Robotic Welding Technician Lead

Smf; Minonk (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Shift premium

Paid time off

Benefits package

Job summary

SMF, located in Minonk, IL, is seeking a Robotic Welding Technician Lead to own and optimize robotic welding processes, mentor technicians, and drive continuous improvement across cells and shifts. You will coordinate assignments, monitor safety and quality, and partner with Engineering and Quality to validate changes, with starting pay of $34.75 per hour based on experience and test results.

A strong background in robotics, welding, and automation, plus leadership ability, is required, with a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical education in robotics or welding preferred.
• Extensive experience operating and troubleshooting robotic welding systems.
• Strong knowledge of welding parameters and process control.
• Ability to train, mentor, and provide technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership to Robotic Welding Technicians.
• Monitor safety, quality, productivity, downtime, and equipment performance.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to validate process changes.
• Mentor technicians and support training initiatives.

Skills

Robotic welding

Robot programming

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training in robotics or welding

Tools

Teach pendant

Robotic systems

Job description

Build Your Future with SMF!Why Choose SMF?At SMF, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As part of Etnyre International, we have a 50-year legacy in high-quality metal fabrication, serving industries like construction, power generation, agriculture, and mining.We take pride in being a Tier One supplier to Fortune 500 OEMs, which means high standards, excellent quality, and rewarding work. Our team of skilled professionals and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities (spanning 200,000+ square feet) make SMF one of the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwide.In 2020, SMF joined Etnyre International, fueling even more growth and opportunity—and we want YOU to be part of it!Now Hiring: Robotic Welding Technician LeadStarting Pay Rates on Experience & Pre-Employment Test Results:Robotic Welding Technician Lead: $34.75What You’ll Do:Robotic Welding Operations & Process OwnershipProvide day-to-day technical leadership to Robotic Welding Technicians.Coordinate technician assignments and support coverage based on production requirements and individual skill levels.Monitor safety, quality, productivity, downtime, and equipment performance.Serve as the primary escalation point for complex robotic welding problems.Ensure consistent operating practices across robotic welding cells and shifts.Assist Production leadership with identifying training and staffing needs.Mentor and develop Technician I, II, and Senior Technicians.Support technician skill evaluations and advancement recommendations.Serve as the technical owner for robotic welding processes.Establish and maintain best practices for robot operation and welding processes.Analyze recurring quality, downtime, and productivity issues.Lead or support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.Recommend improvements to robot programs, fixtures, tooling, equipment, and processes.Work with Engineering and Quality to validate process changes.Drive continuous improvement in cycle time, weld quality, uptime, and productivity.TroubleshootingLead troubleshooting of complex robotic welding problems.Determine whether issues are related to programming, equipment, tooling, fixtures, welding processes, materials, or maintenance.Coordinate with Maintenance on mechanical, electrical, controls, and equipment-related problems.Coordinate with Engineering on process, programming, and automation issues.Provide hands-on technical support during major production interruptions.Identify recurring problems and develop permanent corrective actions.QualityEnsure robotic welding processes meet established quality requirements.Support weld-quality investigations and corrective actions.Monitor recurring weld defects and process variation.Work with Quality and Engineering to improve process capability and consistency.Ensure robot programs and process parameters remain controlled and documented.Equipment CarePerform routine inspections of robotic welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, welding guns, wire-feed systems, and consumables.Identify equipment conditions that could affect safety, quality, or productivity.Perform operator-level preventive-maintenance activities as required.Coordinate with Maintenance when equipment requires technical repair.SafetyPromote and enforce safe robotic welding practices.Ensure technicians follow required PPE, machine safety, lockout/tagout, robotic-cell, and hot-work requirements.Immediately address unsafe conditions or practices.Ensure safety devices, guarding, and interlocks are not bypassed outside approved procedures.Participate in safety investigations and improvement initiatives.Training & DevelopmentDevelop and maintain training standards for Robotic Welding Technicians.Train technicians on robotic welding operation, troubleshooting, quality, and process fundamentals.Mentor Senior Technicians preparing for advanced programming or leadership responsibilities.Establish clear expectations for progression from Technician I through Senior Technician.Identify skill gaps and recommend targeted trainingWork closely with Production Management to meet production requirements.Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.Work with Engineering on new equipment, automation projects, programming, and process improvements.Work with Quality to maintain weld quality and resolve process issues.Communicate technical issues, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadershipWhat We’re Looking For:High school diploma or equivalent required; technical education in robotics, welding, automation, electrical systems, or manufacturing preferred.Extensive experience operating and troubleshooting robotic welding systems.Advanced knowledge of robotic welding processes and automated manufacturing.Demonstrated experience with industrial robot programming and teach-pendant operation.Strong knowledge of welding parameters, weld defects, fixtures, tooling, and process control.Ability to read engineering drawings, weld symbols, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.Advanced mechanical and troubleshooting skills.Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide technical leadership.Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work effectively under production pressure.What We Offer – Total Rewards Package:ANNUAL BONUS for ALL team membersANNUAL Wage Increases to reward your dedicationCompetitive Pay Based on Experience$2.50/hour Shift Premium for 2nd shift11 Paid Holidays + 3 Additional Paid Holiday Break DaysGenerous Paid Time Off (Vacation & Flex Time)Excellent Benefits Package:LOW-COST Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceCompany-Paid Life Insurance & Disability Coverage401(k) with Employer Match & Profit SharingAccident, Hospital, & Critical Illness Coverage OptionsWhy Join SMF?Work for a company that’s in the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwideBe part of a fast-growing organization with state-of-the-art manufacturingTake pride in contributing to high-quality, Fortune 500 OEM projectsIf you're energetic, detail-oriented, and ready to grow, we want you on our team!Apply today and start your career with SMF!