Robotics Engineering Manager Material Handling SystemsManufacturing

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today we manufacture thousands of products generate an excess of $2B in revenue and employ approximately 11000 associates worldwide. At AFL we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development training and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical dental vision and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

We are seeking a Robotics Engineering Manager to join our Operations Technology team at our corporate office in Duncan SC. After gaining knowledge of our environment there is the opportunity for this position to work under our Hybrid schedule working both in the office and will be times that travel or periodic 100% onsite work may be required.

The Robotics Engineering Manager Material Handling Systems leads the design integration deployment and optimization of robotic and automated solutions in material handling environments. This management role is responsible for overseeing a team of 2-3 robotics engineers ensuring project delivery technical excellence and continuous improvement in throughput accuracy safety and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise mentor and develop a team of 2-3 robotics engineers fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Provide technical guidance set priorities and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Allocate resources and manage workloads to ensure timely project completion.
• Facilitate professional development and training for team members.
• System Design and Integration
• Oversee the design of robotic solutions for material handling applications such as palletizing picking sorting and autonomous transport.
• Ensure integration of industrial robots AMRs conveyors sensors vision systems and safety components.

Programming and Controls

• Guide the team in programming and configuring robotic systems using OEM platforms (e.g. FANUC ABB KUKA Yaskawa).
• Oversee development and troubleshooting of PLC and motion control logic.
• Deployment and Commissioning
• Lead on-site installation commissioning and acceptance testing of robotic material handling systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and internal engineering guidelines.

Continuous Improvement and Optimization

• Analyze system performance data and drive initiatives for reliability uptime scalability and maintainability.
• Support retrofits and upgrades to existing systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Collaborate with operations maintenance IT and safety teams to align solutions with business needs.
• Provide technical documentation and training to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Robotics Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechatronics or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in robotics automation or material handling system implementation including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing engineering teams.
• Hands-on experience with industrial or mobile robotics in material handling/logistics.
• Strong understanding of automation systems PLCs HMIs sensors actuators and safety systems.
• Experience with robotic simulation tools and offline programming preferred.
• Familiarity with warehouse automation concepts such as WMS/MES interfaces.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AMRs AGVs or fleet management systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP PROFINET OPC UA).
• Exposure to lean manufacturing Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support projects across different stages.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office-based engineering work and on-site support in warehouse or manufacturing environments.
• May require occasional off-hours or weekend support during system go-lives or critical upgrades.

Required Experience:

Manager