Controls Engineer - Robotic Automation

KC Robotics Inc. is hiring an intermediate to advanced Controls Engineer to support customer robotic automation projects from its West Chester, OH facility. In this onsite role, you will design and maintain controls systems, assist with commissioning and troubleshooting, and contribute to electrical and safety work for robot cell applications.

The position covers end-to-end controls engineering activities, including PLC/HMI/Vision/robot programming support, electrical design package development, installation and startup/debug assistance, and safety risk assessments aligned to ANSI R15.06.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and document controls systems for a range of automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot robot controllers, ladder logic, electrical control devices, mechanical units, transfer devices, and peripheral equipment.
• Review customer SOW/RFP/RFQ requirements and analyze project needs to develop customized electrical and control system design solutions.
• Create and optimize electrical design drawing packages using Eplan Pro Panel.
• Develop, write, and optimize PLC, HMI, Vision, and Robot programs.
• Provide installation, startup, and debug assistance as needed, and advise the Project Manager on installation issues and potential corrective actions.
• Support the sales team with pre-sales technical concepts and budgeting activities, along with technical support for external and internal customers.
• Assist with robot cell safety risk assessments according to ANSI R15.06 by identifying hazards, determining risk reduction requirements, suggesting solutions, and validating outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) OR an Associates degree with 1–3+ years of experience.
• 1–3+ years of engineering experience building controls for machine tools and troubleshooting control systems.
• Strong foundational knowledge of control and electrical system design for automated industrial applications, including vision, power, sensors, inspection, communications, and robot and HMI programming.
• Proficiency with Eplan Pro Panel or ACAD-E, MS Office, Siemens TIA Portal, and Rockwell Studio 5000 & FTV ME.
• Vision system programming experience with Keyence, Fanuc IR, or Cognex.
• Understanding of A3 Robot Safety Standards, OSHA Safety Standards, and NFPA 79.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and demands, with a strong work ethic and team-focused mindset.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites (up to 35%) and ability to maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-facing communication skills.
• US Citizenship required (ITAR compliance).

Tools and Technologies

• Eplan Pro Panel, ACAD-E
• MS Office
• Siemens TIA Portal
• Rockwell Studio 5000 & FTV ME
• Keyence, Fanuc IR, Cognex (vision)
• PLC (Rockwell & Siemens), HMI (Rockwell, Siemens), Robot (ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa, Kuka)

Benefits

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance, health insurance, vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Company Overview

KC Robotics Inc., based in West Chester, OH, is an A3 certified robot integrator offering over 35 years of experience in robotics automation.

Application Question

• Can you create custom PLC code from scratch?

Location: West Chester, OH (onsite)
Compensation: USD 75,000 - 110,000 per year
Experience: 1+ year
Travel: up to 35% to customer sites