Position OverviewAs a Controls Engineer - Robotics, you will own the full lifecycle engineering of robotic arm systems deployed on ASI's autonomous yard truck platforms. This is an end-to-end integration position requiring you to own the problem from concept through field deployment and continuous performance improvement.
You will be central to solving one of our most technically demanding challenges: enabling autonomous connection and disconnection of air and electrical systems between trucks and trailers in active outdoor yard environments. This requires deep expertise in both robotics integration and vision systems - and critically, the ability to adapt industrial vision technology to conditions that standard deployments never encounter. Our robots operate outside, where lighting shifts constantly throughout the day, direct sunlight reflects off trailer surfaces, and darkness or overcast skies can render standard vision configurations unreliable. Solving these vision challenges is core to this role, not peripheral to it.
You will also guide and mentor junior robotics engineers, setting technical direction for the team.
Key Responsibilities- Own end-to-end integration of FANUC robotic arm systems - from system architecture and motion planning through field deployment and ongoing optimization.
- Lead vision system integration and problem-solving, with particular focus on adapting 2D/3D vision to outdoor, variable-lighting environments including direct sun, glare, shadow, and low-light conditions.
- Partner with mechanical and electrical teams to design, iterate, and validate end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and interface mechanisms - including custom tooling solutions for novel connection challenges.
- Develop robust motion strategies, error handling, and recovery routines capable of performing reliably in real-world, uncontrolled conditions.
- Troubleshoot complex field issues across mechanical, electrical, and software domains using structured root cause analysis.
- Collaborate with third-party vision system vendors and integrate their solutions into ASI's robotics platform.
- Drive testing, validation, and performance benchmarking against reliability, safety, and uptime requirements.
- Support on-site deployments and work directly with operations teams to ensure sustained system performance.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the robotics team.
- Contribute to engineering standards, documentation, and continuous improvement processes.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in robotic systems integration, with demonstrated end-to-end ownership - from concept and design through commissioning and field support.
- Strong experience with FANUC programming (TP/KAREL), system configuration, and integration.
- Meaningful, hands-on experience with vision systems (2D and/or 3D) - not just academic exposure. Must be able to configure, calibrate, troubleshoot, and adapt vision systems in real-world deployments.
- Proven ability to design or collaborate on custom EOAT and mechanical interface solutions.
- Demonstrated experience working across hardware/software boundaries, including sensors, PLCs, and system interfaces.
- Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
- Ability to operate independently in fast-paced, ambiguous, field-deployed environments.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with autonomous systems, mobile robotics, or outdoor/industrial automation environments.
- Familiarity with PLC integration and fieldbus communication (EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet, etc.).
- Experience with FANUC iRVision or similar integrated vision platforms.
- Exposure to safety-rated robotic systems and risk mitigation practices.
- Background working with or integrating solutions from third-party robotics or vision vendors.
- Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading small technical teams.
