Robot Programing Engineer

What We Do 

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. If all of this piques your interest, we’d love to hear from you! 

Position Summary 
Terabase is looking for an experienced robotics and automation engineer. Terabase is deploying more and more robots and automation into our field factories and we need a robot guru who can effectively program our robots and PLC’s, troubleshoot issues, and find ways to maximize their productivity in our manufacturing systems. This position reports directly to our Controls and Electrical Engineering manager and will work very closely with the controls team as well as the factory design team.  Daily activities include everything robots from contributing to new designs, building and programming prototypes, and commissioning robot systems. 

Successful candidates will exhibit strong resourcefulness, analytical thinking/problem solving, excellent communication skills, and adaptability all coupled together by a superlative work ethic.  Most importantly, you, like us, will be dedicated to accelerating the decarbonization of the global economy using digital and automation technology to further reduce the cost of utility-scale solar.   

Responsibilities 

• Write robot programs from scratch for new designed cells using Kuka KRL and Inline Forms 

• Work with Controls team to develop programming standards for robot and PLC interactions (standardized functions, handshakes, and interlocks) 

• Implement Interference Zones for SafeOperation, DCS, Workspaces/Protected spaces 

• Setup Robot I/O including communication protocols, i.e., Ethercat, EIP, TCP, etc. 

• Commission robots including Mastering, TCP, User Frames, Collision Detection, and Payload calibration 

• Use robotic simulation software (e.g., KukaSim, Roboguide, VC, etc.) for robot reach studies and offline programming 

• Prefer PLC Programming with structured text 

• Debug and test new or modified robotic and PLC programs on production floor and field production locations 

• Design, document, and conduct comprehensive machine and system testing 

• Assist purchasing during component selection and vendor approval process 

• Assist in risk assessment of newly designed machines 

• Assist with conceptual design of the operation of new/custom equipment and components 

• Understand and support EHS with respect to safe robot concepts and adhere to safety protocols 

• Assist in assembly of robotic devices and subsystems 

• Document and perform corrective or preventative maintenance on robots and their components 

• Diagnose, disassemble, repair, and reassemble robots as needed 

• Troubleshoot manufacturing systems using mechanical knowledge and electrical knowledge to troubleshoot and address technical issues 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering  

• Minimum 3 years of experience programming industrial robots (Kuka preferred) 

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% 

• Prefer experience in industrial manufacturing  and/or construction industry 

• Self-starter, able to thrive in a fast-paced and continually changing environment.  

• Strong communication, customer relationship skills, and ability to communicate effectively and inte