Robotic Weld Engineer

Position Summary: The Robotic Welding Engineer bridges the gap between weld metallurgy, advanced robotics programming, and production floor efficiency. You will design, develop, integrate, and optimize automated and robotic welding systems. This role leads process improvement initiatives, troubleshoots complex cells, collaborates on fixture design, and ensures compliance with strict AWS quality standards. Key ResponsibilitiesRobotic Programming & OptimizationProgram Systems: Program and clone paths for multi-axis systems (primarily ABB) using teach pendants and Offline Programming (OLP) software. Tune Parameters: Adjust arc parameters, travel angles, travel speeds, voltage, and wire feed speeds to ensure structural integrity and reduce cycle times. Calibrate Sensors: Implement and calibrate Thru-Arc Seam Tracking (TAST), touch sensing, and laser/vision guidance systems. Tooling, Fixture & Cell Design ReviewReview Fixtures: Partner with Tooling Engineers to review fixture designs for part repeatability and torch joint access. Specify Equipment: Define technical specs for new robotic arms, power sources, positioners, reamers, and safety enclosures. Manage Integration: Lead commissioning of new robotic weld cells from initial design through production launch. Quality Control & TroubleshootingSolve Defects: Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and programming faults to resolve issues like porosity, undercut, and lack of fusion. Maintain Calibration: Manage Tool Center Point (TCP) standards and develop recovery protocols to minimize downtime. Ensure Compliance: Execute weld macro-examinations to guarantee alignment with AWS D1.1, D1.3, or customer-specific standards. Continuous Improvement & SafetyBoost Efficiency: Analyze production data to reduce "air-cut" time and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Champion Safety: Ensure cell compliance with OSHA and RIA/ANSI R15.06 guidelines (light curtains, interlocking gates). Train Staff: Mentor robot operators, technicians, and maintenance staff on basic troubleshooting and safety. Job QualificationsEducation & ExperienceDegree: Bachelor's degree in Welding, Mechanical, or Automation/Robotics Engineering is preferred. An Associate degree with equivalent hands-on industrial experience will be considered.

Experience: 3-5+ years of direct experience engineering robotic welding applications in heavy manufacturing, automotive, or structural steel fabrication. Technical SkillsRobotics: Proficient in programming major robotic platforms (primarily ABB). Experience with simulation software like RobotStudio or RoboGuide is highly preferred. Welding Expertise: Deep understanding of GMAW (MIG), FCAW, or GTAW (TIG) processes and parameter development. CAD & Prints: Ability to read engineering drawings and utilize CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CREO) to review part geometry. Upstream Focus: Knowledge of how laser cutting, stamping, and sheet metal rolling impact part fit-up and automated weld success. Success Metrics (KPIs) First-Time Through (FTT) Yield: Reduction in post-weld manual rework and repair rates. Cycle Time Reduction: Percentage decrease in cell cycle times through optimized tool paths. Equipment Downtime: Minimizing cell downtime caused by programming errors or fixture tracking alignment issues.