Application Engineer / Robot Programmer

Location: Shelby Township, MI (Onsite at customer sites; up to 90% travel) | Reports To: Engineering Manager | Contract-to-Hire

Hands-on industrial robot programming experience, including recent use of a robot teach pendant, is required. Overview Our client is seeking an Application Engineer / Robot Programmer to design, modify, develop, and implement engineered solutions for industrial robotic and automation systems. This role works directly at customer sites, supporting automation projects from setup and programming through commissioning and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and implement engineered solutions for industrial robotic and automation systems.
• Create customized solutions to meet customer process requirements, including GUIs, application software, and hardware interfaces.
• Modify existing hardware and software solutions to accommodate variability in peripheral devices.
• Provide technical direction on assigned projects and support in-house, onsite, and remote customer engagements.
• Support project commissioning, troubleshooting, and implementation at customer sites.
• Read and interpret electrical and controls prints used in factory automation.
• Coordinate with customers, controls engineers, and internal engineering teams.
• Estimate project effort for quotes, budgets, and timing, and complete assigned tasks within defined timelines.
• Write application notes documenting product-specific problems and solutions.
• Periodically lead small project teams of 2-4 people, including planning, assigning, and directing work.
• Ensure engineering compliance with customer specifications, and follow safety and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering, with 4 years of related robotic automation experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Hands-on industrial robot programming experience, including recent use of a robot teach pendant
• Experience working on automation projects at customer sites
• Experience with robot setup, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, or process applications
• Ability to read electrical and controls prints
• Comfortable working directly with customers and collaborating with controls engineers
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 90%), domestically and occasionally internationally
• Valid passport and driver's license
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a specific industrial robot brand is not required; hands-on experience with any major industrial robot platform is acceptable.

Pay rate: $35-48/hr. This is a 3+ month contract-to-hire position, onsite at customer sites with up to 90% travel, based out of Shelby Township, MI. Candidates must be US Citizens, Green Card holders, or authorized to work on H4 EAD, L2 EAD, or TN visa.

About Us Peterson Technology Partners (PTP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a transparent, inclusive, and human-centered hiring experience.

For more than 28 years, PTP has operated as one of the top IT staffing and recruiting firms in the USA—built on trust, long-term partnerships, and technical excellence.

Based in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, IL, our team of more than 500 employees and consultants is dedicated to:

• Helping every client make the best hiring decisions possible
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As part of that commitment, we believe in providing clear information about how our hiring technologies work and how your data is used. The following section outlines our AI-assisted interview process and your rights as a candidate.

AI-Assisted Interview Experience (Pete & Gabi – Rebecca):

To provide a consistent, fair, and flexible experience for all candidates, we use AI-assisted tools to support parts of the interview process. This includes our proprietary AI platform Pete & Gabi, which includes AI recruiter Rebecca.

These AI hiring tools help us:

• Conduct recorded video interviews
• Transcribe interviews
• Summarize candidate responses
• Generate job-related insights
• Streamline communication and scheduling

Please note that:

• The AI does NOT make hiring decisions; all decisions are made by our human recruiters, hiring managers, or client partners.
• The AI does not evaluate facial expressions, emotions, or physical traits; it is used only to support fairness, consistency, and efficiency.

If you prefer a non-AI interview format, we will gladly provide an alternative.

Technical or Case Interviews (Role-Dependent): −

When applying for certain tech jobs, you may participate in:

• A technical interview
• A coding challenge
• A case study
• A client-specific assessment

We will always explain what to expect in advance so you can prepare with confidence.

Human Review & Selection: +

Every candidate’s profile—including interviews, conversations, and assessments—is reviewed by experienced recruiters and hiring leaders.

AI insights may assist with organization and evaluation, but final decisions are always human-driven.

Your Rights as a Candidate: +

At PTP, every candidate has the right to:

• Request a non-AI interview path
• Ask how your data is being used
• Request access to transcripts or interview recordings
• Request deletion of your AI-recorded interview
• Receive clear, timely communication

Our goal is to ensure you feel respected, informed, and supported throughout your experience.

Our Commitment: +

For more than 28 years, PTP has focused on putting people first—candidates, consultants, employees, and clients.

We’re committed to a hiring process that is:

• Transparent
• Compliant
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• Powered by innovative technology that enhances—not replaces—human judgment

Welcome to the future of hiring at Peterson Technology Partners.

We’re excited to learn more about you.

Equal Employment Opportunity: +

Peterson Technology Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.