Automated Weld Cell Programmer & Integration Lead (Duluth, MN Area)
Job Order ID: 4727
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: $52000-72800/Yr
Web Publication Date: 8/5/2026 12:00:00 AM
Job Location: Duluth, MN 55807
Job Function:
Automated Weld Cell Programmer & Integration Lead (Duluth, MN Area)
$25.00 – $35.00/Hour + Profit Sharing Duluth, MN Area All Shifts Available
- COMPENSATION: $25.00 – $35.00/Hour Starting Baseline (scaling with technical depth) + +$2.00/hr Shift Differential for 3rd Shift + Performance Incentives + Corporate Profit Sharing + Full Benefits Package
- WORK SCHEDULE: Exceptional Shift Autonomy | 1st Shift (Flexible start windows: 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM) or 3rd Shift options available
- EXPERIENCE: 3+ years of proven hands‑on robotic welding, path optimization, and program generation experience in structural fabrication environments
- CONTROLLER MASTERY: Direct proficiency with Yaskawa / YRC1000 controllers and offline simulation software (Robotmaster, MotoSim, or equivalent)
- WELDING DIAGNOSTICS: Deep technical knowledge of multi‑pass MIG welding, wire‑feed dynamics, torch angles, travel speeds, and heavy‑duty alloys
- REQUIREMENTS: US Citizen or Green Card holder; ability to pass internal structural welding, print reading, and inspection assessments; residing within a daily commute of Duluth, MN / Superior, WI
If you are an analytical automation professional looking to step away from mundane, repetitive production lines where operators are treated like basic "button pushers," this programming‑heavy seat offers true technical ownership. The employer is a globally recognized, privately held manufacturer specializing in high‑performance heavy machinery and advanced work tools. Built on a strong culture of safety, stability, and internal promotion, this organization rejects corporate politics and treats its automation team as vital technical assets.
In this high‑autonomy role, you will take complete ownership of custom automated weld cells—engineering flawless, repeatable robotic fabrication paths from scratch using offline simulation software and direct controller programming. Operating in a clean, modern facility, you will bridge the gap between engineering blueprints and physical production while benefiting from exceptional shift flexibility and corporate profit sharing.
What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)
- Program Robotic Weld Cells: Program, edit, and proof first‑article heavy weldments using Yaskawa controllers (YRC1000) and offline simulation software (MotoSim / Robotmaster).
- Optimize Weld Paths: Fine‑tune robotic weld paths, torch angles, travel speeds, and weave parameters to achieve repeatable, high‑penetration structural welds.
- Troubleshoot & Integrate Cells: Debug and resolve real‑time electrical, mechanical, and torch alignment issues across automated robotic weld cells.
- Perform Preventative Diagnostics: Conduct routine preventative maintenance, wire‑feed troubleshooting, and minor hardware/software repairs to keep cells running smoothly.
- Inspect & Verify Weld Quality: Conduct visual inspections against complex engineering prints, structural weld symbols, and GD&T specifications.
- Provide Floor Mentorship: Transfer technical knowledge to operators, mentoring shop floor personnel on automated cell operation, fixture loading, and error recovery.
- Vendor & Engineering Collaboration: Work alongside operations management and automation vendors to implement software updates and optimize multi‑axis cell efficiency.
What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)
- 3+ years of robotic welding programming and path optimization experience in a heavy structural steel fabrication environment.
- Yaskawa & Offline Software Proficiency: Hands‑on experience with Yaskawa / YRC1000 pendant programming and offline CAD/CAM simulation software (MotoSim, Robotmaster, or similar).
- Heavy MIG Welding & Blueprint Literacy: Strong understanding of multi‑pass MIG welding, wire feed dynamics, joint fit‑up, and structural welding symbols.
- Education: Formal Robotic Welding Certification or specialized electro‑mechanical automation training is strongly preferred.
- Quality & Assessment Readiness: Ability to pass an internal structural welding, blueprint reading, and quality inspection evaluation.
- Employment Reliability: A rock‑solid work history demonstrating long‑term tenure and commitment with previous employers.
- Local Proximity: Residing within a comfortable daily commuting radius of the Greater Duluth, MN / Superior, WI area.