Robotics, Automation & Fabrication Systems Analyst

Qualico Steel Company, Inc.; Alabama; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualico Steel Company, Inc. seeks a Robotics, Automation & Fabrication Systems Analyst to bridge engineering data with shop-floor execution.

You will convert 3D models and CNC/robotic data into actionable production plans, support robotic welding and fabrication workflows, and analyze data to improve accuracy, efficiency, and throughput. The role involves developing simulation models, time standards, and schedules while collaborating with production and quality teams to validate assumptions and

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in manufacturing or fabrication, robotics support, CNC/programming, production planning, or manufacturing analytics.
• Experience importing/working with CNC or robotic program data and interpreting outputs.
• Strong Excel/data skills (tables, pivot tables, charts).
• 3D CAD competency (SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Ability to communicate clearly with shop-floor teams and engineering/detailing.

Responsibilities

• Import CNC and robotic program files into robotic welding simulation software to validate models, paths, and sequences.
• Extract and analyze simulation outputs including cycle time, weld time, travel time, efficiency rates, and labor hours.
• Develop an efficiency matrix and part-ranking system for automated workflows.
• Identify constraints and recommend improvements in fixturing, access, sequencing, distortion risk, and joint prep.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to validate simulation assumptions and align with shop-floor performance.
• Import 3D model and part data into estimating, production, or internal planning tools.
• Convert part data into estimated fabrication labor hours using routing standards and historical data.
• Create and maintain production routings and time standards for machines/bays (cutting, drilling, welding, robotic welding, etc.).
• Support scheduling by summarizing workload based on capacity, constraints, and due dates.
• Monitor plan-vs-actual performance and refine time standards and scheduling logic.

Skills

Robotics support

CNC/programming

Production planning

Manufacturing analytics

Excel

3D CAD

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Fusion 360

Job description

Robotics, Automation & Fabrication Systems Analyst

The Robotics, Automation & Fabrication Systems Analyst bridges engineering data and shop-floor execution by converting 3D models and CNC/robotic data into actionable production plans. This role supports robotic welding and CNC-driven fabrication workflows through simulation, data analysis, efficiency tracking, and 3D CAD modeling. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of engineering, automation, and production planning, using data to improve accuracy, efficiency, and throughput.

Key Responsibilities:

Robotic Welding Simulation & Analytics

Import CNC and robotic program files into robotic welding simulation software to validate models, paths, and sequences.

Extract and analyze simulation outputs including cycle time, weld time, travel time, efficiency rates, and automation vs. manual labor hours.

Develop and maintain an efficiency matrix and part-ranking system to identify robot-friendly components and recommend candidates for automated workflows.

Identify constraints such as fixturing requirements, access limitations, sequencing concerns, distortion risk, and joint preparation complexity, and recommend improvements.

Collaborate with production and quality teams to validate simulation assumptions and align predicted results with shop-floor performance.

Import 3D model and part data into estimating, production, or internal planning tools.

Convert part and assembly data into estimated fabrication labor hours using defined routing standards and historical performance data.

Create and maintain production routings and time standards for machines and bays (cutting, drilling, fit-up, welding, robotic welding, cleanup, painting, shipping, etc.).

Support machine and bay scheduling by summarizing workload based on capacity, constraints, estimated hours, and due dates.

Monitor plan-vs-actual performance and refine time standards and scheduling logic to improve accuracy over time.

3D CAD & Fabrication Systems Support

Develop and modify 3D CAD models for fixtures, tooling, weldments, and process planning needs.

Create and maintain simplified, simulation-ready models with correct datums, orientation, naming conventions, and metadata.

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, data integrity, and production reporting.

Deliverables / Success Measures:

Maintained robot-friendly part list with defined scoring and selection criteria to improve robotic utilization.

Repeatable efficiency dashboards tracking cycle time, arc-on percentage, throughput, and bottleneck indicators.

Improved accuracy of estimated labor hours and increased schedule reliability through plan-vs-actual trending.

Reduced rework and improved first-pass success of robotic programs through enhanced simulation validation

Required Qualifications:

2+ years’ experience in manufacturing or fabrication, robotics support, CNC/programming, production planning, or manufacturing analytics (steel fabrication preferred).

Experience importing/working with CNC or robotic program data and interpreting outputs.

Strong Excel/data skills (tables, pivot tables, charts; ability to structure datasets cleanly).

3D CAD competency (SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar).

Ability to communicate clearly with both shop-floor teams and engineering/detailing

Preferred Qualifications:

Robotic welding simulation experience (any major platform) and/or robotic programming exposure.

Familiarity with structural steel fabrication workflows and constraints (fit-up, weld sequence, distortion, quality standards).

Experience with production scheduling, routing, or ERP/MES systems; using historical data to build time standards.

Basic scripting or automation skills (e.g., Excel PowerQuery, Python, SQL) a plus.

Physical Requirements:

Systems thinker; strong attention to detail and data integrity.

Practical, shop-oriented problem solver.

• Fabrication shop environment with exposure to noise, heat, and heavy equipment.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to company safety guidelines.