Robotics & Automation Engineer

K12 Computers is seeking a hands-on Robotics & Automation Engineer to design, build, and implement automation systems across our electronics processing facilities. This position will focus on improving the speed, accuracy, safety, and scalability of how laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, and other technology assets are received, identified, tested, graded, cleaned, repaired, sorted, and prepared for resale.

The ideal candidate is a practical builder who can take a process from initial observation through prototype development and full production deployment. This role requires experience combining mechanical systems, robotics, machine vision, sensors, controls, software, and data integration in a real-world warehouse or manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing production workflows and identify high-impact automation opportunities.
• Design robotic and automated systems for device handling, inspection, testing, sorting, cleaning, imaging, labeling, and packaging.
• Develop custom fixtures, conveyors, work cells, end-of-arm tooling, and material-handling solutions.
• Integrate robotics, PLCs, motors, sensors, cameras, scanners, safety equipment, and industrial control systems.
• Develop machine-vision applications for asset identification, barcode and serial-number capture, cosmetic inspection, and product classification.
• Connect automated equipment with K12 Computers’ ERP, inventory, testing, and reporting systems.
• Program and configure robots, PLCs, embedded controllers, industrial computers, and supporting software.
• Create prototypes, conduct production testing, analyze results, and improve system reliability and throughput.
• Establish performance metrics, including cycle time, uptime, error rate, labor savings, and return on investment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, software, networking, and controls-related issues.
• Develop preventive-maintenance procedures, operating instructions, and technical documentation.
• Train production employees and maintenance personnel on the safe operation of new systems.
• Work closely with warehouse leadership, production teams, software developers, and equipment vendors.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable OSHA, machine-safety, electrical, and facility requirements.
• Manage automation projects from concept and budgeting through installation and production launch.
  

Initial Project Opportunities

• Automated identification and sorting of mixed electronic equipment.
• Camera-based capture of serial numbers, asset tags, model numbers, and cosmetic condition.
• Automated laptop and Chromebook testing stations.
• Robotic device handling between production processes.
• Conveyor and material-routing systems.
• Automated cleaning, skinning, labeling, and packaging processes.
• Integration of testing equipment and production machinery with the company’s ERP.
• Data-driven monitoring of production output, equipment performance, and quality results.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, automation engineering, or a related field—or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience designing, building, integrating, or maintaining industrial automation systems.
• Working knowledge of robotics, machine vision, sensors, motors, actuators, and industrial controls.
• Experience with PLC programming and industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to read and create mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and system documentation.
• Experience with CAD and the fabrication of custom fixtures or machine components.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to manage projects independently and work directly with production employees.
• Willingness to work hands-on in warehouse and electronics-processing environments.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with collaborative robots or industrial robotic arms.
• Experience with machine-vision platforms and industrial cameras.
• Familiarity with Python, C++, C#, JavaScript, ROS, or similar programming environments.
• Experience integrating automation equipment with APIs, databases, ERP systems, or manufacturing software.
• Knowledge of conveyor systems, pneumatic equipment, servo systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience with automated testing, computer hardware, electronics refurbishment, manufacturing, logistics, or IT asset disposition.
• Familiarity with 3D printing, CNC fabrication, rapid prototyping, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Understanding of machine-safety standards, guarding, emergency stops, and risk assessments.
  

What Success Looks Like

During the first year, the Robotics & Automation Engineer will:

• Develop a prioritized automation roadmap based on operational impact and return on investment.
• Build and deploy at least one production-ready automation system.
• Improve throughput, consistency, or labor efficiency within selected workflows.
• Establish repeatable standards for designing, documenting, maintaining, and scaling automation equipment.
• Create a foundation for expanding robotics and intelligent automation throughout K12 Computers’ operations.
  

Ideal Candidate

You are curious, resourceful, and comfortable working where engineering meets day-to-day operations. You enjoy building functional systems—not just designing concepts—and can move between mechanical design, electrical controls, programming, testing, and troubleshooting. You understand that successful automation must be safe, reliable, maintainable, and financially practical.

About K12 Computers

K12 Computers is a growing technology lifecycle and IT asset disposition company serving school systems and organizations nationwide. We help customers recover value from surplus technology through secure data destruction, testing, refurbishment, resale, and responsible recycling. As our operations expand, we are investing in robotics, machine vision, software, and advanced automation to create a faster, more accurate, and more scalable electronics-processing platform.

K12 Computers is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.