Lead Automation & Robotics Engineer – Custom Integration & R&D

Job Function

Lead Automation & Robotics Engineer – Custom Integration & R&D

Up to $120,000 Base + Dynamic Bonuses

• Waukesha, WI Area
• Elite 1st Shift
• Cutting-Edge Custom Systems
  
  

The Opportunity: Escape the monotony of high-volume manufacturing lines and elevate your automation career with a premier, certified custom systems integrator. Our client doesn't do cookie-cutter projects; they engineer custom, first-of-their-kind automated systems and robotic workcells for an incredibly diverse global customer base. Operating out of a highly creative, tech-driven facility where engineering and production live under one roof, this organization offers significant R&D budgets, high-stakes technical ownership, and an employee-centric culture that actively protects your work-life balance.

• TECHNICAL DEPTH: 5+ years of dedicated, hands-on experience designing, programming, and integrating custom industrial automation systems and advanced robotics
• ROBOTICS FOCUS: Mastery of ABB RobotStudio and native RAPID coding for ground-up simulation, path optimization, and multi-axis kinematics configuration
• CONTROLS INTEGRATION: 2+ years of robust proficiency interfacing robotic cells with mainstream PLC platforms, specifically Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000 / RSLogix) networks
• DEPLOYMENT TRAVEL: A high-autonomy role requiring up to 30% domestic and international travel to manage high-visibility on-site client installations and final line commissioning
• LOCATION: Greater Waukesha, WI area (100% onsite role featuring direct shop-floor integration; no remote or hybrid availability)
• COMPLIANCE: United States Citizens or Green Card holders only; corporate visa sponsorship is not available
  
  

If you are an elite robotics engineer who feels stifled by rigid corporate structures or repetitive plant maintenance, this direct-hire tracking position is the perfect creative outlet. Here, you get the unique professional satisfaction of taking a project from an initial blank-screen 3D simulation, writing the logic, and then walking down to the shop floor to watch your digital code drive heavy, physical machinery.

The company structure rejects the faceless corporate grind, treating engineers as vital technical partners. With an unyielding local backlog of custom automation contracts spanning the aerospace, medical, and consumer goods sectors, this firm provides bulletproof long-term stability. Backed by a family-first leadership team that pairs competitive base salaries with lucrative bonus structures and comprehensive benefits, this is the ultimate destination to anchor your engineering legacy.

What You Will Be Doing

• Robotic Programming: Developing, simulating, and optimizing complex, multi-axis robotic programs from scratch utilizing ABB RobotStudio and RAPID code architectures.
• Full Lifecycle Ownership: Managing automation projects from initial concept and virtual simulation through physical shop-floor testing, debugging, and final field commissioning.
• Network Configuration: Configuring initial robot setups, establishing spatial coordinate systems, mapping payload profiles, and integrating fieldbus communications (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) with PLC networks.
• Lead SME Troubleshooting: Serving as the frontline technical subject matter expert to diagnose and resolve intricate robotic logic, complex motion control faults, and communication errors.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering with mechanical and controls engineers to design custom End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT), vision guidance profiles, and stringent machine safety parameters.
• Field Commissioning: Traveling up to 30% annually to client facilities across North America and international sites to lead physical cell installation, customer handoffs, and operator training.
• Technical Documentation: Generating and maintaining meticulous system documentation, functional program architectures, wiring schematics, and client-facing technical manuals.
  
  

What We Are Looking For

• ABB Domain Expertise: A minimum of 5 years of verifiable experience programming, commissioning, and configuring ABB robotic systems within complex, custom automation or contract integration settings.
• Advanced Simulation Skills: Proved capability utilizing ABB RobotStudio to build virtual workcells, perform reachability studies, and write native RAPID code from a blank sheet.
• Industrial Controls Literacy: Competent establishing handshakes and data mapping between robotic controllers and Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers.
• Hardware & Safety Competency: Heavy technical familiarity with servo drive systems, industrial vision networks (Cognex, Keyence), line scanners, and RIA/ISO machine safety standards.
• Global Mobility: Complete willingness and valid credentials (Passport) to travel up to 30% internationally and domestically for client production startups.
• Employment Stability: A reliable, progressive professional history showcasing consecutive multi-year tenures; frequent job-hopping or short-term contract jumping is a disqualifier.
• Educational Foundation: A Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering is highly preferred, though equivalent master-level field integration experience will be fully considered.
  
  

Please apply here or at impactsolutions.com/opportunities where you can see and apply for any of our open positions.