Robotic Automation & Weld Programmer – Yaskawa / MotoSim

MDS Staffing; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 41,328,000 - 50,971,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing seeks a Robotic Automation & Weld Programmer for a direct-hire position in the Duluth, MN area. Responsibilities include offline CAD-to-path simulation, multi-axis Yaskawa/Motoman programming, heavy MIG welding, and cell troubleshooting.

Requires 3+ years in robotic weld cells, proficiency with Robotmaster or MotoSim, and solid blueprint literacy. US work authorization and commuting distance to Duluth/Superior required.

Qualifications

• Requires 3+ years of robotic weld cell setup and programming.
• Proficient with offline simulation packages (Robotmaster, MotoSim, or equivalent).
• Strong heavy-gauge MIG welding and blueprint literacy (incl. weld symbols).
• Fixture and tooling literacy; ability to design efficient weld sequences.
• Stable work history with good attendance; commuting distance to Duluth, MN / Superior, WI.
• US citizenship or Green Card holder; US work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Execute Offline CAD-to-Path Simulation: develop, simulate, and proof collision-free offline programs using Robotmaster or MotoSim for complex weldments.
• Optimize Welding Parameters: adjust travel speeds, torch angles, wire feed, weave patterns, and voltages for full-penetration welds.
• Troubleshoot Cell Automation: resolve multi-axis robot motion faults and seam-tracking issues on the floor.
• Verify Weld Quality & AWS Compliance: inspect welds per blueprints and welding standards.
• Train & Mentor Cell Operators: refine fixture loading, setup procedures, and transfer basic pendant knowledge.
• Maintain Robotic Welding Equipment: schedule and oversee maintenance of arms, liners, tips, and feeders.

Skills

Robotic welding

Offline programming

CAD-to-path simulation

Yaskawa/Motoman YRC1000

Blueprint reading

Fixture literacy

Education

Associate Degree in Robotics or Welding Technology

Tools

Robotmaster

MotoSim

CAD-to-path software

Job description

Robotic Automation & Weld Programmer – Yaskawa / MotoSim

Up to $35.00/hr + Shift Differentials & Profit Sharing Duluth, MN / Superior, WI Flexible Shift Options Direct-Hire

• Pay & Incentives: Up to $35.00/hr starting baseline rate (commensurate with offline programming depth) + up to +$2.00/hr shift premiums, company-wide profit sharing, and full benefits package.
• Work Pattern/Schedule: Choice of 1st Shift (flexible start windows at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM), 2nd Shift, or 3rd Shift.
• Environment & Company Profile: Global manufacturing leader in heavy equipment attachments for construction, demolition, and scrap recycling; stable order backlog, state-of-the‑art robotics plant floor, and a people-first culture.
• Core Functional Scope: Offline CAD-to-path simulation (Robotmaster or MotoSim), multi‑axis Yaskawa/Motoman YRC1000 programming, heavy‑gauge structural MIG welding, and cell troubleshooting.
• Strict Requirements & Authorization: Requires 3+ years of robotic weld cell setup and programming, blueprint and weld symbol literacy, US work authorization, and a daily commute to the Duluth, MN / Superior, WI region.

If you are an automation specialist or technical welder tired of standing in a smoky booth doing repetitive manual welds or fighting rigid shops that ignore floor innovation, this direct‑hire seat offers a major step up. The employer is a global manufacturing leader in heavy equipment attachments, serving the international construction, demolition, and scrap recycling industries. Known for a deeply rooted "people-first" culture and ongoing capital investments in state‑of‑the‑art robotics, they treat their programming team as core technical assets.

Rather than just clearing pendant errors, you will perform true ground‑up offline programming, optimizing multi‑axis cell movements and proving out first‑article weldments for massive, high‑stress industrial fabrications. The company culture actively rejects high‑turnover job shop chaos, offering long‑term stability, internal promotion tracks, and an unyielding global order backlog.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Execute Offline CAD-to-Path Simulation: Develop, simulate, and proof collision‑free offline programs using Robotmaster or MotoSim software for complex, multi‑pass first‑article structural weldments.
• Optimize Welding Parameters: Fine‑tune robotic travel speeds, torch angles, wire feed rates, weave patterns, and arc voltages to maximize cycle efficiency and achieve 100% full‑penetration welds.
• Troubleshoot Cell Automation: Serve as the primary floor SME to resolve multi‑axis robot motion faults, seam‑tracking/touch‑sensing errors, and hardware communication issues.
• Verify Weld Quality & AWS Compliance: Inspect finished weldments using visual and non‑destructive methods to ensure full compliance with engineering blueprints, AWS structural codes, and tight tolerances.
• Train & Mentor Cell Operators: Support production operators by refining fixture loading sequences, standardizing setup procedures, and transferring basic pendant operation knowledge.
• Maintain Robotic Welding Equipment: Oversee routine maintenance schedules on robotic arms, torch liners, contact tips, wire feeder drives, and anti‑spatter reamer stations.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• 3+ Years Robotic Welding Depth: Verifiable background setup, operating, and programming robotic weld cells (Yaskawa/Motoman YRC1000 experience strongly valued).
• Offline Programming Fluency: Practical proficiency with offline simulation packages (Robotmaster, MotoSim, or equivalent CAD-to-path software) for virtual path generation.
• Heavy Structural MIG Skillset: Strong foundation in heavy‑plate MIG welding and blueprint reading, including complete weld symbol literacy (must be able to pass an on‑site practical weld test).
• Fixture & Tooling Literacy: Analytical capability to review part geometry, evaluate fixture clearance, and establish efficient weld sequences from scratch.
• Employment Stability: Consistent work history demonstrating multi‑year tenure, strong daily attendance, and team accountability.
• Location & Eligibility: Permanent residency established within comfortable commuting distance of the Duluth, MN / Superior, WI area; US Citizen or Green Card holder.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Educational Credentials: Associate Degree in Robotics, Automated Manufacturing, or Welding Technology.
• CWI / AWS Certification: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential or formal AWS robotic arc welding certifications.
• Multi-Pass Seam Tracking: Hands‑on experience calibrating laser vision sensors, arc‑seam tracking, or touch‑sensing systems for heavy weldments.