Automation & Robotics Engineer

The Automation and Robotics Engineer is responsible for developing, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and supporting robotic automation systems used in poultry-processing operations. This position plays a key role in integrating robotics with conveyors, vision systems, sensors, end-of-arm tooling, and other automated process equipment to improve yield, throughput, and safety in wet, wash-down environments. The role requires hands-on interaction with industrial robots, motion systems, PLCs, and networked control architectures, as well as close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, plant operations, and field service teams.

The focus of this position during the first year will be learning a specific robotic application and supporting the final stages of development including extensive onsite support during testing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming & Integration

• Develop, configure, and optimize robot motion programs for poultry processing applications.
• Integrate robotic systems with PLCs, HMIs, safety systems, conveyors, machine control, machine vision, and other peripherals, accessories, and devices typical of advanced robotic systems.
• Use simulation, offline programming, and advanced program development tools to develop applications and robot programs.

Testing & Commissioning

• Participate in system factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), and field commissioning.
• Develop and execute test plans to verify system throughput, accuracy, and compliance.
• Document and validate control logic, safety interlocks, and recovery procedures.
• Validate cycle times, accuracy, and reliability under production conditions.
• Document test results and coordinate corrective actions with design and controls teams.

Troubleshooting & Support

• Diagnose and correct faults in robot motion, communication, safety circuits, and peripheral equipment.
• Provide on-site and remote support to production and field service teams to resolve operational issues.
• Perform robot calibration, backup, restore, and maintenance routines.

Continuous Improvement & Design Feedback

• Collaborate with product development to improve robotic cell design, end-effector performance, and wash-down survivability.
• Evaluate new technologies such as AI-based vision systems, collaborative robots, or line tracking.
• Support root-cause analyses and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Analyze system data to identify sources of downtime, mechanical misalignment, or software inefficiencies.
• Recommend and implement software updates, tooling modifications, or algorithmic improvements.
• Collaborate with mechanical design to enhance washdown robustness, reliability, and maintainability.

General

• Develop and execute project plans related to core responsibilities
• Plan and manage work with the goal of on-time delivery
• Work collaboratively with customers and across the company in a manner representing the company with the highest integrity and focusing on meeting customer needs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation, or Systems Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in robotic systems development including on-site testing and support in industrial settings.
• Proven experience integrating robots with PLCs, sensors, and vision systems. Proficient in Fanuc robots and controllers. Fanuc certification preferred.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) PLCs and Cognex vision systems.
• Ability to read schematics, troubleshoot robot programming and electrical component issues.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and execute autonomously with a high degree of transparency and integrity, considering multiple sources of input and executing the consensus direction.
• Team oriented; able to interact with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  
  

Knowledge/Skills

• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar).
• Strong understanding of PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI integration.
• Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, and other industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with servo drives, pneumatic controls, and machine vision or force sensors.
• Ability to interpret mechanical/electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, and control schematics.
• Skilled in motion control tuning, tool frame setup, and coordinate system calibration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; methodical troubleshooting approach.
• Ability to work in processing environments (cold, humid, wash-down).
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and technical training delivery. Oral and written fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel domestically for up to 50% of time.

Location: Gainesville, GA or Springdale/Rogers, AR with willingness to relocate to Gainesville, GA in the future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work for extended periods of time at a workstation on a computer or similar device. Occasional extended periods of standing, bending, kneeling.

Working Conditions

This job operates in both an office setting and a manufacturing warehouse. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, hand tools, and material handling equipment. 

Employment with Cantrell-Gainco is contingent upon successfully completing both a pre-employment background check and a drug screening. All candidates hired must be able to provide proper documentation of their eligibility to work in the US (I-9 form). Cantrell-Gainco is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans (M/F/D/V)