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Senior Hardware Technician, Controls Bring-Up

Columbus, Ohio

Build the Path Forward

 At Path Robotics, we’re building the future of embodied intelligence. Our AI-driven systems enable robots to adapt, learn, and perform in the real world closing the skilled labor gap and transforming industries. We go beyond traditional methods, combining perception, reasoning, and control to deliver field-ready AI that is risk-aware, reliable, and continuously improving through real-world use.

Big, hard problems are our everyday work, and our team of intelligent, humble, and driven people make the impossible possible together.

As a Senior Hardware Technician, you'll be the first person to bring electricity, intelligence, and motion to a freshly built robotic welding cell. After our build team completes mechanical assembly, the cell rolls to your bench. You'll image the PC and HMI, configure the safety PLC and managed network, set up the robot controller and Functional Safety Unit, configure every field device on EtherNet/IP and IO-Link, run a bit-level I/O check, and execute the safety functional test that proves the cell is safe to move and weld. From there, you hand off to our Logical Bring-Up team for software calibration and production validation.

This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to live at the intersection of controls, robotics, and safety, and who takes pride in being the person who makes a cell come alive.

What You’ll Do

  • Execute the full Controls Bring-Up procedure on each new cell: hardware device setup, robot controller setup, and safety QC.
  • Configure managed switches and VLANs (control, safety, vision, diagnostic) per the network plan.
  • Update PLC firmware, download the released PLC program, and verify a clean startup.
  • Set IPs and verify EtherNet/IP comms for valve packs, IO-Link masters, remote I/O blocks, area scanners, distance sensors, and servo packs.
  • Configure the welding power source (firmware update, comms interface, weld I/O exchange).
  • Set up the robot controller end-to-end: IP, remote pendant, EtherNet/IP scanner/adapter mapping to PLC, safety logic load, controller-to-PLC interlock verification.
  • Initialize, zero, and verify all robot, base, and positioner axes; configure servo parameters and home positions; set soft limits.
  • Calibrate the Tool Center Point (TCP) and gravity for the welder torch and torch-cleaning-station tip pointer.
  • Configure the Functional Safety Unit (FSU): coasting value, robot range limit, axis speed monitor, speed limit; load FSU files.
  • Apply the standard functionality settings (SimpleConnect, energy saving, jog key allocation, joint velocity remap, wire-feeder interference model, cycle-switch-in-remote, pendant password and date/time, calibration pendant ladder mod and wiring, serial-number job).
  • Run a bit-level I/O check against the I/O list and a full safety functional test (E-stops, light curtains, gates, interlocks); record PASS/FAIL and resolve any FAIL before sign-off.
  • Pre- and post-bring-up controller backups (CMOS plus individual files) archived to the cell folder.
  • Document deviations, drive ECRs to resolution with the design team, and contribute back to our Confluence procedure set so the next person has a better experience than you did.
  • Mentor junior techs — we're growing the team, and being a force-multiplier matters here.

Who You Are

  • 3+ years bringing up industrial automation cells — robotic, machining, or assembly — in a manufacturing or system-integrator environment.
  • Hands-on configuration of a current six-axis industrial robot controller (Yaskawa YRC-class strongly preferred; Fanuc / ABB / KUKA experience considered).
  • Working proficiency with a Logix-class safety PLC and Studio 5000 (or RSLogix 5000): firmware updates, program download, online edits, I/O mapping, troubleshooting.
  • EtherNet/IP networking on the plant floor: device addressing, scanner/adapter configuration, managed switch and VLAN setup.
  • Reading and working from electrical, controls, and safety drawings; comfortable doing point-to-point I/O checks with a multimeter.
  • Working knowledge of robotic welding cells or comparable robotic process equipment.
  • Discipline around documentation, configuration backups, and version control of files (CMOS, PLC, FSU, network).
  • Comfortable working in PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toes) in an active manufacturing environment.

Preferred but not required:

  • Functional Safety Unit (FSU) configuration on Yaskawa controllers.
  • IO-Link master and device commissioning.
  • Welding power source setup (Miller, Lincoln, Fronius).
  • ROS / ROS driver job-file experience for industrial robots.
  • Python scripting for automating repetitive setup, file renames, or backup pulls.
  • Experience writing or editing Confluence procedure pages, work instructions, or training materials.
  • OSHA-10 / OSHA-30, NFPA 70E arc-flash, or LOTO certifications current.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

  • Daily free lunch to keep you fueled and connected with the team
  • Flexible PTO so you can take the time you need, when you need it
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, plus an additional 6–8 weeks for birthing parents (12–14 weeks total)
  • 401(k) retirement plan through Empower
  • Generous employee referral bonuses—help us grow our team!

Who We Are

At Path Robotics we love coming to work to solve interesting and tough challenges but also because our ideas are welcomed and valued. We encourage unique thinking and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or any part of the hiring process, please contact HR@path-robotics.com. We are committed to providing equal access and will work with qualified individuals to ensure a fair and accessible hiring experience. We will respond to your request within 48 hours.

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