Manufacturing Engineer - Robotic Weld Programming & Fixture Design - 2nd Shift - 3:00pm to 11:30pm

Position Summary: The Manufacturing Engineer – Robotic Weld Programming develops, programs, and optimizes robotic welding cells and designs the custom fixtures and tooling that support them. This is a hands-on, floor-based role on 2nd shift: the majority of the shift is spent at the cell — programming, proving out, troubleshooting, and supporting operators — with design and documentation work built around that presence. The position also mentors the design team and serves as a reporting link to project management.2nd Shift - 3:00pm to 11:30pmEssential Duties and Responsibilities Shop Floor Presence & Production Support • Maintain an active, visible presence on the manufacturing floor throughout the shift; serve as the primary engineering resource for weld cell issues on 2nd shift. Troubleshoot and resolve robot faults, weld defects (porosity, burn-through, undercut, lack of fusion, spatter), TCP drift, and fixture interference at the cell; drive root cause analysis and permanent corrective action. Coach and train operators, welders, and maintenance technicians on cell operation, basic program edits, fault recovery, and safe work practices. Lead commissioning, run-off, and buy-off of new robotic weld cells, including first-article production and customer acceptance. Drive continuous improvement at the cell to reduce cycle time, scrap, rework, and changeover time.

Robotic Weld Programming & Process Development: Develop, write, test, and optimize robot programs using both teach-pendant and offline programming and simulation methods on major robotic platforms (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, KUKA, or similar).Establish, tune, and document weld schedules and parameters — voltage, wire feed speed, travel speed, gas flow, torch angle, and stick-out — for GMAW/MIG, flux-cored, and resistance welding processes. Perform cell layout studies, reach and collision analysis, and cycle-time optimization; validate programs offline prior to installation to minimize floor downtime. Maintain weld procedure specifications, operator work instructions, and detailed Work Sheets; define preventive maintenance, calibration, and TCP verification routines for robots, torches, wire feeders, and positioners. Fixture & Tooling DesignDesign custom fixture solutions to customer requirements, from concept through detailed design release, using 3D CAD and applying GD&T.Assess mechanical specifications, tolerance stack-up, locating and clamping strategy, thermal distortion, and torch accessibility to ensure the fixture supports a repeatable weld process. Verify design quality and provide detailed Work Sheets to manufacturing, assembly, and quality. Participate in product testing and validation, including first-article inspection, dimensional layout, and validation against customer criteria.

Technical Leadership & Project Support: Teach the fundamentals and customer requirements to the design team, mentoring designers on engineering standards and fixture design best practices. Update the status of the design projects to project management, escalating risks, scope changes, and schedule impacts early. Collaborate with sales, project management, manufacturing, quality, and customers to translate requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective solutions.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or Robotics/Automation; an equivalent combination of technical education and directly relevant experience will be considered. A Mechatronics degree is particularly well suited to this role given the mix of mechanical design, controls integration, and robotic programming.1-3 years of hands-on robotic weld programming experience in a manufacturing, custom tooling, or automation environment preferred. Experience programming at least one major robotic platform (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, KUKA, or similar); offline programming and simulation software (Roboguide, RobotStudio, MotoSim, DELMIA, or similar) strongly preferred. Experience designing weld fixtures, checking fixtures, or assembly tooling in a 3D CAD environment (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar).

Knowledge & Skills: Working knowledge of welding processes, weld symbols, and basic metallurgy; familiarity with applicable AWS standards (D1.1, D1.3, D8.x, or equivalent). CWI or CWE certification is a plus. Proficiency in GD&T per ASME Y14.5, blueprint reading, and tolerance stack-up analysis. Familiarity with PLC/HMI integration, safety circuits, light curtains, and robot safety standards (ANSI/RIA R15.06).Willingness and ability to work 2nd shift with sustained time on the manufacturing floor. Strong communication skills, with the ability to teach technical fundamentals to designers and present clearly to customers. Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.