Robotic Welding Technician Lead

Build Your Future with SMF!
Why Choose SMF?

At SMF, we don't just offer jobs-we build careers. As part of Etnyre International, we have a 50-year legacy in high-quality metal fabrication, serving industries like construction, power generation, agriculture, and mining.

We take pride in being a Tier One supplier to Fortune 500 OEMs, which means high standards, excellent quality, and rewarding work. Our team of skilled professionals and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities (spanning 200,000+ square feet) make SMF one of the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwide.

In 2020, SMF joined Etnyre International, fueling even more growth and opportunity-and we want YOU to be part of it!
Now Hiring: Robotic Welding Technician Lead

Starting Pay Rates on Experience & Pre-Employment Test Results:

• Robotic Welding Technician Lead: $34.75

What You'll Do:

Robotic Welding Operations & Process Ownership

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership to Robotic Welding Technicians.
• Coordinate technician assignments and support coverage based on production requirements and individual skill levels.
• Monitor safety, quality, productivity, downtime, and equipment performance.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex robotic welding problems.
• Ensure consistent operating practices across robotic welding cells and shifts.
• Assist Production leadership with identifying training and staffing needs.
• Mentor and develop Technician I, II, and Senior Technicians.
• Support technician skill evaluations and advancement recommendations.
• Serve as the technical owner for robotic welding processes.
• Establish and maintain best practices for robot operation and welding processes.
• Analyze recurring quality, downtime, and productivity issues.
• Lead or support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Recommend improvements to robot programs, fixtures, tooling, equipment, and processes.
• Work with Engineering and Quality to validate process changes.
• Drive continuous improvement in cycle time, weld quality, uptime, and productivity.

Troubleshooting

• Lead troubleshooting of complex robotic welding problems.
• Determine whether issues are related to programming, equipment, tooling, fixtures, welding processes, materials, or maintenance.
• Coordinate with Maintenance on mechanical, electrical, controls, and equipment-related problems.
• Coordinate with Engineering on process, programming, and automation issues.
• Provide hands-on technical support during major production interruptions.
• Identify recurring problems and develop permanent corrective actions.

Quality

• Ensure robotic welding processes meet established quality requirements.
• Support weld-quality investigations and corrective actions.
• Monitor recurring weld defects and process variation.
• Work with Quality and Engineering to improve process capability and consistency.
• Ensure robot programs and process parameters remain controlled and documented.

Equipment Care

• Perform routine inspections of robotic welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, welding guns, wire-feed systems, and consumables.
• Identify equipment conditions that could affect safety, quality, or productivity.
• Perform operator-level preventive-maintenance activities as required.
• Coordinate with Maintenance when equipment requires technical repair.

Safety

• Promote and enforce safe robotic welding practices.
• Ensure technicians follow required PPE, machine safety, lockout/tagout, robotic-cell, and hot-work requirements.
• Immediately address unsafe conditions or practices.
• Ensure safety devices, guarding, and interlocks are not bypassed outside approved procedures.
• Participate in safety investigations and improvement initiatives.

Training & Development

• Develop and maintain training standards for Robotic Welding Technicians.
• Train technicians on robotic welding operation, troubleshooting, quality, and process fundamentals.
• Mentor Senior Technicians preparing for advanced programming or leadership responsibilities.
• Establish clear expectations for progression from Technician I through Senior Technician.
• Identify skill gaps and recommend targeted training
• Work closely with Production Management to meet production requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Work with Engineering on new equipment, automation projects, programming, and process improvements.
• Work with Quality to maintain weld quality and resolve process issues.
• Communicate technical issues, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadership

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical education in robotics, welding, automation, electrical systems, or manufacturing preferred.
• Extensive experience operating and troubleshooting robotic welding systems.
• Advanced knowledge of robotic welding processes and automated manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience with industrial robot programming and teach-pendant operation.
• Strong knowledge of welding parameters, weld defects, fixtures, tooling, and process control.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, weld symbols, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
• Advanced mechanical and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide technical leadership.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under production pressure.

What We Offer - Total Rewards Package:

• ANNUAL BONUS for ALL team members
• ANNUAL Wage Increases to reward your dedication
• Competitive Pay Based on Experience
• $2.50/hour Shift Premium for 2nd shift
• 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Additional Paid Holiday Break Days
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation & Flex Time)
• Excellent Benefits Package:
  • LOW-COST Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
  • 401(k) with Employer Match & Profit Sharing
  • Accident, Hospital, & Critical Illness Coverage Options

Why Join SMF?

• Work for a company that's in the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwide
• Be part of a fast-growing organization with state-of-the-art manufacturing
• Take pride in contributing to high-quality, Fortune 500 OEM projects

If you're energetic, detail-oriented, and ready to grow, we want you on our team!

Apply today and start your career with SMF!