We are seeking a collaborative, detail‑oriented, and safety‑focused Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer to design, develop, and deploy robotic and automated systems for laboratory, pilot‑scale, and light industrial applications. The successful candidate will partner with R&D, process engineering, automation, controls, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver reliable, maintainable, and compliant robotic solutions that improve safety, throughput, and data quality. This role requires strong systems thinking, hands‑on integration experience, excellent communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and implement robotic and mechatronic systems including mechanical structures, actuators, sensors, end‑of‑arm tooling, and safety devices to meet functional and performance requirements.

• Develop and document system architecture, requirements, control strategies, and integration plans; produce schematics, BOMs, assembly drawings, and interface specifications to support procurement and fabrication.

• Program and commission robot controllers, PLCs, motion controllers, and vision systems; develop modular, maintainable code using industry‑standard languages and frameworks.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define use cases, acceptance criteria, test plans, and validation procedures; lead integration, testing, and iterative refinement of automation solutions.

• Perform system-level simulation, kinematic and dynamic analysis, and tolerance studies to ensure reliable operation and safe interaction with people and equipment.

• Implement functional safety and risk mitigation measures, including safety fencing, light curtains, interlocks, E‑stops, and compliant control logic; perform risk assessments and support safety reviews.

• Support installation, commissioning, and start‑up activities on site; troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues and drive corrective actions to resolution.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation including wiring diagrams, PLC/robot code comments, test reports, SOPs, maintenance guides, and as‑built records to support operations and maintenance.

• Engage with suppliers and integrators to evaluate components, review shop drawings, witness factory acceptance tests, and qualify vendors and products for production use.

• Provide training and technical support to operators, technicians, and maintenance staff; develop troubleshooting aids and preventive maintenance plans to maximize uptime.

• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying automation opportunities, optimizing cycle times, improving reliability, and applying lessons learned across projects.

• Present technical analyses, risk assessments, and project status updates to cross‑functional teams and leadership; prepare clear reports and recommendations to support decision making.

• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on robotics/mechatronics best practices, safe integration techniques, and documentation standards; contribute to departmental standards and training materials.

Required Qualifications - Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience designing, programming, and commissioning robotic or automated systems in laboratory, pilot, or light industrial settings.

• Proven experience with industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots) and robot programming languages or offline programming tools; familiarity with collaborative robot integration is a plus.

• Strong control systems experience including PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell/Siemens), motion control, fieldbuses (EtherNet/IP, Profinet), and industrial I/O architectures.

• Experience integrating vision systems, sensors, encoders, and force/torque sensing; ability to design reliable sensing and feedback strategies for closed‑loop control.

• Hands‑on mechanical design skills including CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar), mechanical fabrication knowledge, and understanding of tolerancing, fixtures, and fixturing for repeatable automation.

• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software domains; ability to diagnose failures, implement corrective actions, and document root cause analyses.

• Familiarity with applicable safety standards and practices (e.g., ISO 12100, ISO 10218, ANSI/RIA), and experience implementing machine safeguarding and safety control systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills: able to prepare clear technical documentation, present status updates, and collaborate with suppliers and cross‑functional stakeholders.

• Proficiency with software and tools for controls and automation (e.g., RobotStudio, RoboDK, MATLAB/Simulink, PLC development environments) and competency with version control and documentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications - Domain & Tools

• Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Controls, or related discipline or equivalent specialized experience.

• Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System), real‑time systems, embedded controllers, and C/C++ or Python for control and integration tasks.

• Familiarity with CAD‑based motion simulation, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and finite element methods to inform robust mechanical designs.

• Experience with laboratory automation standards, sample handling, liquid handling robotics, or high‑throughput screening systems preferred.

• Knowledge of predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and reliability‑centered design concepts (FMEA, MTBF) to support operational readiness.

• Certifications in robotics, PLCs, safety (e.g., Functional Safety training), or relevant professional credentials are advantageous.

Work Environment & Compensation

• Full‑time position within an interdisciplinary engineering, automation, and operations organization; role combines office‑based design work with frequent hands‑on integration, lab testing, and periodic access to pilot and manufacturing areas.

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, including health coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and professional development support.

• Opportunities for training, certifications, conference participation, and career growth within a diverse, inclusive, and safety‑focused workplace.

• We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and foster a respectful work environment that supports work‑life balance and employee well‑being.