Automation Engineer

Location: 3411 Woodhead Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062

Hire type: Full-Time

Shift: 1st Shift

Pay Range: $100k - $150k /yr

Position Summary

We are looking for a hands-on Robotics & Controls Engineer who can personally program ABB robots, write and debug Beckhoff PLC code, integrate the two systems, and troubleshoot the complete automation cell in production.

This position is intended for a robotics and controls engineer—not someone whose experience is primarily in project management or electrical design. The right candidate will be comfortable working directly with automation equipment on the manufacturing floor and taking projects from development through production commissioning.

Required Experience

• Hands-on experience programming and commissioning ABB industrial robots.

• Strong ABB RAPID programming experience.

• Hands-on experience with Beckhoff controls and TwinCAT 3.

• Strong PLC programming skills, especially Structured Text.

• Experience configuring and troubleshooting EtherCAT.

• Experience integrating robots, PLCs, sensors, actuators, and industrial equipment.

• Comfortable commissioning and troubleshooting equipment on the manufacturing floor.

• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot industrial controls.

• Strong understanding of automation sequencing, interlocks, fault handling, and recovery.

• Experience taking automation projects from development through production commissioning.

Preferred Experience

• ABB RobotStudio.

• ABB SafeMove.

• Beckhoff TwinSAFE.

• Beckhoff servo and motion control.

• CNC machine-tool integration or robotic machine tending.

• Machine vision systems, including Cognex, Keyence, ABB Vision, or similar systems.

• OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MQTT, or similar industrial communications.

• Python, C#, C++, or other general-purpose programming experience.

• Automated pallet handling, tool handling, CMMs, or inspection systems.

• Multi-robot or multi-machine automation cells.

• Digital twin or offline simulation experience.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills

• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

• Troubleshooting Skills

• Industrial Robot Programming

• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment

• PLC Programming Experience

• Programming Machine Vision Systems

• Electrical / Electronic Systems

• Industrial Electrical Experience

• Industrial Electrical Systems

• Electrical Schematic Reading

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Beckoff)

• Vision System

• Servo Motors

• Industrial Robot (ABB)