Robot Operator Trainee

Anchor Fabrication Fort Worth•Fort Worth, TX

3d•$19 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

The Robot Welder Trainee supports production while learning to safely set up, load, operate, monitor, and maintain robotic welding equipment used to fabricate heavy metal components and assemblies. This entry-level role is intended for someone with mechanical aptitude, basic welding knowledge, and a willingness to learn automated welding processes in a fast-paced heavy manufacturing environment. The trainee works under the direction of experienced operators, leads, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and engineering support to develop the skills needed to produce consistent, high-quality welds while meeting safety, quality, and production standards. Work takes place in a heavy manufacturing fabrication facility, with exposure to welding arc flash, sparks, fumes, smoke, grinding dust, metal chips, loud noise, moving equipment, forklifts, cranes, hoists, robotic welding cells, and varying temperatures. The employee must wear required personal protective equipment and perform physical tasks including extended standing and walking, repetitive upper-body motions, bending, kneeling, reaching, and handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds as required. Heavier items are handled with team lifting or mechanical assistance. Essential duties must be performed safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience is preferred.
Ability and willingness to complete company-provided training for robotic welding equipment, safety procedures, quality standards, and production processes.
Basic ability to read work instructions, understand part numbers, follow routing information, and recognize basic blueprint features.
Basic math skills, including the ability to read tape measures and understand fractions or decimals used in fabrication work.
Ability to use or learn basic inspection tools such as tape measures, calipers, squares, and weld gauges.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, ask questions when unsure, and promptly communicate equipment, quality, or safety concerns.
Willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, or schedule changes as production needs require.
Compliance with company safety policies, attendance standards, quality expectations, and workplace conduct requirements.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform repetitive motions involving hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and upper body.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, push, pull, climb steps or platforms, and work around fixtures, tables, and equipment.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials, tools, fixtures, and parts up to 50 pounds; heavier items require team lifting or mechanical assistance.
Ability to visually inspect welds, parts, gauges, screens, indicators, and work instructions, with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to hear alarms, verbal instructions, equipment sounds, and safety signals, with or without hearing protection or accommodation.
Ability to work near automated equipment and follow safe-distance, guarding, interlock, and lockout/tagout requirements.
Ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Basic welding, fabrication, manufacturing, mechanical, or machine operation experience.
Weld symbol knowledge.

Responsibilities

Learn and follow company safety rules, robotic cell safety practices, lockout/tagout requirements, machine guarding expectations, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Load, unload, position, and secure parts in welding fixtures according to work instructions, drawings, and trainer direction.
Operate robotic welding cells under supervision, including starting approved programs, monitoring weld cycles, and responding appropriately to alarms or process interruptions.
Perform part preparation tasks such as cleaning, grinding, deburring, removing spatter, or verifying fit-up as required by work orders.
Observe weld quality and identify concerns such as excessive spatter, porosity, undercut, missed welds, poor fit-up, incomplete fusion, or inconsistent bead appearance.
Use basic measuring and inspection tools to support first-piece and in-process quality checks.
Replace or assist with replacing welding consumables and shielding gas components as trained.
Assist experienced personnel with basic troubleshooting of robot faults, wire feed issues, torch problems, fixture concerns, and quality deviations.
Read and interpret work instructions, production schedules, blueprints, weld symbols, and quality requirements with trainer support.
Document production activity, quality checks, downtime, defects, rework, and equipment concerns as required.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area using good housekeeping practices.
Support continuous improvement by communicating observed problems, repeat defects, fixture issues, and opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
Perform related fabrication, material handling, or production support duties as assigned and within training level.