Automation & Robotics Engineer

Job Description
Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced Automation & Robotics Engineer to support the development of next-generation robotic and automated material-handling solutions within its manufacturing operations in Indiana.

The successful candidate will provide specialist engineering expertise in collaborative robotics, automated packing solutions and Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems. The initial assignment will focus on developing the scope and preliminary design for the next packing collaborative robot (cobot), followed by an independent technical peer review of the site's existing AGV transformation project scope and implementation plan.

This role requires a combination of hands-on robotics and automation engineering knowledge, solution design capability, vendor evaluation experience and the ability to assess complex automation projects from both a technical and operational perspective.

The ideal candidate will have experience implementing or designing robotics solutions in pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, food or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collaborative Robotics - Packing Cobot Development

• Developthe technical scope and initial design concept for the next automatedpacking cobot.
• Assessthe existing packing process and identify opportunities for collaborativerobotic automation.
• Definethe appropriate type and configuration of cobot for the intended packingapplication.
• Evaluatethe required level of automation, including the extent of integration withexisting production equipment, packaging lines and manufacturing systems.
• Assesspotential cobot configurations, including payload capacity, reach, speed,accuracy, safety requirements and end-of-arm tooling.
• Identifysuitable robotic technologies and potential equipment suppliers.
• Researchand evaluate vendor options based on technical capability, suitability,integration complexity, cost and long-term support.
• Consideroperator interaction, ergonomics, accessibility and safe human-robotcollaboration.
• Developan initial design proposal outlining the recommended solution, technicalrequirements, integration considerations and potential suppliers.
• Identifykey technical risks, assumptions, constraints and dependencies associatedwith the proposed solution.
• Providerecommendations to support the next phase of engineering development andproject execution.

Key Deliverable 1 - Packing Cobot Scope and Initial Design

Spend approximately one week developing the scope and initial design for the next packing cobot.

The deliverable should include:

• Recommendedstyle and type of collaborative robot.
• Proposedlevel of automation and integration with existing manufacturing orpackaging equipment.
• Initialtechnical design and solution concept.
• Potentialcobot manufacturers and vendor options.
• Preliminaryassessment of technical feasibility and integration requirements.
• Keyconsiderations relating to safety, operational performance andscalability.
• Recommendationsand next steps for detailed design and implementation.

2. AGV Transformation Project - Technical Peer Review

• Conductan independent technical peer review of the site's current AGVtransformation project scope and implementation plan.
• Reviewthe proposed AGV solution architecture, technical approach and overallproject strategy.
• Assesswhether the proposed solution is appropriate for the site'smaterial-handling and manufacturing requirements.
• Evaluatethe planned AGV functionality, routes, traffic management and interactionwith people and other equipment.
• Reviewintegration considerations with existing manufacturing systems, warehouseoperations and material-handling processes.
• Assessthe proposed implementation approach, project phases, dependencies andtimelines.
• Identifypotential technical gaps, risks, constraints and areas requiring furtherinvestigation.
• Reviewconsiderations relating to operational safety, navigation, charginginfrastructure and fleet management.
• Evaluatethe proposed approach to commissioning, testing, validation andoperational handover.
• Provideconstructive feedback and recommendations to strengthen the project scopeand implementation plan.
• Engagewith relevant engineering and project stakeholders to communicate findingsand support decision-making.

Key Deliverable 2 - AGV Transformation Project Peer Review

Complete a technical peer review of the existing site AGV transformation project scope and plan.

The review should cover:

• Assessmentof the current project scope and technical approach.
• Reviewof the proposed AGV solution and system architecture.
• Assessmentof integration with existing site operations and infrastructure.
• Reviewof material flow, vehicle routing and operational requirements.
• Assessmentof safety, navigation and human interaction considerations.
• Identificationof technical gaps, risks, assumptions and project dependencies.
• Reviewof the implementation, testing, commissioning and handover strategy.
• Documentedrecommendations and improvement opportunities.

Technical Skills and Expertise

The successful candidate should demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:

Robotics and Collaborative Automation

• Collaborativerobots (cobots).
• Industrialrobotics and robotic automation.
• Roboticarm selection and application assessment.
• End-of-armtooling (EOAT) and robotic grippers.
• Automatedpacking, case handling and product handling.
• Human-robotcollaboration and machine safety.
• Roboticcell design and automation integration.

Automated Material Handling

• AutonomousGuided Vehicles (AGVs).
• AutonomousMobile Robots (AMRs).
• Automatedmaterial-handling systems.
• Fleetmanagement and vehicle coordination.
• Navigationtechnologies and route planning.
• Warehouseand manufacturing material flow.
• Integrationwith conveyors, packaging equipment and production systems.

Automation and Systems Integration

• PLCand industrial control systems.
• Siemens,Rockwell Allen-Bradley or equivalent automation platforms.
• HMIand SCADA systems.
• Industrialcommunication protocols and equipment interfaces.
• Manufacturingequipment integration.
• Automationarchitecture and solution design.
• Equipmentcommissioning, testing and troubleshooting.

Engineering and Project Delivery

• Technicalscope development.
• Conceptualand preliminary design.
• Engineeringspecifications and technical documentation.
• Vendorassessment and technical evaluations.
• FactoryAcceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Equipmentinstallation and commissioning.
• Technicalrisk assessment and project peer reviews.
• Projectplanning and implementation support.

Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Degreeor equivalent qualification in Robotics Engineering, AutomationEngineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineeringor a related discipline.
• Demonstrableexperience in industrial automation and robotics engineering.
• Previousexperience developing automation concepts, technical scopes or preliminaryengineering designs.
• Practicalknowledge of collaborative robotics and/or industrial roboticapplications.
• Experienceevaluating automation equipment, robotics solutions and OEM suppliers.
• Understandingof automation integration with existing manufacturing or packagingequipment.
• Experiencewith AGV, AMR or automated material-handling systems, preferably includingproject design or implementation.
• Abilityto conduct technical assessments and independent engineering peer reviews.
• Strongunderstanding of industrial safety and human-machine interaction.
• Abilityto identify technical risks, assess solution feasibility and developpractical recommendations.
• Strongtechnical documentation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable Experience

• Previousexperience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences or medicaldevice manufacturing.
• Experiencewith automated packaging and secondary packaging equipment.
• Experienceimplementing collaborative robots in production environments.
• Knowledgeof robotic manufacturers such as Universal Robots, FANUC, ABB, KUKA orsimilar.
• Experiencewith AGV/AMR suppliers and material-handling automation solutions.
• Familiaritywith GMP manufacturing environments and regulated equipmentimplementation.
• Knowledgeof machine safety standards, risk assessments and industrial safetyrequirements.
• Experiencewith vendor selection, technical bid evaluations and equipmentspecification development.
• Experiencereviewing automation transformation projects from concept throughimplementation.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an engineer who combines practical automation knowledge with strong conceptual design and technical evaluation skills.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently, assessing existing engineering proposals, engaging with equipment vendors and providing clear technical recommendations to support project decisions.

The individual should be capable of delivering a focused initial design assignment within a short timeframe while also providing an objective and structured review of a wider automation transformation project.

Initial Project Deliverables

Deliverable

Scope

Expected Output

Deliverable1 - Packing Cobot

Approximatelyone week to develop the scope and initial design for the next packing cobot

Cobottype recommendation, automation and integration concept, vendor options,technical considerations and next steps

Deliverable2 - AGV Project Review

Peerreview of the existing site AGV transformation project scope and plan

Technicalreview, identified gaps and risks, assessment of project approach anddocumented recommendations

Application

Candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting relevant experience in robotics, cobot applications, automated packing, AGV/AMR systems, manufacturing automation, equipment integration and engineering project reviews.