Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Position Summary: 

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for addressing hardware and software challenges at the system level in advanced robotics systems. This role involves troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and ensuring the seamless integration of robotics technologies. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that support our connected device technology initiatives. Additionally, the role requires effective communication of complex technical concepts to stakeholders, problem-solving under pressure, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

What you’ll do: 

We are agile, and so our days and duties can vary. In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the following duties:

• You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting the control systems to ensure they continue to operate effectively. This may involve performing routine maintenance, diagnosing and fixing problems with the control system, and updating software and hardware as needed. Working with innovative Robotics systems, troubleshooting system-level issues, both Hardware and Software. Monitor control systems using software and programming languages like Python or Ladder logic
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including system design, installation, and troubleshooting guides. Create and maintain documentation related to the design, programming, testing, and maintenance of the control system. This includes writing user manuals, system specifications, and test reports
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with Linux system configuration issues and device drivers. Support Windows and Linux servers on-premise
• Updating and troubleshooting human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to provide systems support specialists with a clear understanding of system performance
• Provide technical support to end-users, including training and instruction on system use
• Staying current with industry developments and advancements in control system technology, including hardware and software upgrades
• Apply system-level configuration changes in support of new production introduction
• Work both onsite and on-call
• Deploy and/or maintain infrastructure using tools such as Ansible, Dell OpenManage, and Git
• Respond and resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime, ensuring operations run smoothly
• Provide detailed descriptions of the state of the system and provide insight as to the cause of the issue and preventive measures
• Capture supporting data, including system logs, images, and any reproduction steps necessary to investigate issues as needed by other Apkudo teams
• Plan and perform system maintenance activities, including parts planning and replacement
• Plan and carry out regular QA activities on all Hardware in line with the operational QA plan
• Other duties as required.

What you’ll need: 

We come together to deliver for each other and our customers, and we know there are many paths to performing well. That having been said, we rely on you to come up to speed fast and deliver great work without too much guidance, so we think it would be hard to do that without:

• Ability to read ladder logic, PLC programs, and troubleshoot PLC functions
• Ability to program and troubleshoot control circuit devices such as photoeyes, solenoids, limit switches, indicating lights, safety switches, and cameras and controllers
• Working knowledge of routers, switches, and integrating equipment
• Ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and repair belt shafts, drives, and gear reducers and work with pneumatic circuits involving cylinders and solenoid values
• Experience working with various sensors, including but not limited to Lidar, radar, camera, IMU, GPS, encoders, I/O, PLC, and solenoids
• 3 + years of progressive system server and network support experience
• Working knowledge of Yaskawa GP7 robot systems programming and troubleshooting
• Success in supporting, updating, and deploying/maintaining Linux (Ubuntu, Debian) and Windows Server 2019 (and later)
• Scripting skills with Python, PowerShell, and/or Bash
• Experience partnering with vendors and customers to solve problems and build solutions
• Proficient in collaborating within a distributed team setup and effectively communicating with individuals across technical and non-technical backgrounds
• Ability to work with remote people effectively in an onsite capacity by troubleshooting issues without a clear description of the problem
• Ability to troubleshoot issues without a clear description of the problem.
• Troubleshoot problems using local and cloud-hosted tools
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of networking architectures and protocols (switching, VPNs, VLANs, multiple ISPs, etc.) with cross-vendor functionality (Meraki/Cisco, Unifi, Checkpoint)
• Experience working with AWS Services such as Cloudwatch
• Experience working with Dell servers, OpenManage, iDRAC, and white box systems.
• Deployment and maintenance of configuration management tools like Ansible, Git, Prometheus, Grafana, Docker, KVM, QEMU, etc.
• Experience partnering with vendors and customers to solve problems and build solutions
• Knowledge of programming and setting up industrial HMI
• Knowledge of physical server and server OS troubleshooting
• Customer management experience or working at customer sites is desired

Additional responsibilities may include: 

• Travel to the US for up to one month of training. Passport required 

Our Core Values: 

• Hooked on customers. Our passion for innovation propels our customers forward. We thrive on solving our customers’ problems, big and small.
• We communicate confidently and with generosity. We not only spread ideas, but we also spread understanding to help every team succeed.
• Champion the use of data. We use data to build solutions to problems, promote collaboration, and inform decisions for us and our customers. 
• Proudly accountable. We follow through because the alternative is not an option. Every word, every action, and every result reflect the improvements we seek to make.
• Be you. We bring our whole selves to our work, our teams, and our customers. The collective ‘we’ will shine bright for all to see.
• I have your back. Trust and respect each other to do the right thing when someone needs an extra hand. We go farther together than we do alone.
• It matters how we show up. Sometimes bold, sometimes brave, always curious. We expect more of ourselves to be our best for the team.

What you can expect from us: 

• Annual leave - 20 days of paid annual leave per year
• Holidays - Generous paid holidays, including a day off for your birthday.
• Flexible Working Arrangements - Apkudo supports a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and remote or hybrid work setups. Please note that the availability of flexible working arrangements may vary based on the specific role and business requirements.
• Tuition reimbursement - Up to ¥745,950 JPY per year (equivalent to $5,250 USD)for financial assistance for continuing education, certification courses, or degree programs related to your role.
• Wellness Stipend - Monthly stipend to support health and wellness activities, such as gym memberships, yoga classes, or wellness apps.
• Tech Stipend - Monthly stipend to assist with purchasing or upgrading technology equipment for optimal productivity.
• Benefits - Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. Please note that benefit offerings may vary based on your location

*Please note that fringe benefits provided may be subject to local tax regulations.*

About Apkudo: 

Our Vision

Devices connect the world. We help ensure there will still be a world to connect.

This is ambitious, on purpose. We must lean into our shared passion for change and do whatever it takes to do our part to regenerate resources and build sustainable processes and behaviors to leave the world a better place. 

Those who do good, do well.

The Fine Print: 

We are an agile organization, and so the duties and description of this role (like every other at Apkudo) may change at any time as we adapt.

You will work primarily on-site and occasionally remotely. You may travel beyond your home base 0-10% of your time (e.g. HQ in Baltimore, Nashville, Dallas, UK, UAE, or another site). You should ideally be able to travel internationally as we are expand. 

The physical requirements include the ability to stand for prolonged periods, bending and climbing to access systems is also required. You will also be moving and installing servers and equipment upwards of 50 pounds (with assistance as needed).

Note: Apkudo is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity and to creating a culture where everyone feels respected and connected, no matter the location of their work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law