Welding Engineer

CryoWest, Inc.; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CryoWest, Inc. is seeking a Welding Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement in aluminum and stainless-steel welding operations in Watsonville, CA.

This role focuses on advancing welding process capability, implementing automation, and enhancing production efficiency. The ideal candidate will bring 3-5 years of welding process engineering experience, strong knowledge of welding metallurgy, and hands-on CAD/process simulation skills to drive cost reductions and quality improvements on the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in welding process engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in welding metallurgy, including microstructure evolution, heat-affected zones, and mechanical properties of welded joints.
• Experience with welding automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in CAD and process simulation tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and improve welding process capability and throughput across aluminum, stainless steel, and Hastelloy C-22 welding areas.
• Identify opportunities for automation, robotics, and advanced welding technologies to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Apply welding metallurgy knowledge to optimize weld behavior in the weld metal and heat-affected zones.
• Design and manage welding sequences; coordinate across teams to meet scheduling needs.
• Document sequences visually for clarity on the production floor.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for welding issues to drive systemic improvements.
• Collaborate with Quality to develop process documentation and control plans.
• Evaluate new equipment, tools, and materials to support welding innovation.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Welding engineering

Automation & robotics

Process optimization

Lean/Six Sigma

Data analysis

Project management

CAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering

Tools

CAD

Process simulation tools

Job description

The Welding Process Engineer is a forward-thinking position, driving continuous improvement and technological advancement in our aluminum and stainless-steel operations. This role focuses on enhancing welding process capability and capacity, implementing automation, and optimizing production efficiency.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Analyze and improve welding process capability and throughput across aluminum, stainless steel, and Hastelloy C-22 fabrication and welding areass
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation, robotics, and advanced welding technologies to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Apply deep knowledge of welding metallurgy and materials science to understand and optimize weld behavior in both the weld metal and heat-affected zones of base materials.
• Design and manage welding sequences to align with production stages. Coordinate across teams to ensure sequences meet scheduling needs.
• Document sequences visually for clarity and accessibility on the production floor.
• Investigate and manage the interactions between welding gases, filler materials, and base metals to enhance weld quality, reduce defects, and improve reliability and production efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for process-related welding issues, focusing on systemic improvements.
• Collaborate with Quality and other Department staff to develop and maintain process documentation, including standard work instructions and process control plans.
• Evaluate new equipment, tools, and materials to support innovation in welding and fabrication.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects across the production floor.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to welding productivity, quality, and cost.
• Develop and qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) in accordance with applicable codes and standards to ensure consistent weld quality and compliance.
• Provide training and technical support to welders, promoting best practices, proper techniques, and the adoption of new welding technologies.
• Oversee weld inspections and coordinate nondestructive testing (NDT) activities to verify weld integrity and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Analyze welding-related costs and contribute to budgeting efforts, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and process efficiency.
• Lead cross-functional engineering projects, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives and new product introductions, to optimize welding processes.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations, maintaining a safe and compliant welding environment.
• Implement and manage digital welding technologies, such as weld monitoring systems and traceability tools, to enhance process control and data-driven decision-making.

• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in welding process engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in welding metallurgy, including microstructure evolution, heat-affected zones, and mechanical properties of welded joints.
• Experience with welding automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in CAD and process simulation tools is a plus