Senior Automation Engineer

Senior Automation Systems Integrator – Robotics & Vision Systems$83,200 - $104,000 ($40.00 - $50.00/hr) + Overtime • Greater Milwaukee Area • 1st Shift • Full-Time / Direct HireCompensation & Earnings: Baseline target from $40.00 to $50.00/hr ($83,200 – $104,000 annually, scaling directly with technical depth), backed by premium overtime pay and a full corporate benefits package.1st Shift & High Autonomy: Dedicated day shift schedule managing ground-up custom automated cell builds, shop-floor debugs, and high-impact client commissioning.Company Culture & Legacy: Direct-hire seat with a premier, privately held automation leader with a century-long legacy of engineering excellence, designing complex turnkey automated systems for global manufacturing clients.Core Technical Scope: Robotic platform setups (Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB), master PLC communication handshaking, industrial vision system integration/programming, EOAT integration, and 30–40% domestic/international field commissioning.Strict Requirements: U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card); 2-Year or 4-Year Engineering Degree; Valid Driver's License & Passport capability; 4 to 6 years of dedicated robotic, PLC, and vision integration experience.If you are an experienced robotics specialist looking to step away from repetitive field service or routine line maintenance and own high-complexity, ground-up custom automation projects, this senior-level seat is built for you. Our client is a premier, privately held automation leader with a century-long legacy of engineering excellence, designing complex turnkey automated systems deployed globally across automotive, consumer goods, and heavy industrial sectors. Operating with a supportive, non-bureaucratic culture that deeply respects engineering craftsmanship, this organization gives you total project ownership. You will lead robotic builds from initial cell design kickoff and physical in-house build, through shop-floor debug, and ultimately to high-impact commissioning on client factory floors worldwide.What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)Initialize Robotic Platforms: Execute ground-up cell setups, coordinate calibrations, and configure I/O communication networks on Fanuc, ABB, or Yaskawa robotics.Design Control Logic & Architecture: Program robot cell architecture to ensure seamless handshaking and logic coordination with master PLC controllers and standalone equipment.Deploy Industrial Vision Systems: Integrate, configure, and program advanced industrial vision hardware and software platforms for precise part guidance, inspection, and high-speed handling.Lead In-House Assembly & Debug: Partner with project engineering teams through full shop-floor assembly, control wiring verification, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) integration.Execute Field Commissioning: Travel 30–40% domestically and internationally to oversee on-site deployment, mechanical/electrical startup, and final commissioning with global manufacturing partners.Support Applications Engineering: Provide technical layout insights, cycle-time analyses, and feasibility data for prospective customer designs and quotes.Provide Floor Mentorship: Guide in-house assembly personnel and junior technicians to optimize build workflows and adhere to strict client specifications.What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)Required Education: 2-Year or 4-Year Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Software Engineering).Integration Experience: 4 to 6 years of dedicated industrial robotics & PLC integration experience on custom manufacturing machinery.Robotics & Controls Mastery: Hands-on mastery of Fanuc, Yaskawa, or ABB robot platforms combined with advanced PLC troubleshooting skills.Vision & Digital Tools: Hands-on proficiency with industrial vision systems, offline simulation tools, and CAD/SolidWorks software.Multidisciplinary Diagnostics: Expert ability to diagnose and debug complex automated machinery across robotic, electrical, fluid power, and mechanical domains.Travel & Licensing: Ability to travel 30% to 40% (valid Driver's License and active Passport capability required); residing within a 45-minute daily commuting radius of the Greater Milwaukee, WI area (North Milwaukee / Brown Deer vicinity).Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)Vision Software Expertise: Deep experience programming Cognex, Keyence, or FANUC iRVision hardware and software packages.PLC Platform Depth: Advanced proficiency writing or troubleshooting logic in Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000) or Siemens (TIA Portal) environments.CAD & Simulation Tools: Hands-on experience with RoboGuide, RobotStudio, or SolidWorks for cell layout and reach studies.