Automation Technologist
Company Overview
PakFab Engineered Solutions is a North American company with a world class team of packaging experts. We design, program-manage, fabricate, source, retro-fit, repair/service, and breakdown/recycle all types of packaging – metal, plastic, foam, bags, bulk/standard bins and a variety of custom dunnage. We provide solutions to a variety of industries: automotive, industrial, alternate energy, electronic and aerospace.
Position Summary
The position of Automation Technologist includes, but is not limited to, designing and overseeing the manufacturing of robotic jigs, fixtures, and automated equipment, while supporting robotic programming, operation, troubleshooting, and process improvement. The Automation Technologist will evaluate current manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, throughput, and equipment reliability. This role will also be responsible for leading and tracking manufacturing equipment and software purchases, installations, implementations, documentation, training, and ongoing support.
Core Competencies
- Health & Safety
- Accountability and Dependability
- Operating Equipment Safely
- Teamwork
- Computer skills
- Ethics and Integrity
- Communication Skills
- 5S – Clean & Organized
- Adaptability
- Quality Orientation
- Decision Making and Judgement
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Creative and Innovative Thinking
- Development and Continual Learning
Overview
- Designing robotic jigs and fixtures
- Overseeing the manufacturing of robotics Jigs and equipment
- Overseeing and assisting if needed with robotic programming and operation
- Auditing our manufacturing processes
- Improve manufacturing equipment and operations where possible
- Lead and track manufacturing equipment and software purchases, installations and implementations
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities and develop solutions to enhance production efficiency
- Ensure proper maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of robots and other manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime and improve performance
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for robot and other equipment and assist in training team members when needed
- Assist in the troubleshooting of manufacturing equipment
- Work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and PakFab policies
- Other assigned work as required
- Lead robotics and automation projects from concept through design, implementation, testing, commissioning, and ongoing support
- Evaluate current production processes and recommend automation improvements to improve safety, quality, efficiency, throughput, and labour utilization
- Develop and maintain preventative maintenance standards for robotic and automated equipment in coordination with maintenance and production teams
- Support root cause analysis for robotic, automation, tooling, and equipment failures, and implement corrective actions
- Ensure robotic systems, guarding, fixtures, jigs, and related equipment meet applicable safety standards before being released to production
- Maintain documentation for robotic programs, equipment settings, drawings, manuals, procedures, and change records
- Train, mentor, and support employees involved in robotic operations, troubleshooting, and safe equipment use
- Work with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to source equipment, obtain quotes, coordinate installations, and resolve technical issues
- Assist with budgeting, cost justification, and return-on-investment analysis for automation and robotics projects
Responsibilities
- Research, select and purchase quality products and materials.
- Build relationships with suppliers and negotiate with them for the best pricing.
- Researches, analyzes, and forecasts current and future buying trends, markets, styles, and products with attention to specified target market and demographics.
- Fostering a positive work environment by promoting open communication, teamwork, and employee engagement
- Process requisitions and update management on status of orders.
- Update inventory and ensure that stock levels are kept at appropriate levels.
- Develops and maintains relationships with wholesalers and suppliers.
- Supports negotiations of contracts with wholesalers and suppliers.
- Arrange transport of goods and track orders to ensure timely delivery.
- Analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful buying decisions.
- Coordinate with inventory team, management, and stockroom as required.
- Assess the quality of stock received and escalate any discrepancies to suppliers and management.
- Ensuring that all procured items meet the required quality standards and specifications.
- Advise Material Estimating dept of any price changes or vendor changes.
- Working to improve purchasing systems and processes.
- Understand in depth company process, capabilities, target markets, and core competencies.
- Procure and place orders for goods, materials, and services for the organization in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Research and survey buying markets to source the most optimal suppliers, in accordance with corporate objectives.
- Coordinate all purchases with inventory or warehouse managers to ensure rapid delivery and reception of goods and/or services.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- 5+ years’ experience working in robotics within a manufacturing environment (required)
- Bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field (preferred)
- 5+ years’ experience with CAD software and simulation tools for robotic systems (required)
- 3+ years’ experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Competent working on a computer/tablet, word processing, and other computer programs
- Competent in the understanding of various manufacturing processes
- Ability to lead complex implementation projects
- Experience designing jigs and fixtures
- Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment
- Ability to program automated systems online and offline
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to read, interpret and create blueprints/drawings
- Knowledge of our assembly process
- Ability to work in a fast-paced production shop
- Must a valid driver’s license
- Must be willing to travel throughout North America
- Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment
- Strong work ethic and positive team attitude
- Able to effectively communicate
- Ability to learn new systems when required
- Strong ability to identify safety issues with manufacturing equipment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams
- Experience working with vendors, suppliers, and contractors for automation equipment, installations, service, and technical support
- Ability to document robotic programs, process changes, equipment settings, procedures, and troubleshooting steps accurately
Work Conditions
- Works in both office and manufacturing shop floor environments.
- Regular exposure to machinery, robotics, noise, dust, fumes, moving equipment, and shop floor hazards.
- Must follow all safety policies, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and legislative requirements.
- Required to wear appropriate PPE for the task and work area.
- May troubleshoot robotic, automated, and manufacturing equipment on the shop floor.
- May require standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, lifting, and working around equipment.
- May respond to urgent production or equipment issues as required.
- Ability & willingness to travel to U.S. & Mexico locations - some travel will be required for installations, vendors, training, operational support, etc.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work for a growing company with room for advancement
- Vacation & Personal Days
- Employer paid benefits and RRSP matching program
- Referral bonus programs
- Workplace events
- Day shift; Monday to Friday (in-office position)
PakFab Engineered Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with AODA and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by PakFab Engineered Solutions throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us at 519-622-1839 x425 to make your needs known in advance.
#PakFabCAHP
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $75,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Aylmer, ON N5H 3H3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Manufacturing Equipment : 3 years (required)
- CAD software/simulation tools: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person