Senior Welding Automation Engineer

PWO Canada Inc.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 111,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

PWO Canada Inc. is seeking a senior Welding Engineer to lead the development and standardization of advanced welding processes for automated production systems.

The role combines engineering design, technical direction, and selective hands-on validation to launch robust MAG and laser welding applications. The successful candidate will define process windows, lead WPS/WPQR, guide robot programming (Fanuc/ABB/Yaskawa), and partner with plant teams to ensure AWS and ISO compliance while driving

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automated or robotic welding environments.
• Strong experience with MAG welding in automated systems.
• Experience with laser welding is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate automated welding processes (MAG, laser).
• Lead WPS/WPQR development and validation.
• Guide robot welding strategies including torch angles, sequencing, and TCP/path design.

Skills

Welding Engineering

Robotic welding

Metallurgy

Process design

Robot programming

Education

Bachelor's in Welding Engineering

AWS CWE

IWE

Tools

Roboguide

Laser welding equipment

Job description

PWO Canada is a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier for auto manufacturers globally. We are one of five subsidiaries in the PWO AG Group, manufacturing lightweight metal components for the automotive industry.

Purpose of the Position

This role leads the development and standardization of advanced welding processes across automated production systems. The position is primarily focused on engineering, process design, and technical direction, with targeted hands‑on involvement to validate and launch complex robotic welding applications.

This role is not a purely operational or production support position. It is intended for a senior engineer who defines welding processes and provides technical leadership, with selective hands‑on involvement to validate and launch complex applications.

The successful candidate combines strong scientific understanding of welding with the practical ability to translate theory into robust, production‑ready processes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Welding Process Engineering and Strategy

• Develop and define robust welding processes for automated systems (MAG, laser)
• Establish process windows, parameter standards, and best practices
• Lead WPS and WPQR development and validation
• Analyze and resolve complex welding challenges using metallurgical and process knowledge
• Provide clear technical direction to plant teams, integrators, and suppliers
• Support RFQs, equipment specifications, and new program launches

2. Robotics and Automation Concept Development

• Define robot welding strategies including torch angles, sequencing, accessibility and fixturing
• Guide robot programming approach including weld path design, TCP strategy, and motion concepts
• Utilize simulation tools such as Roboguide or equivalent to validate concepts
• Ensure process capability is built into equipment design and layout

3. Targeted Hands‑on Launch and Validation

• Lead critical weld trials and ramp‑ups, especially for complex MAG and laser applications
• Validate parameters directly on equipment when required
• Support troubleshooting of critical issues using structured root cause analysis

4. Quality and Process Stability

• Define testing methods including cut and etch and macro analysis
• Interpret results and adjust process strategy accordingly
• Ensure processes meet internal and customer standards such as AWS and ISO

5. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Lead initiatives to improve weld robustness, cycle time, and cost efficiency
• Evaluate and introduce new technologies including advanced waveforms, laser applications, and monitoring systems

Qualifications

Education and Certification: Degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar. Preferred: AWS Certified Welding Engineer, IWE, or equivalent

Experience: Minimum 7 years in automated or robotic welding environments. Strong experience with MAG welding in automated systems. Experience with laser welding is highly preferred. Proven track record in developing welding processes and launching production systems

Technical Capability: Deep understanding of heat input, metallurgical effects, and weld defects. Ability to define process limits, tolerances, and welding strategies. Working knowledge of robot programming (Fanuc (preferred), ABB, or Yaskawa). Understanding of TCP setup, weld path design, and automation constraints.

Pay Range:

$80,000 - $110,000

PWO Canada INC. values diversity in our workforce, as well as in our customers, suppliers, and others. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, a record of offenses, marital status, family status, disability or any other characteristic protected by local law.

PWO Canada INC. welcomes and encourages applications from everyone. Accommodations may available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you would like to request a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need, please advise the Recruiter or Human Resources Associate when you are selected to participate in the recruitment process.