Automation Engineer
About Standard Bots
Standard Bots is a New York-based robotics company building AI-powered six-axis robot arms designed and manufactured in the United States. Founded to make industrial automation more accessible and affordable, Standard Bots takes a vertically integrated approach - developing its own hardware, software, vision system, and electronics - so manufacturers of all sizes can deploy robots without specialized expertise or coding skills. Standard Bots' robots are trusted by organizations ranging from independent machine shops to NASA and Lockheed Martin. Standard Bots is the largest U.S. industrial robotics company by robots shipped and one of the fastest-growing in the industry.
Location
This role is onsite 5 days/week onsite in our South East PA shop
Role overview
As an Automation Engineer focused on turn-key robotic integration, you will be the hands-on technical owner for deploying Standard Bots solutions at customer manufacturing sites. You'll take projects from initial site assessment and cell design through installation, programming, testing, and customer handoff - ensuring every deployment runs reliably and exceeds uptime expectations. You're equally comfortable in a conference room drawing cell layouts and on a factory floor running cables, tuning vision systems, and troubleshooting with maintenance teams. You hold yourself to high standards on safety, documentation, and customer satisfaction.
What you'll do
Integration Design & Planning
- Conduct site surveys and process reviews to define robotic cell architecture, end-of-arm tooling, fixturing, and safety zone layout
- Develop detailed integration specifications, I/O maps, wiring diagrams, and risk assessments
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to size and select peripheral equipment - grippers, conveyors, sensors, vision systems, and safety hardware
Robot Programming & Commissioning
- Program robots using Standard Bots' toolchain; develop motion paths, force control routines, and vision-guided pick logic• Integrate robots with PLCs, HMIs, MES, and customer ERP systems via standard industrial protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP)
- Perform FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing), resolving mechanical, electrical, and software punch list items
- Commission safety systems including laser scanners, light curtains, area mats, and collaborative-mode force/speed monitoring
Customer Deployment & Handoff
- Lead on-site installation and startup, coordinating with customer facilities, maintenance, and production teams
- Develop and deliver operator and maintenance training programs tailored to each customer's technical maturity
- Produce clear, accurate as-built documentation: wiring diagrams, PLC I/O lists, robot program backups, and maintenance SOPs
Ongoing Support & Improvement
- Provide remote and on-site troubleshooting support during the warranty and post deployment period
- Track field issues and communicate root causes and corrective actions to the product and engineering teams
- Identify process improvement opportunities across the integration practice: reusable code libraries, template cell designs, and commissioning checklists
What you'll bring
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience integrating industrial or collaborative robots in a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated track record of leading complete turn-key automation projects from design through customer acceptance
- Experience programming cobots or industrial robots (e.g., Universal Robots, Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, or equivalent); Standard Bots training provided
Technical Skills
- Solid understanding of robot kinematics, end-of-arm tooling selection, and collaborative safety standards
- PLC programming experience (Allen Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent) and familiarity with industrial networking protocols
- Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) for cell layout and fixture design• Hands-on electrical skills: reading schematics, panel wiring, and basic troubleshooting with a multimeter and oscilloscope
- Familiarity with machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, or similar) for part detection and guidance
Soft Skills & Mindset
- Strong project management instincts: you track open items, communicate proactively, and deliver on time
- Customer-facing confidence: comfortable presenting technical plans to operations managers and C-suite stakeholders alike
- Detail-oriented, disciplined, self-directed, and resourceful
Nice to have
- Experience with ROS2 or other robot middleware frameworks
- Background in machine tending, palletizing, welding automation, or assembly applications
- Familiarity with OEE metrics and lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, SMED)
- OSHA 10/30 courses or equivalent manufacturing safety training
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Robotics Engineering (or equivalent practical experience)
- Experience deploying automation in regulated industries (FDA, automotive IATF 16949)
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $150,000. We are open to a variety of seniority levels for this role and will build compensation packages that are commensurate with seniority and skill level. Base salary is just one part of the overall compensation at Standard Bots. All Full-Time Employees are eligible for Employee Stock Options. We also offer a package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees.