Robot Technician in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin at Madison-Kipp Corporation

The Robot Technician is responsible for performing die setups, die changeovers, robotic adjustments, and automation support within an aluminum die casting manufacturing environment. This role focuses heavily on preparing and changing dies, supporting machine startup activities, adjusting robotic systems and end-of-arm tooling, and ensuring production equipment is operating safely and efficiently.

This position plays a critical role in minimizing downtime during changeovers, supporting production schedules, and maintaining stable automated manufacturing processes. The Robot Technician works closely with Production, Maintenance, Tooling, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure successful production startups and operational efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Perform complete die changeovers on aluminum die casting machines.

· Install, remove, align, and secure dies according to production schedules and setup requirements.

· Prepare die cast machines and automation equipment for production startup.

· Set up and adjust robotic automation systems to support specific die configurations and part requirements.

· Install and adjust end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), extractors, sprayers, grippers, trim components, and automation tooling.

· Verify proper robot positioning, extraction paths, spray patterns, and automation sequencing following die changes.

· Perform machine startup verification and assist with first-piece quality approval.

· Troubleshoot setup, die alignment, robotic, and automation issues impacting startup efficiency, quality, or uptime.

· Coordinate with Production and Quality teams to make process adjustments during startup and changeover activities.

· Support mold temperature setup, water line connections, hydraulic hookups, and auxiliary equipment setup as required.

· Ensure all setup tooling, clamps, hoses, fixtures, and components are properly installed and functioning safely.

· Assist in reducing die setup and changeover times through continuous improvement activities.

· Maintain setup sheets, tooling records, robot backups, and changeover documentation.

· Perform preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting on robotic and automation systems.

· Support weekend production operations and emergency setup needs as required.

· Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and molten metal safety

· Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

· Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Heavy Manufacturing Environment. MKC houses different machinery, equipment, processes, and chemicals which produce potential hazards in the work environment such as: ergonomic, chemical, machine point of operation, and powered industrial vehicle traffic. These hazards are controlled through means of engineering controls, such as machine guarding, and administrative controls, such as safety policies and programs. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to noisy. In certain areas of the facility, employees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment such as Hearing Protection, Safety Glasses, Safety Toe Shoes, and hand protection.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand, stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to regularly walk throughout all the manufacturing facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Appropriate education and/or experience may be substituted on an equivalent basis.

· Technical degree, certification, or equivalent manufacturing experience preferred.

· Experience performing die setups and die changeovers in an aluminum die casting environment strongly preferred.

· Experience working with industrial robotic systems and automation equipment preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.

JOB SKILLS

· Knowledge of die casting machines, dies, robotic automation, hydraulics, pneumatics, and manufacturing processes.

· Experience with robotic systems such as FANUC, ABB, Motoman, or similar platforms preferred.

· Ability to read blueprints, setup sheets, process documentation, and tooling diagrams.

· Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

· Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

· Strong communication and teamwork skills.