Automation Engineer - Mobile Robotics

Oceaneering - Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Fort Wayne, IN

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Automation Engineer serves as a key member of the Oceaneering Mobile Robotics (OMR) group and will be responsible for implementing, testing, supporting, and installing our ATS software suite (both on a SCADA and on an embedded/vehicle level). Day to day, you will configure the existing vehicle software framework as needed for new projects and the installed base. This includes generating ATS layouts, programming PLCs, implementing traffic rules, optimizing vehicle parameters, calibrating vehicles, and testing software in simulation and on actual devices. Working in a multidisciplinary team, you will ensure that the software systems meet customer specifications and work within their site constraints. You will provide both logistical and technical insight to create solutions that provide optimal automation performance. Given that we have global customers, you should be willing to travel and stay abroad for several weeks at a time, supporting the successful installation of systems at customer sites. OMR, a division of Oceaneering International Inc. (NYSE: OII), produces and maintains commercial autonomous vehicles. Supporting customers worldwide, our robots utilize natural feature navigation and service the healthcare, automotive, warehouse, and manufacturing markets. The role requires a proactive approach to troubleshooting and optimizing software systems, ensuring that all components work seamlessly together to enhance operational efficiency. You will also be involved in training customers on the ATS supervisory and vehicle controls, ensuring they are equipped to utilize the systems effectively. This position is hybrid-remote, requiring commuting to a designated office as needed, with work schedules determined by the hiring manager based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Implement and test the control software for ATS systems on SCADA and vehicle level.
• Translate customer requirements into logistical ATS solutions including layout and traffic optimization, vehicle performance improvements, and using existing infrastructure in the most efficient configuration.
• Program PLCs to interface with customer infrastructure supporting the ATS system.
• Interface the vehicle software to vehicle control hardware such as motor controllers, proximity detectors, and wheel encoders.
• Support the commissioning and deployment of ATS systems.
• Troubleshoot software issues.
• Test the application software and interfaces to the vehicle.
• Write requirements, detailed design documentation, and test cases.
• Provide support for field issues.
• Participate in the bid process for new projects.
• Analyze and modify traffic and logic rules to optimize material flow and vehicle performance.
• Continuously improve processes and procedures to optimize development efficiency.
• Work in a multidisciplinary and multi-national team.
• Train customers using the ATS supervisory and vehicle controls.
• Support installed based systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, preferably related to Robotics, Computer Science/Informatics, or Industrial Automation.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in commissioning and deploying industrial applications.
• Proficient with Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Experience with configuring industrial control systems, preferably in the logistics domain.
• Understanding of networking hardware and software.
• Experience with writing requirements, design documentation, and test cases.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to read and understand existing product code.
• Ability to read and understand wiring diagrams.
• Ability to act independently, generating innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Working knowledge of electronic and electromechanical devices such as analog inputs and outputs, quadrature encoders, relays, solenoids, proximity sensors, etc.
• Understanding of control loops.
• Customer-focused attitude.
• Willingness to travel and stay abroad several weeks at a time during system installation.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a demanding and dynamic work environment.
• Must be able to work legally in the US.
• Must possess a driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in either deployment of AGV/ATS, robotic systems, or autonomous logistical systems.
• Experience with issue tracking systems, preferably Jira.
• Experience with software version control systems.
• Experience with designing logistical solutions.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Experience designing HMIs.
• Experience implementing DCS or SCADA systems.
• Experience with XML, web services, and web user interfaces.
• Experience with CAD programs.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule based on business needs.
• Equal Opportunity Employer policies ensuring consideration for all candidates without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factors.