What are the responsibilities and job description for the Robot Specialist (End Plant) position at Envases US Aluminum Division?
Brief Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.
We are searching for a highly skilled Robot Specialist to oversee the programming, maintenance, and optimization of our robotic automation systems. This role focuses on the robotic cells at the end of our Shell and Conversion Presses, including automated palletizers, bagging systems, and high-speed pick-and-place arms. The Robot Specialist ensures these systems operate at peak efficiency, minimizing "micro-stops" and ensuring seamless integration between production machinery and the automated warehouse.
Essential Job Functions
ROBOT PROGRAMMING AND OPTIMIZATION
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Required
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Environmental & Physical Factors
The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job. Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
Hours / Special Conditions
This position is primarily day shift, Monday through Friday. Must be present to fulfill job duties and meet operational demands/support. Schedules may vary depending on plant operational needs; flexibility is required, which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.
We are searching for a highly skilled Robot Specialist to oversee the programming, maintenance, and optimization of our robotic automation systems. This role focuses on the robotic cells at the end of our Shell and Conversion Presses, including automated palletizers, bagging systems, and high-speed pick-and-place arms. The Robot Specialist ensures these systems operate at peak efficiency, minimizing "micro-stops" and ensuring seamless integration between production machinery and the automated warehouse.
Essential Job Functions
ROBOT PROGRAMMING AND OPTIMIZATION
- Develop and refine robot paths and logic (primarily Fanuc or ABB) to optimize cycle times and prevent collisions.
- Calibrate and troubleshoot 2D/3D vision systems integrated with robots for quality inspection and part orientation.
- Design, maintain, and repair vacuum grippers, mechanical clamps, and magnetic tools used for handling aluminum ends and pallets.
- Execute complex preventative maintenance on robotic controllers, mechanical arms, and cabling to prevent unexpected downtime.
- Act as the Tier 3 technical responder for "Robot Fault" events, utilizing teach pendants and laptop diagnostics to resolve servo errors, communication losses, and limit switch issues.
- Manage the replacement of encoders, motors, gearboxes, and "dress packs" (internal cabling).
- Ensure robust communication between Robotic Controllers and Allen-Bradley PLCs via EtherNet/IP or DeviceNet.
- Maintain and audit robotic safety perimeters, including light curtains, area scanners, and "Safety-Rated Soft Axis" limits to ensure a zero-accident environment.
- Utilize “Industry 4.0” (smart digital technology) data collection tools to track robot uptime, cycle counts, and fault trends to drive continuous improvement projects.
- Train production operators and technicians on basic “TP” teach pendant operation, recovery procedures, and safety protocols.
- Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for robotic cell startups, shutdowns, and emergency recovery.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent; Technical degree or journeyman status in a related field (e.g., Industrial Automation, Controls Programming, etc.) is preferred.
- Experience with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and control loop documentation
- Proficiency in Fanuc "TP" programming or equivalent; experience with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 is highly preferred.
- Fanuc iRVision or similar robotic vision certification is a significant plus.
- 3 years of experience working directly with industrial robots in a high-speed automated machinery, preferably in metal forming, packaging, or can manufacturing industry.
- Understanding manufacturing processes.
- Prefer data collection and analysis experience in a high-volume automated manufacturing environment.
- Understanding engineering, scientific and other technical information.
- Experience of New Product Introduction, reworking design changes and upgrades through to production.
- Ability to understand and interpret technical manuals, 2D drawings, P&IDs, fluid and electrical
- Proven understanding of BOMs, manufacturability, process design, process validation, assembly
- Innovative leader with the ability to identify opportunities and influence organizations to gain support and
- Ability to develop manufacturing documentation.
- Capable of identifying critical process parameters and applying statistics to process measurement and
- Development and qualification of tooling/equipment skills.
- Strong organizational skills and proven ability to maintain accurate, detailed records that will be audited
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other
- Ability to work on multiple projects at once with tight deadlines.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Must be able to identify and execute improvement opportunities through both process improvements and
- Ability to take ownership and responsibility with little direction.
- Ability to be pragmatic in decision making; requires high integrity.
- Ability to effectively train people inside and outside their work group.
- Preference will be given to qualified local candidates.
- Intermediate level of knowledge in basic hardware and software using of a variety of different computer
- Workspace, Outlook/Gmail and web-site software required
- Has the ability to learn new software systems and data management systems quickly
- Proficient keyboarding and typing skills
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Environmental & Physical Factors
The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job. Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.
Hours / Special Conditions
This position is primarily day shift, Monday through Friday. Must be present to fulfill job duties and meet operational demands/support. Schedules may vary depending on plant operational needs; flexibility is required, which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.