Robotics Programmer

Description

 Build Machines. Solve Problems. Make an Impact.

At Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC), we design, engineer, and build custom automation systems that solve complex manufacturing challenges. Because every project is different, our team is constantly developing new concepts, solving technical problems, and finding practical ways to make automation work.

We’re looking for an experienced Robotics Programmer who can take a robotic application from concept through programming, integration, debug, and startup.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands how robots fit into a complete automation system—not just how to program a robot. You’ll work closely with our mechanical, electrical, controls, and applications teams to develop reliable robotic solutions for assembly, material handling, machine tending, inspection, and other automated processes.

Why SDC?

Move Fast & Make Decisions
SDC is a growing, family-owned company without layers of corporate structure slowing things down. Our teams have direct access to decision-makers, and good ideas can turn into action quickly. We expect people to use good judgment, communicate clearly, and help move projects forward.

Challenging Work That Stays Interesting
We build custom automation, which means you won’t spend every day programming the same machine. Our projects span different technologies, applications, and industries, giving you the opportunity to continually solve new problems and expand your technical experience.

See Your Work Come to Life
You’ll be involved throughout the project lifecycle—from early robotic concepts and simulation through integration, debug, runoff, installation, and startup. You’ll see the systems you program come together on our floor and ultimately run in our customers’ facilities.

Work With a Strong Technical Team
Our robotics programmers work alongside mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, controls engineers, machine builders, and applications engineers. Success here depends on collaboration and finding practical solutions as a team.

What You’ll Do

• Program and integrate industrial robots into custom automated machinery, including FANUC, Epson, Yaskawa, Mecademic, and similar platforms.
• Develop and optimize robotic motion paths for applications including pick-and-place, assembly, material handling, machine tending, inspection, and other automated processes.
• Use robotic simulation and motion-planning software to develop, validate, and optimize robotic applications before and during machine integration.
• Configure robotic controllers and establish communication between robots, PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, safety systems, and other automation components.
• Integrate vision-guided robotic applications and support calibration, coordinate systems, part location, and robot-to-vision communication.
• Troubleshoot robot programming, motion, communication, and integration issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure proper robot selection, reach, payload, end-of-arm tooling, controls architecture, and overall system integration.
• Support robotic safety implementation, including safe operating zones, interlocks, guarding, safety devices, and safety PLC integration.
• Participate in machine integration, debug, testing, and customer runoff at SDC.
• Support equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and customer training at customer facilities.
• Develop and maintain clear program documentation and support final project documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve programming standards, reusable code, robotic applications, and SDC’s overall approach to robotics.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience programming and integrating industrial robots in an automation, machine-building, systems integration, or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with FANUC robotics strongly preferred; experience with Epson, Yaskawa, Mecademic, or other industrial robot platforms is a plus.
• Strong understanding of robotic programming, coordinate systems, motion control, tooling, payload, reach, and application development.
• Experience integrating robots with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, safety systems, servo systems, and other industrial automation equipment.
• Experience with vision-guided robotics and industrial vision systems is strongly preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex robotic and automation issues systematically and efficiently.
• Experience with robotic simulation, offline programming, or cell-layout software.
• Understanding of industrial robot safety concepts and machine safety practices.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and automation system documentation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, machine builders, project teams, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to manage priorities and keep work moving in a fast-paced custom machine-building environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered.
• Ability to travel up to 10% for customer installation, startup, and support.

What We Offer

SDC offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance with supplemental insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick and parental leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match per pay period.
• Company-sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Automation That Works

At SDC, we take pride in building machines that work and standing behind what we build. Our projects move quickly, expectations are high, and solving difficult problems is part of the job. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to work on technically challenging equipment, take real ownership of your work, and see the direct impact of what you build.

We value people who communicate clearly, work well with others, take accountability, and are always looking for a better way to solve a problem.

www.sdcautomation.com

Steven Douglas Corp. is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.