Position Summary:
The Robotic Welding Programmer is responsible for programming, configuring, and optimizing robotic welding systems to produce high-quality welded products safely and efficiently. This role troubleshoots robotic welding systems and works closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to support manufacturing operations.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Program and optimize robotic welding systems for new and existing products.
- Create, modify, and troubleshoot robot programs using teach pendants and offline programming software where applicable.
- Develop weld paths, torch angles, travel speeds, and welding parameters to ensure quality and productivity.
- Set up robotic welding cells for new product launches and engineering changes.
- Troubleshoot robot programming, welding quality, and equipment issues.
- Optimize cycle times while maintaining safety and product quality.
- Perform robot backups, software updates, and program documentation.
- Collaborate with engineering to design fixtures and improve manufacturability.
- Support preventive maintenance and equipment calibration activities.
- Analyze weld quality and implement corrective actions for defects.
- Train operators and technicians on proper robot operation and basic troubleshooting.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and specifications.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and customer requirements.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certification in robotics, welding, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
- 3-5 years of robotic welding programming experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with MIG (GMAW) and/or TIG (GTAW) welding processes.
- Experience programming one or more robotic platforms.
- Knowledge of robotic welding power sources.
- Strong understanding of robotic programming principles and motion optimization.
- Knowledge of welding metallurgy and welding procedures.
- Ability to troubleshoot robot hardware, software, sensors, and welding equipment.
- Ability to interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience with offline programming software is preferred.
Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability:
- Work often involves extended periods of standing, walking, and performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks.
- Effective verbal communication and hearing are essential for maintaining safety, receiving instructions, and coordinating with team members in person, over radios, or through alarms.
- Both fine motor skills (e.g., handling small components, precision work) and gross motor skills (e.g., operating tools and heavy equipment) are critical.
- Visual acuity is required for reading blueprints, measuring materials, performing precision work, and maintaining situational awareness; near, far, and peripheral vision may all be needed.
- Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor settings, as well as dusty, loud, hot, cold, or potentially hazardous areas.
- Tasks may involve bending, stooping, reaching overhead or below shoulder height, crouching, kneeling, climbing ladders or ramps, and maintaining balance on uneven surfaces.
- Must be able to work at heights, in confined spaces, or in other challenging physical locations as required by the task.
- Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs independently.
- Must comply with all company policies and procedures.
- Consistent, punctual attendance during core business hours is essential.
- Reliable transportation is required for commuting and occasional travel between local corporate offices and job sites during business hours.
- All employees are accountable for safety and health and are empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition is present. Employees should immediately notify their supervisor so that the hazard may be corrected.
What Sets RK Industries Apart
Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.