Materials Welding Technician

About the role

The Materials Welding Technician supports the Materials Engineering team by validating welding and joining work. The primary focus is on coupon preparation, cut-and-etch, metallographic sample prep, weld performance validation testing, and weldability DOE execution for steel and light-metal applications. This role supports engineers and software developers working on welding specifications, production joints, supplier quality, and durability-critical validation activities.

Responsibilities

• Execute welding validation activities for development and production-related programs, including coupon builds, welding trials, welding schedule evaluations, and structured DOE support for steels and light metals.
• Prepare and evaluate welded samples through sectioning, mounting, polishing, cut-and-etch, macro/micro review, and related lab characterization methods to assess weld quality and joint performance.
• Partner with Materials Engineers, Welding Engineers, and Supplier Development Engineers to generate data needed for weld specifications, production joint validation, and supplier issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate records of test setups, welding parameters, sample traceability, weld inspections and characterization, and results to support engineering decisions and formal reporting.
• Help prepare samples and fixtures for mechanical, metallographic, corrosion, and reliability-related lab work as needed to support broader Materials Engineering priorities.
• Support lab organization, equipment upkeep, consumables management, and safe operating practices for welding and materials characterization activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, lab workflows, and validation turnaround time.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in mechanical, materials and welding technology with 5 years of hands-on experience in welding technology, materials testing, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with welding validation or fabrication support in an engineering, manufacturing, supplier, or laboratory environment.
• Experience in preparing and evaluating weld samples, including sectioning, polishing, etching, and dimensional or visual assessment of weld quality.
• Working knowledge of common joining processes used for sheet or structural metallic assemblies, especially resistance spot welding, broader familiarity with GMAW, laser welding, or other joining methods is a plus.
• Ability to execute test plans with good discipline, maintain traceable records, and communicate clear observations to engineers and technicians.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on lab setting with fixtures, saws, polishers, microscopes, and related test equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and safety.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, processes, and test methods as the team grows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Welding, or Materials Engineering or 8 years of industry experience.
• Experience supporting weld development for automotive steel and aluminum applications.
• Familiarity with metallography, weld cross-sections, button size evaluation, peel/chisel checks, or mechanical test sample preparation.
• Advanced metallographic preparation and imaging such as cross-polarization color etching, dissimilar metals multi-process etching, electrolytic etching, and submicron surface preparation.
• Exposure to corrosion or durability-related lab testing.
• Experience in working with supplier validation samples, engineering DOEs, or launch-related issue resolution.
• Familiarity with welding standards, weld acceptance criteria, or structured lab documentation workflows.