Lead Robotics Welding Programmer

WSD Wheel Systems; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSD is seeking a Lead Robotic Welding Programmer / Welder to join our manufacturing team in California. This role goes beyond basic production welding, requiring ownership of weld quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement, with hands-on responsibility for robotic welding systems including Yaskawa cells and a Miller Axcess 450.

You will program, operate, and optimize processes, troubleshoot weld issues, mentor teammates, and support safety and quality in large-scale assemblies.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of welding experience required.
• MIG welding of mild steel experience required.
• Robotic welding experience strongly preferred.
• Experience programming or adjusting weld parameters on Miller Axcess 450 or similar.
• Welding certification preferred but not required.
• Ability to troubleshoot weld defects and drive process improvements.
• Comfort with large-scale mechanical assemblies and heavy-duty components.

Responsibilities

• Program, operate, and improve robotic welding processes using Yaskawa systems.
• Set and optimize welding parameters with Miller Axcess 450.
• Understand and apply robotic welding concepts such as touch sensing and seam tracking.
• Troubleshoot weld quality issues and drive improvements.
• Lead and support teammates on welding techniques and standards.
• Assist with fixture setup, part fit-up, and quality inspections.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Support continuous improvement to increase weld quality, throughput, and safety.
• Work on mild steel components and wheel-related assemblies.
• Follow OSHA safety standards and WSD procedures.

Skills

Welding

Robotic welding

Programming

Troubleshooting

Continuous improvement

Tools

Yaskawa robotic welding systems

Miller Axcess 450

Touch sensing

Seam tracking

Job description

WSD is looking for a skilled Lead Robotic Welding Programmer / Welder to join our manufacturing team. This is not a basic production welding role or repetitive assembly‑line position. We are looking for someone who understands welding, can program and improve robotic welding processes, and wants to take ownership of weld quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on welding experience, understands robotic welding systems, and is comfortable working with a Yaskawa robotic welding cell and a Miller Axcess 450 welding power source. This person should be able to help set welding parameters, improve programs, troubleshoot weld issues, and support teammates in proper welding techniques and standards.

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys large‑scale mechanical assemblies, problem‑solving, heavy‑duty fabrication, and improving how work gets done.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, operate, and improve robotic welding processes using WSD’s Yaskawa robotic welder.
• Set, adjust, and optimize welding parameters using a Miller Axcess 450 welding system.
• Understand and apply robotic welding concepts including touch sensing, seam tracking, weld path adjustment, and fixture repeatability.
• Troubleshoot weld quality issues including fit‑up gaps, porosity, undercut, cold lap, penetration, spatter, and inconsistent bead appearance.
• Lead and support teammates on proper welding techniques, weld standards, and robotic welding best practices.
• Work with mild steel components, heavy‑duty mechanisms, and wheel‑related assemblies.
• Support continuous improvement efforts to increase weld quality, reduce rework, improve throughput, and make the production process safer and more efficient.
• Assist with fixture setup, part fit‑up, machine checks, and quality inspections.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow OSHA safety standards and WSD safety procedures.
• Support other fabrication and production tasks as needed.

Requirements

• 4+ years of welding experience required.
• Experience mig welding mild steel required.
• Robotic welding experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with Yaskawa robotic welding systems preferred.
• Experience programming or adjusting weld parameters with a Miller Axcess 450 or similar welding power source preferred.
• Understanding of touch sensing and seam tracking strongly preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot weld defects and make process improvements.
• Welding certification preferred but not required.
• Experience with CNC equipment, drill presses, lathes, robotic welders, industrial lasers, or other manufacturing machinery is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in large‑scale assemblies and heavy‑duty components.
• Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement, quality, safety, and productivity.
• Willingness to learn WSD’s products and help lead teammates on proper welding techniques and standards.
• Forklift certification preferred but not required.
• Physical ability to stand, lift, bend, and perform manual tasks throughout the shift.

This position is unique because WSD’s fabrication work involves a variety of hands‑on welding, robotic welding, mechanical assemblies, and production challenges. You will not be sitting in the same repetitive assembly‑line role every day.