Robotics Automation Engineer

Founded by the Channell family in 1922, Channell is a global designer, manufacturer, and seller of outside plant infrastructure equipment. The markets served by Channell are Telecommunications, Municipalities, Internet Service Providers, Wireless, Water, Power, and CATV, among others.  Major product lines include a complete line of thermoplastic and metal fabricated enclosures, fiber optic cable connection and management systems, and high-performance below-grade vaults.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Robotics Automation Engineer will support and participate in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of manufacturing tools and electromechanical systems that includes automated components such as collaborative robots, conveyors, vision systems, and programmable controller. This position is responsible for the hands-on integration of robotics, end-of-arm tools (EOATs), and existing systems and machines. This role will work with engineering and manufacturing roles to understand requirements and manufacturing processes for which robotics can be developed and deployed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establishes the Controls and Automated Systems standard architecture.
• Leads the design, implementation, and support of site-wide process automation, supervisory control, and data acquisition (SCADA) solutions. This could include but is not limited to programming and implementing new PLC/HMI code, changing existing PLC/HMI code and monitoring backups for data integrity and compliance.
• Approves requirements, specifications, drawings, coding procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintains and archives the automated system software.
• Use Operational Change Management (OCM) and CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) to lead automation changes and logistics.
• Drives on-time completion of Automation quality records.
• Develops the site strategic plan for automation and continues to improve technological advances in the industry to improve the ways of working and fully automate the manufacturing processes.
• Serves as the technical lead on-site capital projects and ensures compliance with site automation standards.
• Leads Automation Improvement projects and delivers projects on time and within budget.
• Review and approve documentation needed for qualification of equipment and processes.
• Write, review, and revise SOPs for maintenance of automation equipment, systems, and/or facilities.
• Interacts with other departments to implement corrective/preventative actions.
• Reads, understands and aligns with cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), including general safety procedures.
• Performs preventative (scheduled) and corrective/emergency (unscheduled) maintenance of equipment, systems, and/or facilities without supervision.
• Troubleshooting existing systems and installation and optimization of new systems and working with our development team. 
• Be part of the corporate process improvement team to conduct various projects across multiple plants through state-of-the-art solutions and technologies to improve productivity.  
• Other routine responsibilities will be capital planning and execution, vendor/integrator engagement, and deployment of automation solutions at multiple sites.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience/combined education
• Minimum 5 years in a Controls & Automation Engineering role.
• Experience leveraging vision systems for robot guidance.
• Ability to develop and communicate larger automation strategies across multiple product lines – excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in the start-up and scale-up of high-volume production, with an emphasis on ergonomic design, yield improvement, labor, and cost reduction.
• Experience with electromechanical systems.
• Experience in automating assembly processes.
• Proficient in PLC programming (Ladder Logic and Structured Text) and HMI development
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software
• Embedded programming experience
• Demonstrates discipline in executing multi-functional projects with competing constraints.
• Approximately 25% travel is required to facilitate multi-site automation projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with SolidWorks software
• Experience with Fanuc 6 Axis Robots
• Experience with collaborative robots such as Universal Robots or equivalent
• Understanding of facilitation needs for robotics.
• Skilled in robotic simulation using tools such as Visual Components, Roboguide, RoboDK, or equivalent.
• Experience integrating EOAT through I/O architecture.
• Expertise in Allen Bradley PLCs, HMI Development (Wonderware experience favored), and Object-Oriented Programming.
• Familiarity with control panel design, MES platforms, .NET, and SQL databases beneficial.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and working conditions requirements indicated below are examples of the orders to carry out the essential job functions.

Physical Demands:  Sitting, standing, and walking (up to continuously); air travel; frequent use of computer and telephone requiring finger, hand, and arm movement; frequently carrying robotic and machine components and other miscellaneous items up to 30 pounds. Continuous use of seeing, hearing, and verbal communication.

Working Conditions:  Working in an office setting indoors; frequent exposure to temperatures commensurate with outdoor seasonal temperatures.