POSITION SUMMARY
We are looking for a hands-on Robot & PLC Programmer / Field Service Technician to develop, commission, and support the software of our automated assembly and test machinery at a customer site in Easley, South Carolina. You will program and troubleshoot KUKA robots, Siemens PLCs, and Beckhoff controllers, ensure machine performance meets customer specifications, and provide technical support — working autonomously and responsibly, as part of a team, and with open and clear communication, guided by the values of our company.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Programming & controls
- Develop, modify, and debug KUKA robot programs (KRL), including teaching points, tool/base calibration, I/O mapping, and safety configuration.
- Develop and maintain PLC and HMI programs on Siemens (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500, WinCC) and Beckhoff (TwinCAT 3) platforms.
- Integrate robots, PLCs, vision systems, servo drives, pneumatics, and sensors over industrial networks (PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP).
- Carry out electrical design and programming according to the project scope, customer specifications, and applicable standards and regulations.
Commissioning & field service (Easley, SC)
- Install, commission, and start up machinery at the customer site, including electrical installation, wiring, and routing when needed.
- Lead and support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), maintaining the dialogue with the customer and obtaining their approval.
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and robot issues to minimize downtime; provide technical support to customers on-site or remotely.
- Train customer operators and maintenance personnel on the operation and maintenance of the equipment.
- Assist the assembly and process teams during the build and commissioning phases.
Production performance & problem-solving
- Monitor and interpret production data — OEE (availability, performance, quality), takt time, cycle time, and quality rate / first-pass yield — to verify that machines meet customer performance targets.
- Identify bottlenecks, micro-stops, and cycle-time losses, and propose program, process, or equipment improvements to close gaps against takt time.
- Participate actively in structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis using methodologies such as the 5 Whys, Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams, and 8D; document root causes and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
Project execution & documentation
- Plan and execute the electrical and software portion of projects in coordination with the project team and the general project schedule.
- Monitor compliance with deadlines, costs, and technical objectives; propose corrective actions when deviations are foreseen.
- Prepare scopes of work for in-house and subcontracted programmers and coordinate their work when project volume requires it.
- Ensure customer and quality documentation is complete, on time, and accurate (reports, manuals, training material, schematics, program backups).
- Lead the validation of the electrical design with the programmers involved and the customer; present the technical defense of the project to the customer when needed.
Customer, sales & innovation
- Support the sales team as a technical expert and contribute ideas and solutions to the Innovation department.
- Promote teamwork and knowledge sharing within the electrical design and programming team.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, or related Engineering field, or an equivalent combination of technical education and hands-on experience.
- KUKA robots: KRL programming, WorkVisual, KSS 8.x, point teaching and touch-up, tool/base calibration, mastering, backups; SafeOperation experience is a strong plus.
- Siemens PLCs: TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500, ladder/FBD/SCL, PROFINET, Safety Integrated, and WinCC / Comfort Panel HMIs.
- Beckhoff: TwinCAT 3, Structured Text (IEC 61131-3), EtherCAT I/O and drives; TwinSAFE is a plus.
- General automation knowledge: electrical and pneumatic actuators, servo drives, sensors, and industrial communication buses.
- Ability to read, understand, and update electrical drawings and schematics.
- Production metrics: solid understanding of OEE, takt time, cycle time, and quality rate, and how controls and robot programming affect each of them.
- Problem-solving methods: hands-on experience with structured root cause analysis such as the 5 Whys; familiarity with fishbone diagrams and 8D is a plus.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Proficient in MS Office and online platforms used to track action plans.
- Able to work on-site in Easley, SC, with flexible hours during commissioning and launch periods.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Allen-Bradley PLCs (Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000) and other robot brands (FANUC, ABB), SCARA robots, and gantry systems.
- Vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) and traceability / MES integration.
- AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
- Experience with automotive or electrical components manufacturing; prior U.S. field service experience.
- OSHA 10/30 and NFPA 70E (arc flash) training.
- Spoken or written Spanish (a plus for collaboration with our global engineering teams).
COMPETENCIES
Attitude
- Proactivity
- Responsibility
- Communication
- Cooperation
- Empathy
Values
- Loyalty
- Harmony
- Teamwork
- Excellence
- Honesty and trustworthiness
Professional skills
- Analysis and planning
- Expertise and quality
- Success orientation and prioritization
- Customer orientation
- Problem-solving
We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter who is confident, works independently, and builds strong relationships with customers and teammates.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Work is performed on the manufacturing floor and around operating machinery, with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and energized electrical panels.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, climb ladders and platforms, kneel, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO) and customer site safety rules.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Comply with company policies, codes, processes, procedures, instructions, and internal rules.
- Follow and enforce safety and environmental regulations, taking responsibility for the occupational health and safety aspects under your control.
- Properly use machines, tools, hazardous substances, safety devices, and transport equipment according to their nature and foreseeable risks.
- Monitor critical situations in new or existing tasks and adopt immediate corrective measures; inform your supervisor right away of any operational, safety, or environmental risk.
- Contribute to the company's objectives and the effectiveness of the integrated management system, and help develop the work methods for your area.
- Comply with the criminal compliance policy and management system, including the prohibition of participating in any activity that may reasonably involve a criminal risk.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
Contract-to-Hire: the initial period is a temporary contract engagement. Conversion to direct, full-time employment is based on performance, fit, and business needs and is not guaranteed.
Offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check / drug screen / customer site clearance, as permitted by applicable law.
Benefits upon conversion: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply through the Automate America portal with your résumé and a short summary of your KUKA, Siemens, and Beckhoff project experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Our company participates in E-Verify.
