Robotic Welding Engineer
Hendrick Technical Solutions provides a one-of-a-kind working experience where a diverse group of talented team members are committed to embracing innovation with the intensity to perform at the highest level, primarily focused on our work in the Defense sector.
Hendrick Technical Solutions continuously seeks skilled and talented individuals who are motivated and enthusiastic about helping us meet our goals.
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Position Summary:
The Robotic Welding Engineer is responsible for the development, implementation, optimization, and continuous improvement of automated robotic welding systems. This role combines expertise in welding processes, robotics, automation, and manufacturing engineering to ensure high-quality weld production, maximize equipment uptime, and drive operational efficiency. The engineer will work closely with production, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to support both new product launches and ongoing production operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Robotic Welding System Development & Programming
- Develop, program, and optimize robotic welding applications using systems such as FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, or KUKA robots.
- Create and modify robot programs, weld schedules, and motion paths to achieve optimal weld quality, cycle time, and process consistency.
- Lead commissioning and startup activities for new robotic welding cells and automation equipment.
- Evaluate and implement advanced robotic welding technologies, sensors, seam tracking, vision systems, and adaptive welding controls.
Welding Process Engineering
- Develop and optimize welding processes including MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), pulsed MIG, Laser welding, and Laser hybrid welding applications.
- Establish welding parameters, process standards, and best practices to ensure compliance with customer and industry requirements.
- Analyze weld defects and process variation using root cause analysis techniques and implement corrective actions.
- Support weld qualification activities, procedure development, and validation testing.
Continuous Improvement & Manufacturing Support
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on weld quality, productivity, cycle time reduction, and equipment utilization.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify opportunities for process optimization.
- Support production teams with technical troubleshooting and resolution of robotic, welding, fixture, and automation-related issues.
- Drive standardization of robotic programming methods, maintenance practices, and operating procedures.
Equipment & Automation Integration
- Collaborate with manufacturing, controls, and mechanical engineers on the design and integration of robotic welding cells.
- Specify, evaluate, and implement tooling, fixtures, positioners, weld equipment, and automation systems.
- Support PLC-controlled systems, HMI interfaces, safety systems, and industrial networking associated with robotic welding cells.
- Coordinate equipment upgrades, retrofits, and capital projects.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable welding standards, customer specifications, and internal quality requirements.
- Develop inspection methods and quality control plans with QC department for robotic welding processes.
- Support customer audits, quality investigations, and corrective action activities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, welding engineering, mechatronics engineering, or related technical discipline.
- 3+ years of experience in robotic welding, welding automation
- Strong knowledge of robotic programming platforms such as FANUC, Yaskawa , ABB, or KUKA.
- Experience with MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), Pulsed MIG, and automated welding processes.
- Knowledge of PLC systems, industrial controls, sensors, and automation integration.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, welding symbols, and technical specifications.
- Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Welding Engineer certification or equivalent welding qualifications.
- Experience with offline robotic simulation software (RoboGuide, MotoSim, RobotStudio, Process Simulate, etc.).
- Knowledge of machine vision, seam tracking, laser scanning, and adaptive welding technologies.
- Experience with automotive, heavy equipment, aerospace, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Key Success Measures
- Weld quality and first-pass yield.
- Robotic cell uptime and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Reduction in scrap, rework, and downtime.
- Successful implementation of process improvements and automation projects.
- Compliance with safety, quality, and production targets.
This position is ideal for an engineer who combines hands-on robotic welding expertise with a passion for automation, process optimization, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
This role subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements and as such, U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident or U.S. Person Status Required.
Hendrick is an Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf.