Welding Robot Programmer

About the role

The Robotic Welder Programmer will program and operate robotic welding systems, perform quality inspections, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure the efficiency and accuracy of the welding process. Responsibilities include designing fixtures, programming robot software, and collaborating with internal and external resources to improve the efficiency, safety, and quality of robotically welded parts.

Responsibilities

• Program and set up fixtures to hold metal components for assembling structural forms, using knowledge of welding techniques and engineering requirements.
• Participate in fixture design to facilitate productive and flexible welding of production parts.
• Develop templates or tooling to hold and align parts; install fixtures for holding metal parts, torch, or arc welding equipment.
• Observe tests on welded surfaces and dimension tolerance to evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications.
• Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-bend, bolt, or grind spare parts as necessary to meet technical requirements and create a welded final product.
• Control the processes of fitting, burning, and welding to avoid problems related to overheating, distortion, expansion, or shrinking of spare parts.
• Audit quality requirements and rework or complete missing welds after the robotic process.
• Provide estimates on fixture design time and production time requirements during the quotation process for new parts.
• Review blueprints to determine customer requirements and key characteristics of robotically welded parts or assemblies.
• Confer with customers or department members to resolve questions concerning design or end use of parts.
• Design robotic fixtures and tack fixtures as required; track progress of robotic fixtures through the production process and build fixtures as necessary.
• Work with programmers and operators on the production floor to improve efficiency, provide tooling, and enhance existing fixtures.
• Maintain working knowledge of production robotic equipment and advise or train production personnel in programming and use of equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor, lead person, or management.

Requirements

• 2+ years of programming experience.
• In-depth knowledge of robotics and welding.
• Ability to weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints and performing all necessary measurements.
• Ability to handle, install, position, and move materials, and manipulate objects using hands and arms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for technical issues and performing quality inspections.
• Attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Experience with welding software and automation systems.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Relevant certification or vocational training in welding.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or one year or more of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: five years of machining center work experience and 2-3 years of programming experience.

Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public. Fluency in English is required.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, plane and solid geometry, and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts like fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret complex technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and handle abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
• Noise level in the office environment is usually quiet; the shop environment is usually loud.