Junior Robot Technician

Staff Solutions Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in South Africa seeks a qualified engineering professional for robotic welding process optimization. The ideal candidate will possess an N6/National Diploma/B-Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering, and have over 2 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. Proficiency in robotic programming and a strong understanding of quality systems are essential. This role involves responsibility for process documentation, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment involving robotic welding.
• Proficiency in robotic programming (e.g., Yaskawa & Fanuc preferable).
• Strong understanding of welding process fundamentals and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Program and optimize robotic welding sequences for quality and efficiency.
• Conduct fault-finding on welding process issues.
• Analyse production data to identify trends and inefficiencies.

Skills

Robotic programming

Welding process fundamentals

Continuous improvement tools

Problem-solving tools

Intermediate to advanced computer skills

Education

N6 / National Diploma / B-Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Fault Finding and Process Setup:

• Program and optimize robotic welding sequences for quality and efficiency.
• Set and adjust welding parameters (speed, current, voltage) to ensure consistent weld penetration and strength.
• Conduct fault-finding on welding process issues (e.g., weld spatter, heat-affected zones, cracking).
• Coordinate welding trials and document findings for process validation.
• Setup and conduct jig adjustments.
• Resolution of minor breakdowns.

Process Monitoring and Daily Operational Support:

• Complete and analyse daily process check sheets (Poka-yoke validation, jig checks, critical parameter verification).
• Monitor key process parameters and intervene when deviations occur.
• Support production in resolving technical process issues in real time.
• Perform routine confirmation audits for process adherence and compliance with work instructions.

Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving:

• Analyse production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, or defects.
• Apply problem-solving tools (A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to root cause process issues.
• Use statistical processes such as SPC to monitor process stability and performance.
• Implement improvement actions using lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, TQM).
• Justify changes with statistical and financial analysis where required.

Documentation and Standardization:

• Maintain and update Process Instructions (PI), Work Instructions (PWI), PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Process Check Sheets.
• Document and archive all robot program changes on the internal document management system for approval with version control and change rationale.
• Support the development and deployment of standard work procedures.
• Feed process change updates into PFMEA and related quality systems.
• Follow internal change management systems when implementing a change.

Training, Auditing, and Operator Support:

• Conduct line-side training for robot operators and shift leaders on process changes and standard work.
• Verify operator compliance to process standards during shift audits.
• Act as a process mentor for junior technicians, interns, etc.

Projects:

• Support with integration of new projects into the business.
• Create and manage timing plans.
• Follow strict adherence to customer and internal milestones.

Job Requirements:

• N6 / National Diploma / B-Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronic Engineering.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment involving robotic welding.
• Proficiency in robotic programming (e.g., Yaskawa & Fanuc preferable).
• Strong understanding of welding process fundamentals and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with quality systems such as IATF, Control Plans, and PFMEAs.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and weld symbols.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills (MS Office, CAD software).
• Experience with continuous improvement tools (5S, A3, Kaizen, Lean).
• PLC programming and fault finding would be advantageous.