The Cobot Welder is responsible for the setup, operation, programming, and monitoring of collaborative robotic welding equipment used in the production of custom manufactured products. This position combines hands-on welding knowledge with automated welding technology to produce high-quality welded assemblies safely, accurately, and efficiently. The Cobot Welder will set up fixtures and components, select and adjust welding programs, monitor weld quality, troubleshoot basic equipment and process issues, and perform manual welding as needed. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality to improve welding processes, reduce rework, and support production schedules. The ideal candidate is a skilled welder who is comfortable learning and working with automation technology and has strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cobot Operation & Programming Set up and operate collaborative robotic welding equipment to produce welded assemblies according to production requirements. Load, position, and secure components using appropriate fixtures, jigs, and tooling. Select existing welding programs and teach, modify, or adjust cobot weld paths as required. Adjust welding parameters, including wire feed speed, voltage, travel speed, torch position, and other settings to achieve acceptable weld quality. Perform setup and changeovers between different products and configurations. Conduct test runs and first-piece evaluations before beginning production. Monitor cobot operation and make adjustments to maintain consistent weld quality and production efficiency. Welding & Fabrication Perform manual welding, fitting, tack welding, grinding, and fabrication activities as required to support production. Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, weld symbols, work instructions, and specifications. Verify materials, dimensions, and component orientation prior to welding. Identify welding defects and perform corrections or rework as necessary. Maintain proper welding techniques and procedures for the material and application being produced. Quality Inspect completed welds for workmanship, penetration, appearance, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with applicable specifications. Use appropriate measuring and inspection equipment to verify finished product requirements. Identify and communicate quality concerns to Production and Quality personnel. Follow established work instructions, welding procedures, drawings, and customer requirements. Maintain required production and quality documentation. Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to welding defects, scrap, or rework. Equipment & Troubleshooting Perform routine startup, shutdown, and equipment inspections. Troubleshoot basic cobot, welding, fixture, and programming issues. Replace welding consumables such as contact tips, nozzles, liners, and welding wire as necessary. Perform routine preventive maintenance and cleaning of welding equipment. Notify Maintenance or supervision when equipment issues require additional technical support. Continuous Improvement Work with Production, Engineering, and Quality to identify opportunities to improve cobot welding processes. Recommend improvements to fixtures, weld sequences, programming, setup methods, and work instructions. Assist with the development and validation of cobot programs for new products. Support efforts to improve throughput, weld consistency, first-pass quality, and equipment utilization. Participate in 5S and other continuous improvement activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required. Previous hands-on welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. Working knowledge of

MIG/GMAW

welding processes. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and welding symbols. Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Ability to use basic measuring and inspection equipment. Basic computer skills and ability to learn touchscreen or software-based cobot controls. Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work. Ability to safely perform the physical requirements of a manufacturing welding position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience operating or programming collaborative robots or robotic welding equipment. Experience setting up welding fixtures, jigs, and tooling. Experience modifying robotic weld paths or welding parameters. Experience in a custom/high-mix manufacturing environment . Experience welding aluminum and/or other materials used in custom fabrication.

TIG/GTAW

welding experience. Formal welding education, certification, or completion of a welding apprenticeship/program. Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong understanding of welding fundamentals and weld quality. Ability to identify and correct common welding defects. Ability to learn and operate automated manufacturing equipment. Strong problem-solving and mechanical troubleshooting abilities. Ability to follow detailed work instructions and technical documentation. Ability to prioritize work based on production schedules and changing operational needs. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Attention to detail and commitment to quality. Continuous improvement mindset. Ability to work safely in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the workday. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull as required. Ability to lift and move materials and components consistent with established company lifting requirements. Regular exposure to a manufacturing environment including welding fumes, sparks, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Must wear all required personal protective equipment, including appropriate eye, face, hearing, hand, and foot protection. Must follow all company safety procedures and equipment-specific safety requirements.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Success in this position will be measured through: Weld quality and first-pass acceptance. Production output and efficiency. Cobot uptime and utilization. Reduction of scrap and rework. Accuracy of setups and changeovers. Adherence to production schedules. Equipment care and preventive maintenance. Safety performance. Attendance and reliability. Participation in continuous improvement activities.

Pay:

$26.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person