Manufacturing Engineer – ABB Robotics Programming

ARi, headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA, is a rapidly expanding global engineering enterprise. The essence of our “i” symbolizes our distinctiveness from competitors – an embodiment of innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight. Boasting a diverse team of over 1,500 engineering experts hailing from various nations and cultures across the globe, we are excellently poised to provide intricate and personalized resolutions to our esteemed clients.

Shift: 1st Shift or 3rd Shift

• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
• 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM EST
  
  

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics Programming will provide hands-on technical support and leadership for robotic automation systems within a manufacturing environment. This position will focus heavily on ABB robot programming, troubleshooting, system integration, program optimization, commissioning, and continuous improvement.

The engineer will support production-critical robotic applications across engine assembly, testing, and paint operations and work closely with Controls/PLC, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to improve equipment reliability, safety, quality, and throughput.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and commission ABB industrial robots and robotic work cells.
• Provide hands-on, shop-floor troubleshooting and issue resolution for ABB robotic applications supporting engine assembly, test, and paint operations.
• Diagnose and resolve production downtime related to robots, controls, tooling, sensors, cabling, and other automation equipment.
• Develop, modify, and optimize ABB robot programs for new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Analyze previous incidents and production observations to identify opportunities for robotic program optimization and permanent corrective actions.
• Optimize existing robot configurations, including harnesses, cabling, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), and associated equipment.
• Integrate robotic systems with PLCs, vision systems, sensors, conveyors, tooling, and other peripheral equipment.
• Partner closely with PLC/Controls Engineers to troubleshoot automation issues, determine root causes, and implement permanent resolutions.
• Lead and support robotic system validation, testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring robotic and manufacturing issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time, OEE, equipment reliability, safety, and product quality.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions, troubleshooting documentation, training materials, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Controls, Quality, Maintenance, Product Engineering, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Provide independent technical support for production-critical robotic systems with a strong focus on minimizing downtime.
  
  

Required Skills

• Extensive hands-on experience with ABB industrial robot programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong working knowledge of ABB RobotStudio and ABB robot controller platforms.
• Strong robotic troubleshooting and manufacturing automation experience.
• Ability to diagnose robot faults and resolve production-critical automation issues directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Experience developing, modifying, debugging, and optimizing robotic programs.
• Experience with robotic applications such as arc welding, material handling, assembly, machine tending, paint operations, or other automated manufacturing processes.
• Experience integrating robotic systems with PLCs, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Understanding of robot interfaces with sensors, tooling, conveyors, safety systems, and peripheral equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing robot hardware configurations, including harnesses, cabling, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, Lean principles, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and support critical production issues.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience with vision-guided robotics and automated inspection systems.
• Experience commissioning new robotic automation equipment and production lines.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or similar continuous improvement experience.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting robotic applications within engine, automotive, heavy-equipment, or similar manufacturing environments.
  
  

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial robotics and manufacturing automation experience required.
• Candidates with approximately 5–10 years of relevant experience are preferred.
• Significant hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting ABB industrial robots is required.
• Must be comfortable maintaining a strong shop-floor presence and independently supporting production-critical robotic systems.
• Must be available to work either 1st shift (6:00 AM–3:00 PM EST) or 3rd shift (10:00 PM–6:00 AM EST) onsite in Lafayette, Indiana.
  
  

Top Skills

• ABB Robot Programming & ABB RobotStudio
• Robotics Troubleshooting & Manufacturing Automation
• Hands-on Shop-Floor Manufacturing Engineering
• Robotic Program Optimization & Root Cause Analysis
• PLC/Controls Integration & Cross-Functional Troubleshooting
• Robot Configuration, Harness/Cabling & End-of-Arm Tooling Optimization