Manufacturing Engineer- AGV & Automation Development

Key Responsibilities

AGV System Development & Integration

* Lead implementation, configuration, and continuous improvement of AGV/AMR systems-including routes, traffic control, charging workflows, sensors, and navigation logic.

* Integrate AGVs with production equipment, robotic cells, MES/ERP, scanners, and IoT/IIoT systems.

* Develop AGV workflows for material delivery, WIP movement, component staging, scrap removal, and end-of-line handling.

* Perform ongoing route optimization, drop-off/pick-up location refinement, and process-driven AGV sequencing.

Automation & Controls Engineering

* Support automation systems tied to robotic weld cells, conveyorized systems, bend cells, and material handling automation.

* Collaborate with Controls Engineering on I/O solutions, PLC logic interactions, safety circuits, and automated call systems.

* Implement sensors, machine vision, and automated call logic to reduce operator-initiated interruptions.

Process Improvement & Optimization

* Identify productivity improvements through AGV usage, automation, and ergonomic reductions in manual forklift handling.

* Analyze utilization data, travel time, collision logs, and fault codes to drive reliability improvements.

* Support transition toward semi-autonomous or lights-out manufacturing areas through material-handling automation.

Project Management

* Define project scope, timelines, budget estimates, risk assessments, and progress reporting.

* Lead cross-functional project teams for automation-related equipment installations, trials, and validation.

* Coordinate vendor interactions, FAT/SAT activities, commissioning, training, and documentation delivery.

Sustainment & Support

* Troubleshoot issues with AGV performance-including navigation faults, sensor errors, battery management, and system connectivity.

* Develop standard work, operator/technician training, troubleshooting guides, and safety documentation.

* Ensure compliance with corporate safety standards, ANSI/RIA standards, and facility traffic management protocols.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Automation Engineering (or related field).

* 2-7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, automation engineering, or controls engineering.

* Hands-on experience with AGV/AMR systems (navigation, mapping, traffic control, mission design, commissioning).

* Proficiency with PLCs, industrial sensors, networks, HMI systems, and industrial safety systems.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven approach.

* Ability to lead projects and collaborate across engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT functions.

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Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with:

o Yaskawa, Panasonic, or similar robotic equipment

o Global AGV or comparable AGV platforms

o MES/ERP system integration

o Machine vision and camera-based automation triggers

* Experience implementing automation for material handling, robotic weld, bend cells, or assembly operations.

* Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or CI methodologies.

Key Attributes for Success

* Systems thinker with the ability to integrate mechanical, controls, and IT/OT components.

* Strong communication skills to coordinate with technicians, operators, engineering leaders, and automation vendors.

* Hands-on, floor-focused engineer with willingness to diagnose problems where they occur.

* Bias toward innovation and ability to scale automation across plants.