Robotics Welding Technician (WAAM)

Lockheed Martin; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 day week

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Ampthill seeks a skilled WAAM Technician to translate digital designs into precision metal components using multi-axis robotic welding systems.

You will drive process development and production delivery, ensuring repeatable quality, traceability, and compliance in a collaborative, high-performance environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in welding, fabrication, or metalworking.
• Experience operating CNC, PLC, or robotic manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of ABB RAPID programming or similar control systems.
• Solid understanding of arc welding fundamentals and metallurgy.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, and operate ABB robotic welding systems with wire feed, shielding gas, and arc parameters.
• Convert 3D CAD models into ABB RAPID programs and optimize toolpaths, deposition strategies, travel speeds, and layer parameters.
• Continuously monitor weld pool, bead formation, and thermal input; respond to deviations in real time.
• Perform post-build inspections and verify build integrity against specifications.
• Maintain build records and process documentation; capture parameters for traceability and compliance.
• Adhere to health, safety and environmental standards; keep a clean, organized, and compliant workspace.

Skills

Welding expertise

CNC/PLC/robotic systems

ABB RAPID programming

Arc welding fundamentals

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Tools

ABB robotic welding systems

Fronius welding equipment

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and hands‑on WAAM Technician to support the production of high‑value components using advanced multi‑axis robotic welding systems.

This role combines robotic welding, CNC‑controlled manufacturing, and data‑driven quality assurance, requiring both practical expertise and strong technical understanding. You will be responsible for translating digital designs into precision‑built metal components, ensuring process stability, repeatability, and full traceability across all builds.

Working at the forefront of additive manufacturing, you will play a key role in both process development and production delivery within a collaborative, high‑performance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Robotic Welding & Equipment Setup

• Set up, configure, and operate ABB robotic welding systems, including wire feed, shielding gas, and arc parameters
• Prepare and run Fronius welding equipment, developing and refining parameters for new materials and applications

Programming & Process Development

• Convert 3D CAD models into ABB RAPID programs
• Develop and optimise: -Toolpaths and deposition strategies and Travel speeds and layer build parameters
• Act as a technical interface between Manufacturing Engineering and Design teams

In-Process Monitoring & Control

• Continuously monitor weld pool behaviour, bead formation, and thermal input
• Identify and respond to process deviations in real time
• Safely pause, adjust, and restart builds to maintain quality and consistency

Inspection & Quality Assurance

• Perform post‑build inspections, including dimensional checks and surface evaluation
• Verify build integrity and consistency against specifications
• Capture and record process parameters to maintain full traceability and compliance

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain accurate build records and process documentation
• Record deviations, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions
• Support ongoing development of process monitoring and data capture systems
• Work closely with Design, R&D, and Quality teams to improve processes and outcomes
• Contribute to optimisation of materials, deposition strategies, and manufacturing efficiency
• Actively support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing initiatives

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental standards, including PPE and fire safety protocols
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant working environment

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Strong background in welding, fabrication, or metalworking
• Experience operating CNC, PLC, or robotic manufacturing systems
• Working knowledge of ABB RAPID programming or similar control systems
• Solid understanding of arc welding fundamentals and basic metallurgy
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong visual inspection capability
• Proactive, methodical approach to problem‑solving and troubleshooting
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Experience

• Experience with WAAM, robotic welding, or additive manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality standards
• Exposure to process monitoring, data logging, or digital manufacturing systems
• 2–5 years’ experience in industrial manufacturing or fabrication

Business Environment

Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is a rapidly changing, dynamic part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation with both domestic and international customers. It consists of business areas focusing on Platform Integration, Ground Based Air Defence, Special Projects and Weapons, which provide a variety of products and services to the Ministry of Defence and other customers. We are looking for talented individuals to join the company, in return we offer an exciting and challenging career path and excellent work/life balance with a 4 day week (Mon‑Thurs) and flexible working arrangements.

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].