Weld Tech Specialist

SODECIA AAPICO; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SODECIA AAPICO in Michigan seeks an experienced MIG Welding Specialist Engineer to lead the launch and optimization of MIG welding processes for high-volume ladder-frame production, with heavy shop-floor involvement during the launch.

The role focuses on validating tooling, supporting robotic cells (Fanuc/ABB/KUKA), and driving weld quality, cycle times, and process improvements across QA and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automotive MIG welding experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Welding, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with BIW, chassis, ladder frames, or structural components.
• Strong knowledge of robotic welding, HSLA steel, fixturing, and distortion control.
• Experience with AWS standards, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and Cpk.
• Strong technical problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize MIG welding processes and parameters.
• Support robotic welding cells using Fanuc, ABB, or KUKA systems.
• Validate tooling, fixtures, clamping strategies, and cycle times.
• Lead weld-quality validation, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
• Support FAT, SAT, PPAP, launch builds, and SOP readiness.
• Monitor and improve weld quality, first-pass yield, rework, uptime, and production performance.

Skills

MIG welding

Robotic welding

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Welding or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fanuc robotics

ABB robotics

KUKA robotics

Job description

We are looking for an experienced MIG Welding Specialist Engineer to support the launch and optimization of welding processes for high-volume automotive ladder-frame production.

This is a hands‑on position, with approximately 50–70% shop-floor involvement during the launch phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize MIG welding processes and parameters.
• Support robotic welding cells using Fanuc, ABB, or KUKA systems.
• Validate tooling, fixtures, clamping strategies, and cycle times.
• Lead weld‑quality validation, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis.
• Support FAT, SAT, PPAP, launch builds, and SOP readiness.
• Monitor and improve weld quality, first‑pass yield, rework, uptime, and production performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Welding, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of automotive MIG welding experience.
• Experience with BIW, chassis, ladder frames, or structural components.
• Strong knowledge of robotic welding, HSLA steel, fixturing, and distortion control.
• Experience with AWS standards, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and Cpk.
• Strong technical problem‑solving and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• AWS certification or Certified Welding Engineer qualification.
• Experience in high‑volume Tier 1 automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Simufact Welding or SYSWELD.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key technical role in the launch of a major automotive manufacturing program.