Automation Controls Robotics Engineer

Fisher Dynamics is the automotive industry’s premier supplier of safety – critical seat structures and mechanisms. Steeped in a tradition of excellence, and rooted in automotive innovation, the Fisher story is filled with automotive manufacturing milestones. We bring design, engineering, and manufacturing vehicle seating systems to a new level with innovative thinking. We’re about cutting edge ideas. We have created an environment that encourages an uninterrupted flow of revolutionary concepts and unique ideas.

Fisher Dynamics is currently seeking a Automation Controls Robotics Engineer for our corporate AME team in Saint Clair Shores, MI. This position is responsible for designing, programing, integration, commissioning, and supporting automated manufacturing equipment, robotic systems, and industrial control systems. This role leads automation projects from concept through production launch, with responsibility for safe, efficient, reliable operation and achievement of production, quality, and operational objectives. It works collaboratively with mechanical and manufacturing engineering, operations, quality teams, and external suppliers to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and advance continuous improvement. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Controls Engineering 
  • Develops electrical and controls architecture
  • Programs and troubleshoots PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and motion-control applications
  • Creates electrical schematics, control-panel layouts, and I/O architecture.
  • Configures Ethernet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, and Modbus industrial networks 
  • Ensures that controls systems meet company, customer, and industry standards.
• Robotics Engineering 
  • Programming, configuring, and optimizing industrial robots for manufacturing applications
    • Assembly, material handling, welding, dispensing, inspection, packaging, and machine tending. 
    • Robot simulation, offline programming, and cycle-time optimization. 
    • Robot safety zones, interlocks, and safeguarding-system design and validation. 
    • Integration of robots with vision systems, conveyors, fixtures, and automated production equipment. 
• Equipment Commissioning & Launch 
  • Leads controls and robotics startup activities 
  • Supports Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing 
  • Debugs and optimize equipment during installation and production launch. 
  • Provides technical support for production-related automation problems 
  • Trains operations and maintenance personnel on equipment functionality.
• Automation Project Management 
  • Manage automation projects from concept through implementation 
    • Develop schedules, technical specifications, and cost estimates
    • Coordinate with suppliers, machine builders, and internal stakeholders
    • Track milestones to support successful execution
• Continuous Improvement
  • Focus on equipment performance, overall equipment effectiveness, quality, throughput, automation upgrades, and process improvements. 
  • Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures 
  • Develop and maintain controls and robotics standards across manufacturing operations.
• Safety & Compliance 
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, ANSI/RIA, NFPA, 70E and machine safety requirements 
  • Perform risk assessments, supports machine-safety validation, and establishes safe automation practices and standards

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related

field is required.

Experience

3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or robotics engineering. 

Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, production systems, equipment commissioning, and production launches

Skills

PLC Platforms – Allen Bradley, Rockwell Automation, GE FANUC, Honeywe

Robotics Platforms – FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, Universal Robots 

Automation Technologies – HMI development, motion control systems, servo drives, machine vision systems, industrial networking, safety PLC, and safety circuits 

Software – Studio 5000, RoboGuide, RobotStudio, AutoCAD Electrical, Flexim

Vision systems – Cognex/Keyence 

Lean Manufacturing 

Microsoft Office Suite 

Six Sigma Certification 

Managing capital automation projects 

Material handling automation 

Work Environment

Working environment and physical requirements of this position are those typical of an office setting and manufacturing environment. 

Physical Demands

Ability to lift 40lbs