Controls/Robotic Engineer

Technique is looking for a Controls/Robotic Engineer to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position plays a key role in designing, programming, and maintaining automated systems and robotic equipment across the production floor. The Controls/Robotic Engineer works closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams to develop and improve automation solutions that drive efficiency, quality, and safety.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience) and brings hands-on expertise in PLC programming, robot programming (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, or similar), and industrial controls design. Experience in a precision manufacturing environment is strongly preferred, along with a working knowledge of electrical schematics, HMI development, and servo/motion control systems.

Responsibilities:

 

• PLC Programming & Controls Design – Design, develop, and maintain PLC-based control systems for new and existing automated equipment using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent.
• Robot Programming & Integration – Program, commission, and troubleshoot industrial robots (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar) for applications including welding, material handling, assembly, and machine tending.
• Automation System Development – Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, including controls architecture, panel design, wiring, and startup.
• HMI Development – Design and develop human-machine interfaces (HMI) for production equipment, ensuring intuitive operator interaction and robust alarm/fault management.
• Electrical Schematic Design – Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD tools.
• Troubleshooting & Support – Diagnose and resolve controls and robotics issues on the production floor with minimal downtime, providing on-call support as needed.
• Continuous Improvement – Identify and implement automation improvements to increase throughput, reduce scrap, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Safety Compliance – Ensure all automated systems comply with applicable safety standards including OSHA, NFPA 70E, ISO 10218, and RIA R15.06.
• Vendor & Supplier Coordination – Work with equipment vendors, integrators, and suppliers to specify, procure, and commission automation equipment.
• Documentation – Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation including programs, schematics, machine manuals, and engineering change records.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and tooling teams to support production goals and new product launches.
• Training – Provide technical training to maintenance and operations personnel on automated systems and robotic equipment.

Requirements:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience in industrial controls engineering and/or robotics in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell preferred; Siemens or other platforms a plus)
• Hands-on robot programming experience with at least one major platform (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, or equivalent)
• Experience with HMI development (FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware, or similar)
• Knowledge of electrical panel design, NEC/NFPA 79, and low-voltage wiring practices
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent electrical CAD software
• Familiarity with servo and motion control systems
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with the ability to diagnose complex controls and mechanical issues
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and pneumatic/hydraulic diagrams
• Experience with machine safety standards (ISO 13849, NFPA 70E, RIA R15.06) preferred
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production facility for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, metal dust, lubricants, and coolants
• Authorized to work in the United States; Technique participates in E-Verify; H1B sponsorship is not available for this position

Position Type and Expected Hours:

This is a full-time, salaried-exempt position. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8.0 hours per day.

About Technique:

Technique is a Michigan-based precision sheet metal and welded assemblies manufacturer serving aerospace, defense, automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries. We specialize in high-speed prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based manufacturing.
 
Our employees enjoy a work culture that values safety, integrity, teamwork, learning opportunities, and results.
 
Technique benefits include paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), 401(k), 401(k) matching, professional development, referral program, paid training, on-the-job training, employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Professional Development
• Referral Program
• Paid Training
• On The Job Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Technique is an equal employment opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.