Manufacturing Engineer (1st shift)

stdiron; Grand Island (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wages

Quarterly Profit Sharing

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision,

Life Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

80 Hours of Paid Holidays

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Career Advancement Opportunities

Cross-Training and Skill Development

Safety-Focused, Team-Oriented Culture

Job summary

Standard Iron is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Grand Island, NE to lead robotic welding programming, process development, and quality optimization across sheet metal fabrication. You will drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen while supporting NPI and cost-reduction efforts.

The role requires strong hands-on experience with FANUC/ABB/Yaskawa/KUKA robots, MIG welding, CAD/CAM tools, and ERP/MRP systems, with a focus on safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Welding Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 3-7 years of manufacturing engineering experience with an emphasis on welding applications.
• Experience programming industrial robotic welding systems (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, or KUKA) preferred.
• Strong understanding of MIG welding processes and weld parameter development.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication including laser cutting, punching, forming, bending, welding, and assembly.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and nesting software.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, Control Plans, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and AWS welding standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and optimize robotic welding applications using industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, or KUKA.
• Perform teach pendant and offline programming for new and existing robotic welding applications.
• Develop, validate, and optimize weld parameters including voltage, amperage, travel speed, wire feed speed, shielding gas, and torch angles to maximize weld quality and productivity.
• Program and optimize CNC manufacturing equipment including laser cutters, turret punches, press brakes, tube benders, and other fabrication equipment using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, nesting software, and related programming tools.
• Develop, evaluate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for laser cutting, punching, forming, bending, robotic welding, manual welding, and assembly operations.
• Design, validate, and improve tooling, fixtures, weld fixtures, and jigs that improve quality, repeatability, and productivity.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by reviewing customer designs for manufacturability (DFM), developing weld sequences, tooling concepts, and manufacturing documentation.
• Troubleshoot robotic welding issues including fit-up, distortion, porosity, spatter, burn-through, lack of fusion, and other weld quality concerns.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve quality, productivity, and process stability.
• Analyze production flow, identify bottlenecks, and implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, quality, operations, and production personnel to ensure products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through process improvements, automation, tooling improvements, and cycle time reduction.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Lead or participate in capital equipment evaluations, justification, installation, startup, and optimization of robotic welding cells and automated manufacturing systems.
• Work with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and automation suppliers during installation, programming, and commissioning activities.
• Train production personnel on new robotic welding programs, equipment, and standardized work instructions.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, work instructions, process sheets, PFMEAs, control plans, and programming backups.

Skills

Robotic welding

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Welding Technology / Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Nesting software

FANUC

ABB

KUKA

Job description

Position Summary

Standard Iron has been a leader in contract manufacturing for over 90 years, delivering quality products and innovative solutions to customers across a variety of industries. We are committed to our Core Values of Commitment To Our People, To Our Customers & To Action.

We are currently seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join our manufacturing team. This role is heavily focused on robotic weld programming, weld process development, and weld quality optimization while supporting continuous improvement initiatives across our sheet metal fabrication operations. The ideal candidate combines strong hands‑on experience with industrial robotic welding systems, manufacturing engineering principles, and lean process improvement to drive quality, productivity, and innovation.

Compensation & Schedule

Pay Range: $70,000-90,000 annually (Starting rate commensurate with experience)

First Shift

• Monday – Thursday- 7:00Am-4:30PM & Friday- 7:00Am-11:00AM

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and optimize robotic welding applications using industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, or KUKA.
• Perform teach pendant and offline programming for new and existing robotic welding applications.
• Develop, validate, and optimize weld parameters including voltage, amperage, travel speed, wire feed speed, shielding gas, and torch angles to maximize weld quality and productivity.
• Program and optimize CNC manufacturing equipment including laser cutters, turret punches, press brakes, tube benders, and other fabrication equipment using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, nesting software, and related programming tools.
• Develop, evaluate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for laser cutting, punching, forming, bending, robotic welding, manual welding, and assembly operations.
• Design, validate, and improve tooling, fixtures, weld fixtures, and jigs that improve quality, repeatability, and productivity.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by reviewing customer designs for manufacturability (DFM), developing weld sequences, tooling concepts, and manufacturing documentation.
• Troubleshoot robotic welding issues including fit-up, distortion, porosity, spatter, burn-through, lack of fusion, and other weld quality concerns.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve quality, productivity, and process stability.
• Analyze production flow, identify bottlenecks, and implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, quality, operations, and production personnel to ensure products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through process improvements, automation, tooling improvements, and cycle time reduction.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Lead or participate in capital equipment evaluations, justification, installation, startup, and optimization of robotic welding cells and automated manufacturing systems.
• Work with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and automation suppliers during installation, programming, and commissioning activities.
• Train production personnel on new robotic welding programs, equipment, and standardized work instructions.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, work instructions, process sheets, PFMEAs, control plans, and programming backups.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Welding Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 3-7 years of manufacturing engineering experience with an emphasis on welding applications.
• Experience programming industrial robotic welding systems (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, or KUKA) preferred.
• Strong understanding of MIG welding processes and weld parameter development.
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication including laser cutting, punching, forming, bending, welding, and assembly.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and nesting software.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, Control Plans, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and AWS welding standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with offline robotic programming software such as RoboGuide, RobotStudio, MotoSim, or DELMIA.
• Experience programming both FANUC and ABB robotic systems.
• Knowledge of advanced robotic welding technologies including:
• Vision-guided welding
• Laser seam tracking
• Through-Arc Seam Tracking (TAST)
• Adaptive welding systems
• Familiarity with AWS D1.1, ISO welding standards, and related fabrication specifications.
• Ability to simulate robotic weld paths, reach studies, and cycle times.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
• Previous experience in a contract manufacturing or job shop environment.
• Knowledge of automation, robotics integration, and manufacturing system optimization.
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

What You Bring

• Passion for manufacturing technology, robotics, and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Self‑motivated mindset with the ability to lead projects from concept through implementation.
• Pride in delivering innovative manufacturing solutions that improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Why Join Standard Iron?

• Competitive hourly wages
• Quarterly Profit Sharing
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• 80 Hours of Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Cross-Training and Skill Development
• Stable Employment with a Growing Manufacturing Leader
• Safety-Focused, Team-Oriented Culture

If you’re looking for a long-term career with a company that values teamwork, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer