End of Arm Tool (EOAT) Engineer

JLS Automation is currently accepting candidates for a Robotic End of Arm Tool (EOAT) Engineer for our corporate office in York, PA. The Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineer will work with a leader in primary and secondary packaging machinery for the food manufacturing industry using cutting-edge robotics technology.  We have an exceptional customer-focused, problem-solving, and employee-centered culture in a heavy growth mode.  Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineers are presented with many opportunities to solve complex, unique, problems in automation which require self-motivated, creative, out-of-the-box thinking.

Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineer Job Objective

The Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineer is a hands-on engineer responsible for the design, testing, and building of a variety of End of Arm tools. End of Arm tools may utilize vacuum cups powered by JLS Vacuum on Board, blowers, or other vacuum sources. End-of-Arm Tools may also be mechanical in nature, using pneumatic cylinders or servos to accomplish the motion requirements; they are typically hygienic in nature that must withstand washdown/sanitization requirements.

The EOAT Engineer is expected to mechanically design EOATs in SolidWorks, as well as communicate the desired design to Mechanical System Designers. The ideal Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineer will have extensive experience designing complex mechanisms and machines. This is a Full Time, Exempt position reporting to the Design Engineering Manager.

Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineer Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Systems Engineers early in a project lifecycle to understand the End of Arm tooling needs and perform rapid design and development to support the project schedule. Utilize SolidWorks to design and review End of Arm tool designs;

• Perform stress/strain calculations, Finite Element Analysis, tolerance stack-up analysis, and fatigue analysis as part of the design process.
• Document every aspect of JLS EOATs including, design calculations, design methodology and standards, build and maintain a library of tool designs, EOAT test procedures, EOAT maintenance procedures, EOAT installation procedures, and EOAT cleaning/sanitization procedures.
• Create and document standard EOAT tests to be performed during and after manufacturing;
• Attend EOAT Design Reviews and review EOAT drawings prior to release;
• Regularly use JLS Test cells to demonstrate and test EOATs. The EOAT Engineer will also be responsible for designing and constructing mechatronic test rigs to perform life cycle testing of the End of Arm tools to ensure robust operation and long operational life.
• Occasional travel to customer site early in a project to understand product characteristics when presented to the End of Arm Tooling. The Robotic EOAT Engineer may also travel to the customer site during system commissioning to evaluate and refine EOAT operation. Must be able to travel up to 15%.
• Advise and/or provide feedback to Sales/Application Engineering when needed and during project closeout.

• Responsible for meeting task deadlines;
• Work with purchasing department to acquire necessary materials;
• Advise and guide manufacturing resources during EOAT assembly when needed;
• Other duties as assigned;

Robotic End of Arm Tool Engineer Qualifications

• 4-year college degree majoring in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience;
• 5 – 10 years of technical/professional experience;
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks 3D design software preferred;
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis software for evaluating component and assembly stress and fatigue preferred, but not required;
• Understanding of engineering principles related to the strength of materials, structural analysis, and failure modes (e.g., fatigue, static failure, creep, etc.);
• Understanding of metallurgical principles and familiarity with material options and properties;
• Experience performing kinematic analysis and synthesis of linkages preferred but not required;
• Strong knowledge of complex mechanisms to achieve desired mechanical motions is required;
• Experience building custom test rigs including electrical and mechanical;
• Strong grasp of product/material handling and manipulation, preferably in the food industry;
• Knowledge of Washdown and Sanitary design preferred but not required;
• FDM 3D Printing experience is preferred but not required;
• Ability to perform multiple tasks with a diversity of problems;
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Computer skills are required at an advanced level;
• Must exhibit the capability to generate problem solutions, and influence other employees’ work;
• Ability to travel up to 15%
• Must be able to work in the United States without sponsorship