Welding Engineer

Cullerton Group; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Cullerton Group in Chicago, IL is seeking a Staff Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing to lead evaluation, development, and deployment of next-generation manufacturing technologies, with emphasis on welding automation and process innovation.

The role requires hands-on technical leadership across multiple units, managing capital projects, supplier selections, and cross-functional collaboration to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability while ensuring safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within a medium to large-scale production environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in welding processes and automation, including capital equipment projects.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing supplier selection and system implementation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Lead exploration and implementation of advanced welding technologies, including robotic MIG, TIG, and laser welding.
• Oversee capital projects: design specs, vendor evaluation, installation, commissioning, and safety compliance.
• Drive projects from concept through execution and coordinate with engineering, operations, and quality teams.

Skills

Welding processes

Robotic welding

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Staff Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing in Chicago, IL (Rogers Park neighborhood). This is a permanent job. Onsite with Hybrid flexibility depending on project phase. Compensation is up to $165K/yr base salary plus bonus and stock plan contribution.

Overview

The Staff Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities across multiple business units. This position is focused on evaluating, developing, and implementing next-generation manufacturing technologies, with a strong emphasis on welding automation and process innovation.

This individual will help shape the future state of manufacturing by assessing current processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and leading the selection and deployment of new systems and technologies. The role requires a balance of hands-on technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Innovation & Technology Development: Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Lead the exploration and implementation of advanced welding technologies, including robotic MIG, TIG, and laser welding.
• Support long-term manufacturing strategy by identifying emerging technologies and assessing their applicability and potential impact.

Capital Projects & System Implementation

• Lead the replacement and upgrade of multiple manufacturing systems over a 12–18 month horizon.
• Develop technical specifications and performance requirements for new equipment and systems.
• Manage supplier selection processes, including RFP development and evaluation of vendors.
• Oversee system design, build, installation, and commissioning in partnership with external suppliers.
• Ensure systems meet defined quality, throughput, and safety requirements.

Project Management & Cross-Functional Lead

• Drive projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to establish standard work and process controls.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders, including progress, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Manage capital budgets and ensure effective use of resources.

Resources

• Serve as a subject matter expert in welding processes and automation.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts on the production floor as needed.
• Partner with internal experts to scale knowledge and alleviate bandwidth constraints.

Constraints

New Product Development

• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability and scalability.
• Evaluate how product design impacts welding efficiency and automation processes.
• Provide guidance on design requirements to enable advanced welding processes.

Processes

• Travel: Primary location in Chicago with occasional support for nearby facilities (e.g., Palatine). Limited potential support for additional locations as needed.
• Hybrid flexibility depending on project phase (more on-site during active implementation, more flexibility during planning phases).

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within a medium to large-scale production environment (e.g., heavy equipment, automotive, or similar).

Technical Expertise

• Strong background in welding processes, particularly robotic and automated systems.
• Experience with capital equipment projects, including supplier selection and system implementation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, controls, and automation technologies.
• Familiarity with evaluating and integrating new manufacturing technologies.

Leadership & Capabilities

• Proven ability to manage complex projects from concept through execution.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.

Additional Considerations

• Hands-on experience in a production environment is highly valued.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving project needs and priorities.
• Willingness to consider relocation if not local (preferred but not required).