Industrial Automation Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Engineering
Reports to: Senior Engineering Manager
Location: Wixom, MI
Salary range: $100K - $115K; Salary and Bonus Potential, based on experience
Travel requirement: Up to 65%, domestic and international travel

We are seeking an Industrial Automation Specialist with a strong focus on robotics programming and on-site troubleshooting of product integration. This role is highly hands-on and customer-facing, with approximately 65% travel to support Magswitch product automation end users in the field.

You will play a critical role in maintaining customer relationships and product perception by working directly at customer sites to ensure Magswitch products are installed correctly, programmed effectively, and operating reliably. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving in dynamic environments and seeing systems perform in real-world applications.

• Program and configure industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots) for customer-specific application testing and product demonstrations
• Build, debug, and optimize robot programs, motion routines, and logic
• Integrate Magswitch products with robots, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and peripheral equipment
• Provide best practice guidance to customers from concept design through installation, calibration, tuning, and during onsite commissioning
• Troubleshoot and resolve robotics and automation issues under real-time operating conditions

Field Customer Support 65% Travel)

• Travel to customer sites to support system installation, startup, and commissioning
• Serve as a technical representative of the company during onsite engagements
• Work directly with customers and internal engineering and operations teams to ensure successful system development and deployment
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues remotely and in the field
• Provide training and knowledge transfer to customer personnel through robust documentation

Controls & Automation Systems

• Modify, troubleshoot, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) in live production environments. Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
• Support HMI setup for system control, monitoring, and diagnostics
• Assist with system-level integration across mechanical, electrical, and software components

Testing, Validation & Continuous Improvement

• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Document system performance, issues, and implemented solutions
• Perform testing as directed by the engineering team for product development and sales support
• Provide feedback to engineering teams to improve system design and reliability
• Support continuous improvement initiatives based on field learnings

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in automation, robotics, or mechatronics
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience programming and operating industrial robots (FANUC TP, ABB RAPID, KUKA KRL, URScript, or similar)
• Experience with PLC programming, industrial controls configuration, and troubleshooting Strong electro-mechanical troubleshooting skills in live environments
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 65% (domestic and occasionally international)

Preferred

• Technical degree OR equivalent hands-on industrial automation experience.
• Experience with robotic vision systems
• Familiarity with safety systems, procedures, and risk assessments (e.g., safety PLCs, ISO standards, Lock Out Tag Out)
• Experience in commissioning automation systems in customer production environments preferred
• Exposure to motion control systems and servo drives
• Experience in CODESYS
• Coding familiarity (Structured Text)
• Basic CAD knowledge (SolidWorks or similar)

Work Environment & Travel

• Approximately 65% travel to customer sites (domestic and international)
• This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving real automation challenges onsite and wants exposure to a wide range of robotic applications and industries. Remaining time is spent supporting sales and engineering teams with pre-commissioning duties, product and application testing, and documentation
• Travel may include extended onsite stays

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Magswitch is a global leader in magnetic lifting solutions. We design and manufacture advanced magnet technologies that help industrial and automation customers improve material‑handling safety and efficiency. Our products are widely used in automotive assembly and other automation heavy industries with manufacturing operations worldwide.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a highly competitive compensation package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Our comprehensive benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Paid leave programs
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

In accordance with Colorado law, the salary range disclosed for this role represents a good-faith estimate of the base compensation. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.

Magswitch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws in every location where we operate. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination.