Robotic Welding Engineer

Komatsu Mining Corp.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Komatsu America Corp. in Chattanooga, TN is seeking a Robotic Welding Engineer to develop, program, and optimize robotic MIG/MAG welding processes for heavy fabrication.

The role includes troubleshooting, process improvement, and ensuring weld quality and reliability on the shop floor. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and hands-on experience with robotic welding platforms, fixtures, WPS, and cycle-time optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Welding, Manufacturing, Mechanical or Electrical tech preferred.
• Strong MIG/MAG welding knowledge for mild steel and related controls.
• Experience with robotics programming on heavy fabrication lines.
• Familiarity with weld controls, fixtures, WPS and drawings.
• Ability to evaluate fixture repeatability and cycle times in production.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and optimize robotic MIG/MAG welding systems for mild steel heavy fabrication.
• Troubleshoot welding issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain welding systems to meet specifications, quality and process controls.
• Support weld technicians with troubleshooting, training, and development.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production on PMs, spare parts, and uptime.
• Assist with new product introductions, tooling changes, and process launches.
• Collect and analyze downtime, weld defects, and process data to drive improvements.
• Support audits with welding process information and documentation.

Skills

Robotic welding

MIG/MAG welding

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering

Tools

Fanuc

ABB

Yaskawa/Motoman

Panasonic robotics

Komatsu robotic platforms

Job description

Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, 37405

Onsite Position

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

The Robotic Welding Engineer supports heavy fabrication manufacturing operations by developing, programming, supporting, and continuously improving robotic MIG/MAG welding processes for mild steel weldments. This position provides technical expertise for robotic weld systems, weld controls, tooling and fixture performance, weld procedure compliance, equipment reliability, technician support, and production troubleshooting. The role supports safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives by maintaining stable, repeatable welding processes and implementing improvements that reduce downtime, rework, and process variation.

Key Job Responsibilities

Develop, program, and optimize robotic MIG/MAG welding systems for mild steel heavy fabrication, including robot paths, weld schedules, touch sensing, seam tracking, torch angles, travel speeds, shielding gas, wire selection, and process parameters.

Troubleshoot robotic weld issues related to programming, weld controls, fixturing, part fit-up, consumables, equipment condition, weld quality, and process variation. Lead root cause analysis and implement short- and long-term corrective actions.

Maintain welding systems to ensure manufacturing activities remain within specifications, including applicable WPS requirements, quality standards, process controls, KOM-MICs, and internal production requirements.

Support and monitor weld technicians by assisting with daily priorities, troubleshooting, training, and development from a MIG/MAG welding and robotic process perspective.

Partner with maintenance and production to support corrective maintenance activities, PM scheduling, spare parts readiness, robotic weld cell uptime, equipment reliability, and responsible equipment ownership.

Support new product introduction, engineering changes, tooling changes, and process launches by reviewing weld access, fixture repeatability, robot reach, cycle time, safety, manufacturability, and process documentation.

Collect, track, and analyze downtime, weld defect, rework, and process performance data. Recommend process improvements, automation updates, tooling improvements, and capital projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, or cost.

Support internal and external audits by providing welding process information, documentation, and evidence related to ISO 9001, customer standards, and company procedures as applicable.

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent technical education and directly related welding/robotics experience may be considered.

Strong knowledge of MIG/MAG welding processes for mild steel, including weld parameters, consumables, shielding gas, weld defects, corrective actions, and welding system controls.

Common programming knowledge of robotics and weld controls for mild steel heavy fabrication applications. Experience with Komatsu, Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, Panasonic, or similar robotic platforms is preferred.

Knowledge of heavy fabrication equipment, fixtures, tooling, weld symbols, WPS requirements, engineering drawings, and manufacturing process documentation.

Ability to evaluate fixture repeatability, part fit-up, weld access, torch clearance, cycle time, weld quality, process stability, and manufacturability in a production environment.

Experience supporting weld technicians, maintenance activities, PM scheduling, equipment troubleshooting, production downtime response, and vendor communication for software, hardware, and welding system issues.

Computer skills including Microsoft Office are required. CAD experience, offline robot programming, simulation software, SAP, or maintenance/work order systems are helpful.

Must be able to communicate effectively with management, engineering, production associates, weld technicians, maintenance, quality, safety, suppliers, vendors, and auditors.

Additional Information

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in heavy equipment, structural fabrication, or large mild steel weldment manufacturing.

Knowledge of AWS D1.1 or similar welding codes, weld procedure development, and weld inspection expectations.

Experience with robotic MIG/MAG weld cell launches, weld control systems, automation improvement projects, fixture design reviews, or capital equipment installation.

This position is focused on heavy fabrication and mild steel robotic MIG/MAG welding; resistance spot welding, projection welding, and aluminum welding are not primary responsibilities for this role.

Occasional support outside normal business hours may be required based on production needs, equipment downtime, launches, audits, or urgent quality issues.

Regular shop floor presence is expected to support production, troubleshoot robotic MIG/MAG welding equipment, observe weld processes, assist weld technicians, and work directly with operators, maintenance, quality, and engineering.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions.We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose.We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!