Robotics Engineering Lead
HV Talent Group · Santa Rosa, CA
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Full benefits packagePosition Summary Our client is seeking a hands-on Robotics Engineering Lead to lead the automation of manufacturing processes from initial concept through successful production deployment.This individual will identify manufacturing operations that are strong candidates for automation, select the appropriate technologies, and personally design, program, integrate, test, and commission robotic systems.The role will focus heavily on collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), machine vision, sensors, end-effectors, and material-handling automation within a live manufacturing environment.This is a technical leadership position rather than a traditional people-management role. The successful candidate will establish technical direction, lead projects, mentor engineers and technicians, and remain personally involved in programming, integration, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning.Key Responsibilities Robotics & Automation Engineering Identify and prioritize manufacturing processes that are strong candidates for automation.Develop the technical and business case for automation initiatives.Design, program, integrate, and commission collaborative robotic systems.Develop cobot applications involving:AssemblyMaterial handlingMachine tendingInspectionTestingPick-and-place applicationsIntegrate robotic systems into existing factory equipment and production lines.Select and integrate:End-effectorsGrippersSensorsMachine visionForce/torque systemsRelated automation hardwareAutonomous Mobile Robots Deploy and integrate Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) within manufacturing environments.Develop and optimize AMR routes.Support fleet coordination and traffic management.Integrate AMRs with production workstations and material-handling processes.Configure material hand-offs between AMRs and manufacturing equipment.Support integration with manufacturing or warehouse systems where applicable.End-to-End Project Ownership Own automation projects throughout the complete lifecycle, including: Requirements gatheringProcess evaluationConcept developmentSystem designSimulationBuildProgrammingIntegrationFactory Acceptance Testing (FAT)Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)ValidationCommissioningProduction hand-offThe successful candidate must be comfortable owning a project rather than only supporting one portion of the implementation.Simulation & Offline ProgrammingUse robotic simulation and offline programming tools to validate designs before physical deployment.Evaluate:Robot reachCell layoutsCycle timesCollision risksAccessibilityProcess feasibilityOptimize system designs prior to installation.Utilize tools such as RoboDK, RobotStudio, or similar vendor platforms.Technical LeadershipServe as a hands-on technical lead for robotics and factory automation.Establish technical standards and best practices.Review designs and automation concepts.Mentor engineers, technicians, and operators developing robotics capabilities.Lead projects while remaining actively involved in engineering execution.Communicate complex technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.Vendor & Technology Management Evaluate robotics, cobot, AMR, vision, and automation vendors.Assess new technologies for manufacturing applications.Coordinate pilots and proof-of-concept deployments.Determine which technologies should be scaled across manufacturing operations.Work effectively with external system integrators and equipment vendors.Manufacturing SafetyPartner with appropriate safety stakeholders throughout robotic-system development.Conduct and support robotic-system risk assessments.Ensure robotic and collaborative applications meet applicable machine-safety requirements before production deployment.Apply knowledge of relevant safety standards such as:ISO 10218ISO/TS 15066ISO 12100ISO 13849Documentation & Training Develop technical documentation for robotic deployments.Create operating procedures and run books.Document system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and maintenance requirements.Train production teams on the safe and effective operation of automation systems.Ensure production teams can sustain deployments after engineering hand-off.Required Qualifications Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in:RoboticsComputer ScienceElectrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringOr a closely related technical discipline3+ years of industrial automation or robotics experienceDemonstrated experience deploying automation or robotic systems in a live manufacturing or production environmentStrong combination of software and mechanical engineering capabilitiesHands-on experience programming and integrating collaborative robotsExperience integrating:End-effectorsGrippersSensorsMachine visionHands-on experience with AMRs and material-handling automationExperience deploying and integrating AMRs on a factory floorExperience using robotic simulation and offline programming toolsDemonstrated ability to lead technical projects while remaining personally hands-onStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilitiesStrong communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsPreferred QualificationsExperience with ROS / ROS 2Experience with robot simulation or digital-twin platformsExperience with RoboDK, RobotStudio, or comparable toolsExperience with 2D or 3D machine visionExperience with force/torque controlPick-and-place automation experienceAMR fleet-management experienceIntegration experience with manufacturing or warehouse execution systemsElectronics manufacturing experienceSemiconductor manufacturing experiencePrecision manufacturing experienceHigh-mix / low-volume manufacturing experienceCAD experience using tools such as:CreoSolidWorksAutoCADRelevant robot/cobot vendor certificationsKnowledge of robotic and collaborative-machine safety standardsIdeal Candidate ProfileThe strongest candidate will combine: Hands-on cobot programming + AMR deployment + live manufacturing automation + robotics simulation + mechanical/software engineering + full project ownership + technical leadership.Our client is specifically looking for someone who has personally deployed robotic systems into production, not someone whose experience has been primarily theoretical, research-based, managerial, or limited to traditional PLC automation.This individual should be comfortable moving between a computer, robot cell, production line, engineering team, technician group, and manufacturing floor as needed.