Automation Systems & Robotics Maintenance Manager

We are seeking an experienced Automation Systems & Robotics Maintenance Manager to own the reliability, serviceability, and continuous improvement of complex automated machinery. This role is responsible for hands-on troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and root-cause analysis across electro-mechanical systems with many interdependent subsystems.

Our automation platforms include robotic handling, imaging systems, precision alignment mechanisms, vacuum systems, motion control, and custom wiring harnesses. These systems operate continuously in a production environment and require daily to weekly service, calibration, and fault resolution., System Ownership & Reliability

• Own uptime, performance, and serviceability of complex automated machinery
• Act as escalation point for recurring or high-impact mechanical, electrical, or vision issues
• Diagnose failures involving:
• Wiring harnesses, connectors, and cable routing
• Cameras, lighting, lenses, and imaging alignment
• Vacuum lines, seals, solenoids, and pressure sensors
• Precision fixtures, pedestals, and alignment mechanisms
• Tilt, lift, and motion assemblies (motors, belts, bearings, rails)

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

• Perform structured troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and vision subsystems
• Identify failure modes such as:
• Intermittent connector failures
• Signal degradation from cable wear or EMI
• Mechanical drift or misalignment over time
• Vacuum loss due to micro-leaks or contamination
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), not just quick fixes

Preventive Maintenance & Service Strategy

• Define and improve PM schedules based on real failure data
• Standardize service procedures and inspection checklists
• Recommend design improvements to reduce wear, service time, and variability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• Manufacturing / Operations
• Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
• Software / Controls / Vision teams
• Translate field failures into actionable engineering feedback

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Maintain service documentation, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting guides
• Train technicians and engineers on proper diagnostics and repair techniques
• Capture tribal knowledge and convert it into repeatable processes

• 5+ years working with automated machinery, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• Electrical wiring, connectors, sensors, and power distribution
• Mechanical assemblies with tight tolerances and alignment requirements
• Pneumatic or vacuum systems
• Cameras, optics, lighting, or machine vision components
• Proven ability to troubleshoot systems, not just components

Practical Mindset

• Comfortable diagnosing intermittent, non-obvious failures
• Able to distinguish between software symptoms and hardware root causes
• Understands wear mechanisms, tolerance stack-ups, and environmental effects

Tools & Methods

• Multimeters, oscilloscopes (preferred), and diagnostic tools
• Mechanical alignment tools (gauges, shims, fixtures)
• Root cause analysis methods (5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA)

Highly Valuable (but Not Required)

• Experience supporting equipment in high-throughput production environments
• Exposure to custom-built or semi-custom automation (not just off-the-shelf robots)
• Background in reliability engineering or maintenance engineering
• Experience with regulated or quality-driven environments