Robot Programming & PLC Commissioning Engineer (EtherCAT)

Robot Programming & PLC Commissioning Engineer (EtherCAT) Your mission

Build reliable, high-performance automation cells by combining expert ABB RAPID programming with solid Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 PLC control. You will integrate devices, validate safety and interlocks, and commission systems to production quality—on the floor, with tools in hand.

The challenge

Picture a multi-robot cell paused mid-cycle. An EtherCAT node fault flashes, an interlock is latched, and production is waiting. You dive into RAPID routines, verify I/O mapping in TwinCAT, read the electrical schematic to trace the fault, and recover the system safely. Moments like this define the role—and you own them from development through production commissioning.

Accountabilities

• Program, integrate, and commission ABB robots; optimize RAPID code for reliability and throughput.
• Engineer Beckhoff PLC logic in TwinCAT 3 with a focus on Structured Text.
• Configure, diagnose, and stabilize EtherCAT networks and field devices.
• Integrate robots, PLCs, sensors, actuators, and industrial peripherals into cohesive cells.
• Design robust sequencing with proper interlocks, fault handling, and recovery strategies.
• Commission and troubleshoot equipment directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Interpret electrical schematics to resolve industrial controls issues.
• Deliver projects from initial development to full production commissioning.

Fit criteria

This is a true robotics and controls engineering role—not a project management or primarily electrical design position. It’s ideal for someone who prefers the teach pendant and TwinCAT over slide decks.

Required background

• ABB robot programming/commissioning with strong RAPID skills.
• Beckhoff TwinCAT 3; PLC programming in Structured Text.
• EtherCAT setup and troubleshooting.
• Systems integration across robots, PLCs, sensors, and actuators.
• On-floor commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Electrical schematic reading and industrial controls troubleshooting.
• Automation sequencing, interlocks, fault handling, and recovery knowledge.
• Experience seeing projects through development into production commissioning.

Nice to have

• ABB RobotStudio and SafeMove.
• Beckhoff TwinSAFE; servo and motion control on Beckhoff platforms.
• CNC machine-tool integration or robotic machine tending.
• Machine vision (Cognex, Keyence, ABB Vision, or related systems).
• Industrial comms: OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MQTT.
• Programming experience in Python, C#, or C++.
• Automated pallet/tool handling, CMMs, and inspection systems.
• Experience with multi-robot or multi-machine cells.
• Digital twin/offline simulation exposure.

Technical strengths

• PLC troubleshooting and programming
• Industrial and manufacturing engineering
• Industrial robot programming
• Troubleshooting industrial automation equipment
• Machine vision programming
• Electrical/electronic systems
• Industrial electrical systems and experience
• Electrical schematic reading

Primary toolset

• Beckhoff PLCs
• Vision systems
• Servo motors
• ABB industrial robots