Robot programmer

Position Summary Experienced Robot Programmer to develop, optimize, troubleshoot, and support KUKA and FANUC robotic systems used in advanced manufacturing operations. This is a remote role, with the majority of programming, simulation, troubleshooting, and process development performed using digital manufacturing and offline programming tools. The position may require international travel for up to approximately 20% of working time to support manufacturing plants with process development, commissioning, prove-out, optimization, troubleshooting, and production ramp-up. The successful candidate will work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, Automation and Controls, Maintenance, Production, Quality, equipment suppliers, and system integrators to deliver reliable, standardized, and production-ready robotic processes. Key Responsibilities Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize programs for KUKA and FANUC industrial robots. Develop robotic applications for automated deburring cells, CNC machine automation, component/material handling, and automated production processes. Perform robot programming, simulation, testing, and validation offline wherever practical before deployment to production equipment. Use Visual Components and robot-specific programming/simulation environments to develop and validate robotic processes. Use Siemens Teamcenter, JT2Go, and Siemens NX CAD/CAM to work with engineering data, 3D models, manufacturing layouts, tooling, fixtures, and equipment configurations. Develop and validate robot paths, reach, accessibility, tool orientation, clearances, collision conditions, and automated sequences. Troubleshoot robot programs, alarms, I/O, PLC handshakes, interlocks, communication, sequencing, and machine-interface issues. Integrate robots with CNC machine tools, PLCs, pallet systems, grippers, fixtures, sensors, vision systems, and automation equipment. Optimize robot movements and sequences to improve safety, quality, cycle time, equipment utilization, reliability, and productivity. Develop standardized, maintainable robot programs with robust fault handling and recovery routines.Maintain program backups, revision control, documentation, and change traceability. Provide remote technical support and support commissioning, process qualification, manufacturing readiness, and production ramp-up. Capture lessons learned and incorporate improvements into standard programs and future applications. Required Qualifications Degree, diploma, or equivalent technical experience in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field. 6+ years of relevant experience. Strong practical experience programming industrial robotic systems. Experience programming and troubleshooting primarily KUKA and secondarily FANUC robots and control systems. Working knowledge of KUKA KRL and FANUC robot programming. Experience with offline robot programming and simulation. Visual Components: Must have. Working knowledge of Siemens Teamcenter, JT2Go, and Siemens NX CAD/CAM. Strong understanding of robot coordinate systems, tooling, frames, motion programming, I/O, PLC interfaces, interlocks, and automated sequences. Experience integrating robots with PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment. Ability to understand 3D CAD models, manufacturing layouts, tooling, fixtures, and robotic-cell configurations. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, remote-support, and communication skills. Willingness and ability to travel internationally for up to approximately 20% of working time. Preferred Experience Robotic CNC machine tending and automated machining operations.High-mix, low-volume, complex, tight-tolerance, or high-value manufacturing. KUKA and FANUC offline programming/simulation environments. Siemens PLC-controlled automation and PROFINET. Robotic grippers, end-of-arm tooling, automated pallet handling, vision systems, and material handling.SAT, commissioning, and production ramp-up. Robot and machinery safety principles.Structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5-Why, or DMAIC. Key Behaviours: Technical Ownership: Takes responsibility from initial diagnosis through implementation and verification. Digital Manufacturing Mindset: Uses CAD, simulation, offline programming, and controlled engineering data before deployment wherever practical. Bias for Action: Responds quickly to production issues and moves solutions into implementation. Programming Discipline: Develops standardized, maintainable, documented, and robust robot programs. Practical Problem Solving: Uses robot data, engineering models, simulation, diagnostics, and onsite feedback to resolve root causes. Collaboration: Works effectively across manufacturing sites, engineering teams, OEMs, and system integrators. Continuous Improvement: Improves robot reliability, cycle time, process stability, standardization, and productivity. What Success Looks Like A successful Robot Programmer can take a robotic application from engineering data and digital concept through offline programming, simulation, onsite prove-out, optimization, and stable production operation. The role is remote-first, not remote-only. Most development should be completed digitally and offline, with onsite time focused on activities where direct access to manufacturing equipment adds value. Understand the requirement. Develop digitally. Program and simulate offline. Validate. Deploy onsite when required. Prove out. Optimize. Standardize. Support production.