Horizon Controls Group is seeking an experienced Automation & Robotics Engineer to support the development of next-generation robotic and automated material-handling solutions within its manufacturing operations in Indiana.

The successful candidate will provide specialist engineering expertise in collaborative robotics, automated packing solutions and Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems. The initial assignment will focus on developing the scope and preliminary design for the next packing collaborative robot (cobot), followed by an independent technical peer review of the site's existing AGV transformation project scope and implementation plan.

This role requires a combination of hands-on robotics and automation engineering knowledge, solution design capability, vendor evaluation experience and the ability to assess complex automation projects from both a technical and operational perspective.

The ideal candidate will have experience implementing or designing robotics solutions in pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, food or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collaborative Robotics – Packing Cobot Development

• Develop the technical scope and initial design concept for the next automated packing cobot.
  
• Assess the existing packing process and identify opportunities for collaborative robotic automation.
  
• Define the appropriate type and configuration of cobot for the intended packing application.
  
• Evaluate the required level of automation, including the extent of integration with existing production equipment, packaging lines and manufacturing systems.
  
• Assess potential cobot configurations, including payload capacity, reach, speed, accuracy, safety requirements and end-of-arm tooling.
  
• Identify suitable robotic technologies and potential equipment suppliers.
  
• Research and evaluate vendor options based on technical capability, suitability, integration complexity, cost and long-term support.
  
• Consider operator interaction, ergonomics, accessibility and safe human-robot collaboration.
  
• Develop an initial design proposal outlining the recommended solution, technical requirements, integration considerations and potential suppliers.
  
• Identify key technical risks, assumptions, constraints and dependencies associated with the proposed solution.
  
• Provide recommendations to support the next phase of engineering development and project execution.
  

Key Deliverable 1 – Packing Cobot Scope and Initial Design

Spend approximately one week developing the scope and initial design for the next packing cobot.

The deliverable should include:

• Recommended style and type of collaborative robot.
  
• Proposed level of automation and integration with existing manufacturing or packaging equipment.
  
• Initial technical design and solution concept.
  
• Potential cobot manufacturers and vendor options.
  
• Preliminary assessment of technical feasibility and integration requirements.
  
• Key considerations relating to safety, operational performance and scalability.
  
• Recommendations and next steps for detailed design and implementation.
  

2. AGV Transformation Project – Technical Peer Review

• Conduct an independent technical peer review of the site's current AGV transformation project scope and implementation plan.
  
• Review the proposed AGV solution architecture, technical approach and overall project strategy.
  
• Assess whether the proposed solution is appropriate for the site's material-handling and manufacturing requirements.
  
• Evaluate the planned AGV functionality, routes, traffic management and interaction with people and other equipment.
  
• Review integration considerations with existing manufacturing systems, warehouse operations and material-handling processes.
  
• Assess the proposed implementation approach, project phases, dependencies and timelines.
  
• Identify potential technical gaps, risks, constraints and areas requiring further investigation.
  
• Review considerations relating to operational safety, navigation, charging infrastructure and fleet management.
  
• Evaluate the proposed approach to commissioning, testing, validation and operational handover.
  
• Provide constructive feedback and recommendations to strengthen the project scope and implementation plan.
  
• Engage with relevant engineering and project stakeholders to communicate findings and support decision-making.
  

Key Deliverable 2 – AGV Transformation Project Peer Review

Complete a technical peer review of the existing site AGV transformation project scope and plan.

The review should cover:

• Assessment of the current project scope and technical approach.
  
• Review of the proposed AGV solution and system architecture.
  
• Assessment of integration with existing site operations and infrastructure.
  
• Review of material flow, vehicle routing and operational requirements.
  
• Assessment of safety, navigation and human interaction considerations.
  
• Identification of technical gaps, risks, assumptions and project dependencies.
  
• Review of the implementation, testing, commissioning and handover strategy.
  
• Documented recommendations and improvement opportunities.
  

Technical Skills and Expertise

The successful candidate should demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:

Robotics and Collaborative Automation

• Collaborative robots (cobots).
  
• Industrial robotics and robotic automation.
  
• Robotic arm selection and application assessment.
  
• End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and robotic grippers.
  
• Automated packing, case handling and product handling.
  
• Human-robot collaboration and machine safety.
  
• Robotic cell design and automation integration.
  

Automated Material Handling

• Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs).
  
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).
  
• Automated material-handling systems.
  
• Fleet management and vehicle coordination.
  
• Navigation technologies and route planning.
  
• Warehouse and manufacturing material flow.
  
• Integration with conveyors, packaging equipment and production systems.
  

Automation and Systems Integration

• PLC and industrial control systems.
  
• Siemens, Rockwell Allen-Bradley or equivalent automation platforms.
  
• HMI and SCADA systems.
  
• Industrial communication protocols and equipment interfaces.
  
• Manufacturing equipment integration.
  
• Automation architecture and solution design.
  
• Equipment commissioning, testing and troubleshooting.
  

Engineering and Project Delivery

• Technical scope development.
  
• Conceptual and preliminary design.
  
• Engineering specifications and technical documentation.
  
• Vendor assessment and technical evaluations.
  
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
  
• Equipment installation and commissioning.
  
• Technical risk assessment and project peer reviews.
  
• Project planning and implementation support.
  

Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Robotics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  
• Demonstrable experience in industrial automation and robotics engineering.
  
• Previous experience developing automation concepts, technical scopes or preliminary engineering designs.
  
• Practical knowledge of collaborative robotics and/or industrial robotic applications.
  
• Experience evaluating automation equipment, robotics solutions and OEM suppliers.
  
• Understanding of automation integration with existing manufacturing or packaging equipment.
  
• Experience with AGV, AMR or automated material-handling systems, preferably including project design or implementation.
  
• Ability to conduct technical assessments and independent engineering peer reviews.
  
• Strong understanding of industrial safety and human-machine interaction.
  
• Ability to identify technical risks, assess solution feasibility and develop practical recommendations.
  
• Strong technical documentation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences or medical device manufacturing.
  
• Experience with automated packaging and secondary packaging equipment.
  
• Experience implementing collaborative robots in production environments.
  
• Knowledge of robotic manufacturers such as Universal Robots, FANUC, ABB, KUKA or similar.
  
• Experience with AGV/AMR suppliers and material-handling automation solutions.
  
• Familiarity with GMP manufacturing environments and regulated equipment implementation.
  
• Knowledge of machine safety standards, risk assessments and industrial safety requirements.
  
• Experience with vendor selection, technical bid evaluations and equipment specification development.
  
• Experience reviewing automation transformation projects from concept through implementation.
  

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an engineer who combines practical automation knowledge with strong conceptual design and technical evaluation skills.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently, assessing existing engineering proposals, engaging with equipment vendors and providing clear technical recommendations to support project decisions.

The individual should be capable of delivering a focused initial design assignment within a short timeframe while also providing an objective and structured review of a wider automation transformation project.

Initial Project Deliverables

Application

Candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting relevant experience in robotics, cobot applications, automated packing, AGV/AMR systems, manufacturing automation, equipment integration and engineering project reviews.