Industrial Automation Specialist

Industrial Automation Specialist

Location: Wixom, MI

Job Type: Full-Time

Travel: Approximately 45% Domestic & International

About the Opportunity

An innovative global automation manufacturer is seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Specialist to join its Engineering team. This is a highly visible, customer-facing role supporting robotic automation systems across a variety of manufacturing environments.

If you enjoy solving complex automation challenges, working directly with customers, and traveling to support cutting-edge robotic applications, this is an outstanding opportunity to expand your technical expertise while working with advanced automation technologies.

This role combines robotics, PLC troubleshooting, field commissioning, customer support, and system integration. You'll work closely with engineering and sales teams while serving as the technical expert at customer facilities throughout North America and internationally.

What You'll Do

Robotics & Automation

• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robots including FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots, or similar platforms

• Build, debug, and optimize robot motion routines and application logic

• Integrate robots with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, vision systems, and peripheral equipment

• Provide technical guidance during system design, installation, startup, commissioning, and optimization

• Troubleshoot robotics and automation issues in live production environments

Customer Support & Field Service

• Travel to customer sites for installation, startup, commissioning, and technical support

• Serve as the primary technical representative during customer engagements

• Diagnose and resolve robotics, controls, mechanical, and electrical issues both remotely and onsite

• Train customer personnel on system operation and best practices

• Document troubleshooting activities, solutions, and recommendations

Controls & Systems Integration

• Modify and troubleshoot PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus

• Support HMI setup, diagnostics, and system integration

• Collaborate with engineering teams on complete automation solutions

Testing & Continuous Improvement

• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)

• Support product validation and application testing

• Document system performance and field findings

• Recommend product and process improvements based on customer feedback and field experience

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of industrial automation, robotics, or mechatronics experience

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on industrial robotics programming experience

• Experience with industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots, or similar

• Experience troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs

• Strong electro-mechanical troubleshooting skills

• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings

• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Willingness to travel approximately 45%, including domestic and occasional international travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent hands-on automation experience

• FANUC Robot Certification

• Experience with robotic vision systems

• Experience commissioning industrial automation systems

• Knowledge of safety systems, Lockout/Tagout procedures, and machine safety standards

• Experience with servo motion systems

• Experience using CODESYS

• Familiarity with Structured Text programming

• Basic CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar)

• Experience with AI tools in engineering or technical workflows is a plus

What Makes Someone Successful

The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with customers and thrives in a hands-on technical environment.

Successful candidates are:

• Confident troubleshooting complex automation systems onsite

• Comfortable representing their company professionally with customers

• Strong communicators who can explain technical concepts clearly

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently

• Excited by travel and exposure to a wide variety of automation applications

Travel

Approximately 45% travel is required.

Travel includes customer sites throughout North America with occasional international travel. When not traveling, you'll work from the Wixom office supporting engineering, application testing, and customer projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $120,000 -$125,000.00

• Monthly car allowance

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid Time Off

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life and disability insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employee referral program

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a growing global automation organization recognized for innovation and technical excellence. You'll work with advanced robotics, collaborate with customers across multiple industries, travel internationally, and gain exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies while building a long-term technical career.