Manufacturing Engineer – Weld Help build the welding processes that will bring a new data center cooling operation online. About the role Steel & O’Brien Manufacturing is looking for a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer – Weld to help launch and grow our new Indianapolis facility, which supports the Data Center Cooling industry. As the technical resource for welding processes, you’ll develop, improve, and sustain safe, repeatable production methods for stainless steel components and assemblies. You’ll work with Engineering, Operations, Production, and Quality to start up equipment, develop tooling and process controls, and improve weld quality and efficiency as production grows. What you’ll do Welding process development - Develop, implement, and improve stainless steel welding processes, including TIG, orbital, and laser welding, as production needs require.
- Set process parameters and production methods to support consistent weld quality, throughput, ergonomics, and safety.
- Analyze process data to improve first-pass yield, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste.
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for welding and fabrication operations.
Equipment, tooling, and facility startup - Support welding equipment selection, installation, commissioning, and validation during facility startup and production ramp-up.
- Design and develop welding fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions to improve accuracy and repeatability.
- Evaluate new welding technologies, automation opportunities, and equipment upgrades.
- Work with equipment suppliers, Maintenance, and Operations to resolve startup issues and help keep equipment reliable.
Quality and continuous improvement - Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for weld defects, scrap, rework, and process variation.
- Work with Quality and the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to establish applicable weld standards, inspection criteria, and process controls.
- Develop and maintain work instructions, weld maps, and welding process documentation.
- Support welding procedure development, validation, and qualification activities with Engineering and Quality.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and other improvement methods to strengthen safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
New products, training, and collaboration - Support new product introductions by developing welding processes, tooling, and production methods.
- Help train welding personnel on equipment, approved procedures, and standard work.
- Support welder qualification activities with Quality and the CWI.
- Work with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and customer technical teams to resolve issues and meet project requirements.
- Track process performance and make improvements that support production and launch milestones.
What you’ll bring - Five or more years of manufacturing engineering experience supporting welding and fabrication operations.
- A bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Welding, or Industrial Engineering, or a related field, preferred.
- Strong expertise in TIG welding, orbital welding, stainless steel fabrication, and sanitary manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of welding metallurgy, distortion control, and heat input management.
- Experience interpreting applicable welding codes, inspection requirements, and quality system procedures.
- CAD proficiency; Autodesk Inventor or similar software preferred.
- Ability to design fixtures, tooling, and practical manufacturing solutions.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause problem-solving skills.
- Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work across departments.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
Preferred experience - New facility startups or production ramp-ups.
- Robotic, automated, or laser welding systems.
- Capital equipment installation and commissioning projects.
- CNC fabrication, laser cutting, forming, or assembly processes.
- Welding certifications or formal welding training.
Our culture We value Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence. We encourage respectful communication, collaboration, employee ideas, and continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll help build a positive team environment while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Working conditions This on-site role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing and engineering environment, with frequent interaction with welding, fabrication, and production operations. The work involves regular walking throughout the facility, exposure to welding equipment, machinery, noise, and varying temperatures, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Required PPE must be worn in production areas. Salary Range: $85K-115K, 5% annual bonus Accommodations: Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs and commuting to work location. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or other state or federal law, you may request the accommodation below.
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