Job Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY: For more than 70 years, JOST has been shaping the future of transportation with innovation, safety, and customer focus at its core. Founded in 1952 in Germany with the development of the first cast-steel fifth wheel, JOST has grown into a global leader supplying the commercial vehicle and agricultural industries with trusted, high-quality solutions.

With its portfolio of leading brands — JOST, ROCKINGER, TRIDEC, Quicke, and Hyva — the company today is a Tier 1 supplier recognized worldwide for excellence in fifth wheels, landing gear, towing hitches, steering systems, front loaders, and hydraulic solutions. The 2025 acquisition of Hyva marked a significant milestone, expanding JOST’s reach into hydraulic cylinders, tippers and components for transport and waste handling, and strengthening its position across both On-Highway and Off-Highway applications.

Headquartered in Germany with operations on five continents, JOST continues to drive industry standards through engineering expertise, a commitment to quality, and strong partnerships with OEMs and fleets around the world.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Robotic Programmer is responsible for programming, troubleshooting, optimizing, and maintaining industrial robots used in manufacturing processes. This role supports production by developing automated solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. The Robotic Programmer works closely with engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to implement and sustain robotic automation systems.

This position reports to the Industrial Engineering Manager. It is solely accountable for the fulfillment of all assigned duties and has authority delegated commensurate with assigned responsibilities.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Include, but are not limited to:

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, KUKA, or Universal Robots.
• Develop robot paths, motion sequences, and process parameters for manufacturing applications.
• Support robotic systems used in welding, material handling, assembly, painting, palletizing, machine tending, and inspection processes.
• Perform robot setup, commissioning, testing, and validation for new equipment and production launches.
• Diagnose and resolve robotic, electrical, and mechanical issues to minimize downtime.
• Optimize robot cycle times and improve equipment performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design and implement automation improvements.
• Maintain robot programs, backups, and technical documentation.
• Ensure robotic systems comply with safety standards and company policies.
• Train operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel on robotic equipment operation and basic troubleshooting.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automated systems.
• Assist with installation and integration of robots, vision systems, PLCs, and other automation equipment.
• Assist with any assigned 5S & LEAN housekeeping initiatives.
• Any additional duties that have not been specifically stated, but which may be assigned and those that are logically and properly inherent to this position.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience programming industrial robots in a manufacturing environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with one or more robotic platforms including FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, KUKA, or Universal Robots.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and industrial automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with PLC interfaces and industrial networks.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification in robotic programming or automation technologies.
• Experience with robotic welding applications.
• Knowledge of vision systems, sensors, and machine integration.
• Familiarity with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
• Experience with CAD software and robotic simulation software.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of robotic motion control and automation principles.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Analytical and diagnostic troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements and machine safeguarding standards.
• Completion of Information Security Training required.
• Ability to gain knowledge of company products. Comply with quality, environmental, safety and JOST company policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is generally performed in a production plant 80% of time and 20 % in an office setting.
• While performing duties of this job, the employee will regularly; sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, twist and occasionally will be required to stoop, kneel, lift or move objects of 50 pounds or less with or without assistance.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends, when necessary to support production.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Robot uptime and equipment availability.
• Reduction in production downtime.
• Cycle time improvements.
• Successful launch of automation projects.
• Quality and scrap reduction metrics.
• Safety compliance and incident prevention.

JOST International participates in E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer