The engineer ensures plant safety, reliability, and uptime by developing, troubleshooting, and improving robotic, PLC, and materialhandling systems while maintaining compliance with OSHA, machineguarding, and chemicalprocess safety standards (including PSM elements such as MOC, PSSR, and mechanical integrity).

Education & Experience

Preferred:
Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or related field with 8+ years experience in robotics and automation
OR
bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline with 5+ years' experience in robotics, controls, and automated systems

Required / Strongly Preferred:
5+ years' experience in a manufacturing environment; chemical, explosive, or hazardousmaterials manufacturing strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience with:
Robotics programming and maintenance (Fanuc, ABB, or equivalent)
PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell/AllenBradley preferred)
Conveyors, packaging systems, and automated materialhandling equipment
Handson experience developing, writing, and validating SOPs
Experience conducting RCA and supporting hazard reviews (HAZOP/LOPA/JSA)
Prior maintenance support including PM scheduling, work requests, and spareparts documentation
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Mechanical background in assembly/disassembly using OEM spares and vendor specifications

Core Responsibilities

Support Engineering, Manufacturing, and Maintenance teams in testing, debugging, and optimizing automated systems to improve cycle time, availability, uptime, and yield
Architect new automation solutions or optimize existing systems; write, modify, and debug PLC logic following structured, welldocumented, maintainable coding practices
Monitor automated cell performance using SCADA/HMI systems, historian trends, and data dashboards to drive databased decisions
Troubleshoot and repair:
Robots and robotic endeffectors
Servo systems and motion controls
Conveyors and automated transfer systems
Safety systems including light curtains, estops, safety relays/PLCs
Read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, mechanical diagrams, blueprints, and P&IDs
Lead robotic repairs, calibration, EOAT changes, wiringharness replacement, gearbox repair, and PMs
Oversee installation and commissioning of motors, sensors, junction boxes, stack lights, machinevision components, and networkconnected devices
Identify and execute improvements to control systems, safety circuits, robotic reliability, and process stability
Conduct and document RCA, support hazard analyses, and help close corrective actions
Write OSHAcompliant SOPs, LOTO procedures, verification/validation plans, and participate in PSM processes including MOC and PSSR
Collaborate on projects with engineering teams, providing controls/automation guidance on design changes, upgrades, and scaleups
Maintain accurate documentation of PLC backups, robot programs, network topologies, and electrical systems
Provide offshift support as needed, including occasional nights, weekends, or holidays during critical events or startups

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude; able to troubleshoot across multiple disciplines
Ability to communicate clearly with operators, peers, leadership, and vendors
Skilled in problemsolving, data interpretation, and systemlevel analysis
Proficiency in automated assembly, material handling, pneumatics, fabrication, and basic machining/welding
Intermediate mathematical and reasoning skills, including ability to interpret trends and performance data
Strong organizational skills with ability to maintain accurate documentation, follow procedures, and perform correct time entry
Ability to enforce SOPs, safety systems, PPE compliance, and chemicalprocess safety requirements
Ability to work flexible schedules and provide remote/onsite technical support as needed
Teamoriented mindset supporting engineering projects, continuous improvement, and crossfunctional initiatives

Work Environment

Based at the Helix Plant with responsibility across all shifts in a chemical manufacturing environment
May require offsite or remote support depending on operational needs

Equal Opportunity Statement

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon jobrelated reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder participates in EVerify.