Robotic Welder Automation Technician

VHR Global Technical Recruitment; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VHR Global Technical Recruitment seeks a highly skilled Robotic Welding Engineer / Automation Technician in Rock Hill, SC. The role involves programming, commissioning, and optimizing welding systems across multiple platforms, driving continuous improvement and NPI collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in robotic welding, experience with MIG/MAG processes, and familiarity with robotics software such as RoboGuide or RobotStudio.

Qualifications

• Ideally a degree in manufacturing engineering, robotics, mechatronics, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Programming, commissioning, and optimizing robotic welding systems for new and existing products.
• Developing welding programs using teach pendant and offline programming software.
• Designing and optimizing weld sequences to maximize quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Setting up and qualifying robotic welding cells, fixtures, tooling, and peripheral equipment.
• Troubleshooting robotic, electrical, pneumatic, and welding process issues to minimize downtime.
• Leading continuous improvement and process capability initiatives to improve cycle times, weld quality, and OEE.
• Supporting New Product Introduction activities alongside Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.

Skills

Robotic welding

Automation engineering

Troubleshooting

Lean manufacturing

NPI support

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Mechatronics related degree

Tools

FANUC

ABB

Motoman (Yaskawa)

KUKA

Panasonic

RoboGuide

RobotStudio

MotoSim

KUKA Sim

Job description

ROBOTIC WELDING ENGINEER / AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN

Robotic Welding Engineer / Automation Technician required to work for a leading precision engineering and advanced manufacturing company.

This is an excellent opportunity based in Rock Hill, South Carolina to join an established manufacturing and automation organization, whilst being rewarded with a competitive package and the opportunity to play a key role in developing and expanding a world-class automated welding operation.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work as a Robotic Welding Engineer / Automation Technician, performing various tasks including:

• Programming, commissioning, and optimizing robotic welding systems for new and existing products
• Developing welding programs using teach pendant and offline programming software
• Designing and optimizing weld sequences to maximize quality, efficiency, and productivity
• Selecting and validating welding parameters including voltage, wire feed, travel speed, gas flow, and torch positioning
• Setting up and qualifying robotic welding cells, fixtures, tooling, and peripheral equipment
• Troubleshooting robotic, electrical, pneumatic, and welding process issues to minimize downtime
• Supporting fixture design reviews to ensure suitability for robotic welding applications
• Developing standard operating procedures, setup documentation, and process control plans
• Leading continuous improvement and process capability initiatives to improve cycle times, weld quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities alongside Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams
• Performing robot calibration, TCP verification, and preventative maintenance activities
• Supporting operator training and the implementation of standardized setup procedures
• Ensuring robotic welding systems operate in compliance with company safety standards and applicable regulations.

Mandatory Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' experience programming and commissioning robotic welding systems
• Strong experience with robotic welding platforms such as FANUC, ABB, Motoman (Yaskawa), KUKA, or Panasonic
• Extensive experience with robotic MIG/MAG welding processes
• Ability to create, modify, and optimize robot programs
• Experience setting up welding power sources and optimizing welding parameters
• Strong understanding of welding metallurgy, distortion control, and joint design
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and welding symbols
• Experience developing fixtures and locating systems for robotic welding
• Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving experience
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• Experience with offline robot programming software such as RoboGuide, RobotStudio, MotoSim, or KUKA Sim
• PLC troubleshooting experience including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Omron systems
• Experience integrating vision systems, seam tracking, touch sensing, or laser inspection systems
• Knowledge of robotic cell safety, machine guarding, and risk assessments
• Experience within automotive manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and Control Plans.

Additional Information

• Based in Rock Hill, South Carolina
• Opportunity to help build and develop a world-class automated welding department
• Exposure to advanced robotic welding technologies and manufacturing automation projects
• Opportunity to support new product launches and process development activitiesCollaborative engineering and manufacturing environment
• Long-term career development opportunities within a growing precision engineering business.