Structural Steel Robot Lead

Qualico Steel Company, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualico Steel Company, Inc. seeks a Structural Steel Robot Lead to guide robotic fabrication operations on the shop floor. You will lead daily welding cells, program and troubleshoot robots, and ensure alignment with project specs and quality standards.

You will read structural drawings, verify weld symbols and WPS, train operators, and collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve issues while maintaining a safe, efficient environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication.
• Strong understanding of FCAW and GMAW welding processes.
• Ability to read structural drawings, weld symbols, and WPS.
• Proven troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude.
• Leadership experience or ability to guide others.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and production goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operation of robotic welding and automation cells for structural components.
• Set up, program, and troubleshoot robotic welding systems to meet job requirements.
• Verify jobs against shop drawings, weld symbols, WPS, and project specifications.
• Monitor weld quality, fit-up, and dimensional accuracy; adjust programs as needed.
• Train and support robot operators on proper setup, operation, and safety procedures.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve issues.
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on robotic equipment.
• Ensure compliance with AWS, AISC, and company quality standards.
• Promote a safe work environment and enforce all safety policies.
• Support continuous improvement and efficiency initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Welding (FCAW/GMAW)

Read weld symbols & drawings

Troubleshooting

Safety leadership

Tools

Robotic welding systems

Job description

The Structural Steel Robot Lead is responsible for leading and supporting robotic fabrication operations. This role ensures robotic welding and automation cells operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications, quality standards, and production schedules. The Robot Lead acts as the technical point of contact between operators, supervisors, and engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operation of robotic welding and automation cells for structural steel components
• Set up, program, and troubleshoot robotic welding systems to meet job requirements
• Verify jobs against shop drawings, weld symbols, WPS, and project specifications
• Monitor weld quality, fit-up, and dimensional accuracy; adjust programs as needed
• Train and support robot operators on proper setup, operation, and safety procedures
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and quality teams to resolve issues
• Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on robotic equipment
• Ensure compliance with AWS, AISC, and company quality standards
• Promote a safe work environment and enforce all safety policies
• Support continuous improvement and efficiency initiatives

Required Qualifications:

3–5+ years of experience in structural steel fabrication preferred

Strong understanding of welding processes (FCAW, GMAW preferred)

Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, weld symbols, and WPS

Proven troubleshooting and mechanical aptitude

Leadership experience or demonstrated ability to guide others

Strong attention to quality, safety, and production goals

Preferred Qualifications:

AWS welding knowledge and inspection familiarity

Experience working under AISC certification requirements

Basic computer and robotic programming interface skills

Learn manufacturing or process improvement experience

Physical Requirements:

Ability to work on a fabrication shop floor with exposure to noise and heat.

Requires standing, lifting, and moving steel components regularly.

• Ability to stand, bend, lift, and work in a physical environment.
• Fabrication shop environment with exposure to noise, heat, and heavy equipment.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to company safety guidelines.
• Ability to stand, bend, lift, and work in a physical environment.