Robot Controls Engineer

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Orion MI on a full-time basis.

The Role:

As a Lead Robot Controls Engineer at Orion Assembly you will serve as the technical lead for robotic systems supporting the launch and production of the T1XX-X program. Your primary focus will be on Fanuc robot programming optimization and troubleshooting with responsibility for guiding a small team of contract robot programmers across all three shifts.

This role is essential to ensuring robotic systems are integrated validated and performing to GM standards. You will work closely with controls engineers maintenance and manufacturing teams to support launch readiness and long-term system reliability. Your leadership will directly impact cycle time uptime and process stability while also building a strong foundation of robotic expertise within the plant.

What Youll Do:

• Lead Fanuc robot programming validation and optimization for Body Shop operations.
• Support equipment runoff build events and early-stage production to ensure robotic systems meet launch targets.
• Collaborate with tooling and controls teams to align robot paths weld schedules and process parameters.
• Guide and coordinate a team of contract robot programmers across 1st 2nd and 3rd shifts.
• Ensure consistent programming standards documentation and troubleshooting practices across shifts.
• Provide hands-on support and mentorship to contract resources and junior engineers.
• Diagnose and resolve robot-related issues including path deviations cycle time delays and integration faults.
• Work with maintenance and controls teams to improve system reliability and reduce downtime.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for robot-related quality issues.
• Interface with equipment suppliers and integrators to validate robotic systems and support installation.
• Partner with manufacturing quality and engineering teams to ensure seamless robotic integration.
• Travel as needed to supplier sites for training equipment validation and launch support.
• Ensure robot programming documentation backups and system maps are complete and up to date.
• Enforce GM robotic standards and safety protocols across all installations and operations.
• Prepare robot system readiness reports and present technical updates to plant leadership.
• Communicate effectively across departments to support strategic decision-making and launch success.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in robotics engineering electrical engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5 years of experience in automotive manufacturing or robotic systems integration.
• Proficiency in Fanuc robot programming including path teaching I/O configuration and weld schedule integration.
• Strong understanding of robotic safety systems cycle time optimization and fault recovery.
• Experience troubleshooting and improving robotic systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and coordinate across multiple shifts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep experience with Fanuc robots in Body Shop applications (welding handling sealing).
• Familiarity with GM robotic standards and integration protocols.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-shift programming teams and improving robotic performance.
• Comfort with robot backups documentation and system audits.
• Experience working with equipment suppliers and integrators during launch phases.
• Experience mentoring contract programmers and junior engineers.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence across departments.
• Skilled in root cause analysis and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).
• Commitment to quality uptime and process optimization.
• Prior experience in a launch environment or leading robot programming teams