Kawasaki Robot Programmer

Field Service Maintenance & Automation Technician (Kawasaki Robotics) Spartanburg, SC

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina Travel Out of: Michigan (Field Service Assignment) Shifts Available: Day or Nights Schedule: Monday to Saturday, 10-12 hour days

Position Overview

We're looking for a highly skilled Maintenance & Automation Technician with strong experience in Kawasaki robotics to support a field service assignment in Spartanburg, SC. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical and electrical background with the ability to troubleshoot and program robotic systems, including robotic welding cells. This role involves hands-on maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of automated equipment to ensure optimal production performance.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Repair

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and robotic systems.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to safety standards.
• Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and ensure quick turnaround on downtime situations.

Automation & Robotics

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic systems (Kawasaki required; ABB and Fanuc a plus).
• Modify robot paths, teach points, and validate tool center points (TCP).
• Adjust welding parameters and troubleshoot MIG, projection, and resistance welding operations.

Technical Expertise

• Read and interpret schematics to diagnose issues with motors, drives, PLCs, I/O blocks, sensors, and HMIs.
• Perform minor programming and logic changes in PLCs and HMI systems.
• Execute robot simulation or offline programming using tools such as RoboCAD or RobotStudio.
• Handle wiring tasks, breaker panel work, and component installations.

Leadership & Team Collaboration

• Mentor and support junior technicians and apprentices.
• Lead or participate in toolbox talks and cross-functional meetings.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and leadership teams on system improvements and upgrades.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or certifications preferred (e.g., mechatronics, industrial automation).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance, robotics, automation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience with Kawasaki robot systems is required.
• Solid understanding of industrial electrical systems, PLCs, welding processes, and robotic programming.
• Ability to read blueprints and electrical/mechanical schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and hands-on mechanical aptitude.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to obtain and maintain forklift and aerial lift certifications.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE (steel-toe boots, hard hat, etc.).

Preferred Experience

• ABB, Fanuc, or other robot programming experience.
• Welding process troubleshooting (GMAW, resistance, DA).
• Familiarity with poke-yoke systems and automated quality verification.
• Ability to perform weld validations and electrode tip studies.