Automation Specialist

PROFILE SUMMARY

As the Automation Specialist, you will support/co-lead the design, integration, commissioning, and optimization of industrial robotic systems supporting automated loading and unloading, material handling, and flexible manufacturing cells across GN’s advanced manufacturing operations.

This role combines hands-on robotics integration expertise with system-level thinking, ensuring automation solutions are robust, scalable, safe, and production-ready. Under technical direction of the Lead/Sr. Automation Specialist, you will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to deploy automation that improves throughput, consistency, safety, and overall equipment effectiveness while aligning with GN’s operational, quality, and regulatory standards.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

• Robotic Cell Integration: Design, integrate, and commission industrial robotic work cells for CNC machine tending, material handling, and secondary operations, ensuring reliable and repeatable production performance.

• Robot Programming & Controls Integration: Program and configure industrial robots using OEM platforms and integrate with PLCs, CNC machines, safety systems, sensors, and peripheral equipment following established automation standards.

• End-of-Arm Tooling & Fixturing Collaboration: Work with mechanical design teams to develop EOAT, grippers, and fixturing solutions that ensure consistent part presentation and minimize downtime.

• System Commissioning & Debugging: Execute FAT/SAT, and on-site commissioning activities; troubleshoot cycle time, communication, sequencing, and reliability issues during system startup and production ramp-up.

• Safety & Compliance: Implement and verify robotic safety systems including guarding, scanners, interlocks, and safety PLCs in accordance with approved safety concepts and applicable CSA, ISO, and RIA standards.

• Production Support & Optimization: Provide ongoing technical support to manufacturing, optimize robot paths and logic, reduce downtime, and improve cycle times based on production data and root-cause analysis.

• Automation Standardization: Develop and maintain standardized automation architectures, code libraries, and best practices to support scalability and repeatability across GN’s facilities.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a technical liaison between Automation, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Maintenance teams to ensure alignment from concept through sustained production.

• Digital Manufacturing Integration: Support data capture and connectivity initiatives to integrate robotic cells with MES, OEE tracking, and future smart manufacturing platforms.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance automation performance, reliability, and flexibility while supporting GN’s lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Personality Traits:

1. Systems-Oriented Thinker: Understands the interaction between robots, machines, operators, and data within a manufacturing ecosystem.

2. Hands-On & Resilient: Comfortable working on the shop floor during startups, troubleshooting, and production ramp-up.

3. Detail-Focused & Methodical: Maintains precision in programming, safety validation, and system integration.

4. Ownership-Driven: Takes responsibility for automation solutions from concept through stable production.

5. Adaptable & Forward-Looking: Responds effectively to changing production requirements, new technologies, and evolving automation strategies.

Professional Skills:

1. Robotics Programming & Integration: Strong capability in programming, commissioning, and optimizing industrial robots across multiple OEM platforms.

2. Controls & Communication: Proficient in integrating robots with PLCs, CNC machines, and industrial networks.

3. Troubleshooting & Root-Cause Analysis: Diagnoses mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues in automated systems.

4. Safety Systems Implementation: Applies functional safety principles and validates compliance in robotic applications.

5. Manufacturing Process Knowledge: Understands CNC machining, material flow, fixturing, and production constraints.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS PROFICIENCY

Knowledge of the following regulatory and international standards is considered an asset:

1. ISO 10218 / RIA R15.06 (Industrial Robot Safety)

2. CSA Z434 (Robotic Systems)

3. ISO 9001:2015 (Quality)

4. ISO 45001:2018 (Health & Safety)

5. ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental)

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to GN’s Health & Safety policies and ensure compliance during automation design, installation, and operation. • Maintain current knowledge of industrial robotics, automation technologies, and smart manufacturing trends. • Promote GN’s commitment to operational excellence, safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience. • 3+ years of experience integrating and commissioning industrial robotic systems in an advanced manufacturing environment. • Proven experience with robotic loading/unloading or machine tending applications. • Strong knowledge of industrial robotics, PLC integration, sensors, pneumatics, and safety systems. • Experience interfacing robots with CNC machines and production equipment. • Ability to interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation. • Proficiency with robot programming environments and industrial communication protocols. • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience maintaining technical documentation, following automation standards, and supporting FAT/SAT activities is an asset.

• Experience with lean manufacturing, OEE improvement, or continuous improvement initiatives is an asset.