What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Kuka Service Technician position at Gibraltar Fabrication?
The Senior KUKA Service Technician is responsible for diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining KUKA Panel Cell machines and other automated manufacturing equipment throughout the facility. This role serves as a technical leader within the maintenance department and plays a critical role in minimizing downtime, improving machine reliability, and supporting production operations.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with KUKA robotic systems, electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, PLC diagnostics, and preventative maintenance practices within a manufacturing or fabrication environment. This individual must be comfortable responding to equipment breakdowns, performing root cause analysis, and assisting with facility-wide maintenance initiatives as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
KUKA Equipment Troubleshooting & Repair
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair KUKA Panel Cell machines and robotic systems.
- Identify electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software-related issues affecting machine performance.
- Perform advanced troubleshooting on servo motors, drives, sensors, HMIs, PLCs, robotic arms, and automation systems.
- Respond quickly to machine breakdowns to minimize production downtime.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring failures.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, repairs, and service logs.
Preventative & Predictive Maintenance
- Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on KUKA Panel Cells and other facility equipment.
- Inspect machinery for wear, damage, or performance concerns and proactively address issues before failure occurs.
- Assist in developing and improving preventative maintenance schedules and procedures.
- Support continuous improvement efforts focused on equipment reliability and uptime.
Facility Maintenance Support
- Assist with troubleshooting and repairs on additional production equipment throughout the facility during downtime.
- Support maintenance projects, equipment installations, and machine upgrades.
- Work closely with production, engineering, and operations teams to improve equipment functionality and efficiency.
- Maintain compliance with all safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and company maintenance protocols.
Technical Leadership
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior maintenance technicians.
- Assist in training team members on robotic systems, troubleshooting techniques, and preventative maintenance procedures.
- Recommend spare parts inventory needs and assist with equipment documentation updates.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 5 years of experience troubleshooting and repairing KUKA robotic systems or KUKA Panel Cell machines in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, robotics, and manufacturing equipment.
- Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
- Knowledge of PLC troubleshooting and industrial controls preferred.
- Experience with preventative maintenance programs and predictive maintenance practices.
- Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
- Forklift and/or scissor lift experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to work flexible hours or overtime as needed to support production operations.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- KUKA robot programming or teach pendant experience.
- Experience with Fanuc, ABB, or other robotic systems is a plus.
- Welding or fabrication equipment maintenance experience preferred.
- Experience within steel fabrication, manufacturing, or automated production environments strongly preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment exposed to heat, noise, dust, and moving equipment.
- Comfortable working around industrial machinery and automation systems.