Robotics & Automation Engineer

Company Description
The ARM Institute leverages a robust consortium of 500+ consortium members and partners across industry, academia, and government to strengthen and grow US manufacturing. The ARM Institute does this by catalyzing solutions that drive the adoption of robotics and physical AI. With a forward-looking focus on innovative, yet practical, technology and workforce development solutions and leveraging the nation’s largest consortium of automation experts, the ARM Institute asserts the United States as leading nation in manufacturing output through the adoption of robotics and AI. As a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) and part of the Manufacturing USA® network, the ARM Institute team plays a critical, national role in driving the innovations needed to grow US manufacturing.

Position Overview
The ARM Institute is seeking an experienced Robotics & Automation Engineer to join our engineering team. Reporting to the Principal Robotics Engineer, this role is responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and implementing advanced robotics and automation solutions that help manufacturers improve productivity, reduce risk, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

Working closely with manufacturers, government partners, engineers, and cross-functional project teams, the Robotics & Automation Engineer will conduct manufacturing assessments, develop proof-of-concept automation solutions, program industrial robotics and control systems, and support client projects from concept through implementation. This role combines hands-on engineering with technical problem solving to deliver innovative automation solutions that address real-world manufacturing challenges.

This full-time, onsite position is based at ARM Institute's headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and requires up to 25% travel.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based automation systems to support manufacturing and client projects.
• Develop and modify HMI/SCADA systems for process monitoring, visualization, and control.
• Conduct onsite manufacturing assessments to identify automation opportunities and recommend technical solutions.
• Perform engineering analyses using design and simulation software to develop and validate automation concepts.
• Design, program, and configure robotic de-risking cells to demonstrate automation proof-of-concept solutions.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, clients, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality automation projects.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, technical reports, and engineering records throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate project progress, technical recommendations, and results to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory and work environment while following established safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that advance ARM Institute's engineering capabilities and manufacturing innovation efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of five years of experience designing, integrating, and supporting industrial automation systems.
• Demonstrated expertise designing robotic cells and automated manufacturing solutions.
• Experience integrating industrial automation equipment using communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, or OPC UA.
• Proficiency with industrial control systems, machine vision, PLC programming, HMI development, and troubleshooting.
• Experience programming industrial robots such as Fanuc, Yaskawa, Universal Robots (UR), Epson, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and manufacturing process design.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Manufacturing USA®, or other government-funded manufacturing initiatives.
• Experience with advanced robotics research, proof-of-concept development, or prototype automation systems.
• Experience using simulation environments and digital twin technologies for robotics applications.
• Familiarity with industrial sensors, vision systems, collaborative robotics, and autonomous systems.
• Professional engineering licensure or industry certifications related to robotics, automation, or industrial controls.

Why ARM?
At ARM Institute, you’ll help accelerate the adoption of robotics and AI technologies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing.  You’ll collaborate with leading manufacturers, technology companies, startups, researchers, and government partners on projects with national impact while helping shape the future of advanced manufacturing.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional success.
 
Benefits

• Enjoy 4 weeks of paid vacation from your first year, 11 paid holidays, 5 floating holidays annually
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance on day one
• Enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with health savings plan options beginning the first day of the month following your hire date.
• Receive a $100 monthly communication allowance and a one-time $500 home office stipend to support your remote work environment.
• Receive employer retirement contributions equal to 8% of your salary beginning after your first month of employment. Employer contributions become fully vested after three years.
• Receive up to 2 weeks of paid parental and family leave, including paid bonding leave, after 6 months of employment.
• ARM proudly supports those who serve by providing up to 30 days of paid military leave each year.

Join us in advancing the future of U.S. manufacturing.
We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success.  We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization.

ARM Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success and strive to create an inclusive, accepting culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization. ARM is an equal opportunity employer.