Robotic Welding Technician Lead

SMF•Minonk, IL

1d•$31 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
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.

Nice To Haves

technical education in robotics, welding, automation, electrical systems, or manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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