What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineer position at Pentangle Tech Services | P5 Group?
Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics Programming
Location: Lafayette, Indiana
Experience Required: 5–7 Years
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
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer – Robotics Programming to 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, debug, 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.
- 5–7 years of industrial robotics and manufacturing automation experience.
- 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 onsite in Lafayette, Indiana, on either 1st Shift (6:00 AM–3:00 PM EST) or 3rd Shift (10:00 PM–6:00 AM EST).
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