Robotics System Reliability Specialist

*** This position REQUIRES work at heights of up to 60+ feet, please read the full job description before applying***

Job purpose

The Robotic System Reliability Specialist is a member of the FourSquare Solutions development team within Sonwil Technology Services Group, focused on improving the reliability and performance of robotic systems used to move pallets throughout the solution. This is a hands-on, field-based technical role working directly with live robotic systems and devices, often at significant heights. The Specialist observes systems in operation, investigates and reproduces failures, performs root cause analysis, and works alongside the development team to develop, implement, and validate improvements across the controls, electrical, mechanical, and operational aspects of the solution. The position plays a critical role in systematically eliminating failure modes and reducing the need for operational intervention, advancing the solution toward continuous, highly autonomous operation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Work hands-on with live robotic systems and devices, including equipment operating at significant heights, to observe system behavior and understand performance under actual operating conditions.
• Investigate robotic system failures and abnormal behaviors by observing, reproducing, and troubleshooting issues to identify root causes across controls, electrical, mechanical, and operational components of the solution.
• Collect, document, and analyze failure information, including system behavior, operating conditions, fault data, and other relevant observations necessary to support effective root cause analysis.
• Analyze failures collectively to identify common characteristics, recurring failure modes, systemic issues, and emerging trends rather than treating failures solely as individual events.
• Review system reliability and failure KPI data to identify trends, quantify the operational impact of failure modes, and help prioritize improvement efforts that provide the greatest benefit to overall system stability.
• Clearly communicate root cause findings, failure trends, and technical observations to the development team, translating field observations and system data into actionable development priorities.
• Participate in the continuous integration and continuous operation (CICO) development process by providing feedback from live system operation, collaborating on corrective actions and product improvements, and helping move changes through implementation and validation.
• Participate in the implementation of system improvements, including PLC controls and configuration changes as knowledge, training, and system access permit.
• Test and validate corrective actions and system changes on live equipment to confirm intended behavior, identify unintended effects, and determine whether the targeted failure modes have been effectively addressed.
• Evaluate system performance following implemented changes to determine their effect on failure recurrence, reliability, and overall system stability.
• Develop an increasingly detailed understanding of the interaction between robotic devices, PLC controls, electrical systems, mechanical components, and the overall FourSquare solution.
• Support the continuous improvement of robotic system reliability with the objective of reducing failures, minimizing operational intervention, and advancing the solution toward sustained autonomous operation.

Qualifications

• Technical certificate, associate degree, or other post-secondary training in Mechatronics, Automation, Robotics, Electrical Technology, Electromechanical Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent relevant technical experience will also be considered.
• Technical aptitude with an awareness of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems and an interest in understanding how these disciplines interact within complex automated equipment.
• Foundational understanding of PLC-controlled, state-based machines, including the ability to follow the progression of machine states and control logic and understand how inputs, sensors, outputs, and expected conditions drive transitions and device behavior.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and analytical skills, including the ability to observe equipment in operation, gather relevant information, isolate potential causes, and develop logical root cause conclusions.
• Ability to think beyond individual failure events, recognize patterns in system behavior and data, and use those observations to identify opportunities for improved reliability.
• Strong hands-on technical aptitude and a willingness to work directly with live equipment to investigate problems and validate solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to working safely in and around automated equipment, with the judgment and discipline to follow established safety procedures and recognize potentially unsafe conditions.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and basic PLC wiring; hands-on experience with PLC wiring, sensors, controls, or industrial electrical systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience with or exposure to PLC programming and logic. Familiarity with CODESYS and Turck PLC devices is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley PLCs and ladder logic is helpful.
• Ability and desire to develop greater proficiency in PLC programming, controls, electrical systems, and other technologies used within the FourSquare solution.
• Familiarity with warehousing, distribution, logistics, material handling, or related operations is helpful, particularly an understanding of how automated systems support the movement and handling of product.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document technical findings and communicate nuanced system behavior, root cause conclusions, and recommendations to development and operational teams.
• Strong curiosity, initiative, and problem-solving mindset with a willingness to dig into unfamiliar problems, learn how systems work, and follow issues through to resolution.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative development environment while also independently investigating and advancing assigned reliability issues.

Physical requirements

• Ability and willingness to routinely work safely at significant heights, often up to approximately 60 feet, while accessing, observing, troubleshooting, and interacting with robotic system equipment.
• Ability and willingness to complete and maintain required training and certifications for working at heights, fall protection, and other safety requirements associated with the position.
• Ability to safely access equipment within the robotic system, including climbing, bending, reaching, and working in positions necessary to inspect, troubleshoot, and service system components.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, position, and maneuver equipment, components, tools, and products weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in an active automated material-handling environment around moving equipment and machinery while maintaining awareness of surrounding conditions and established safety procedures.

Direct reports

 No direct reports are expected.