Lead Programmer

$60,445 - $70,866/Yr

Polaris - Huntsville, AL

Full-time - Mid Level

Huntsville, AL

Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers

About the position

The Lead Programmer at Polaris Inc. is responsible for coordinating programming activities in the tube bend department, focusing on automation opportunities and skill development to support bend automation. This role involves optimizing the utilization of automation and managing the programming functions of all bend equipment, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and cost standards while leading a team of programmers.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates the activities necessary to produce specified products within safety, quality, and cost standards.
• Leads a team of programmers to support and advance production, ensuring schedule compliance.
• Leads programming team in the Weld department and plans the installation of welding equipment, including welders, robotics, jigs, and vision systems.
• Programs robotic equipment including PLCs, Fanuc, Omron, and Motoman.
• Responsible for implementing and maintaining machine time as designed by the manufacturing engineer.
• Conducts feasibility studies to ensure that recommended improvements meet objectives regarding safety, quality, market demands, competitive costs, and financial criteria.
• Reads and interprets engineering drawings and builds relationships with equipment suppliers to maximize equipment capability.
• Works directly with controls and maintenance teams, maintaining proper documentation for PLC logic and electrical procedures.
• Supports daily robot programming, troubleshooting, and file backups of updated processes.
• Troubleshoots robotic systems using knowledge of robot controllers, servo motion, electronics, and supports maintenance with circuit analysis and mechanics.
• Works with the maintenance team to maintain and update spare parts strategy and recommended PM frequency for automation and controls equipment.
• Responsible for shutdown/start-up procedures for robotic equipment and participates in quality review and root cause analysis.
• Follows validation plan for process changes and participates in leading tooling AM/PM programs.
• Develops and updates process documentation and procedure instructions.
• Conducts direct machine/labor studies and establishes standards on operations, setup, robotic cell, and workstation layout.
• Coordinates with Manufacturing Engineers/tool designers to specify or procure new tooling and fixtures.

Requirements

• Experience with software troubleshooting and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Mid-level experience in manufacturing leadership.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of robotic systems and programming, particularly with Fanuc and other PLCs.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work within a team environment or independently.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Fanuc robotic systems.
• Knowledge of servo motion and electronics.

Benefits

• Profit sharing
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Volunteer time off
• Life insurance