Welding Engineer

Welding EngineerLocation: Waukesha, WIEmployment Type: Direct HireSalary: $130,000 annuallyTravel: Limited travelRelocation Assistance: Available as neededPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Welding Engineer to provide hands-on technical expertise in welding process development, robotic welding, and production optimization. This role serves as the primary technical resource for robotic welding technicians, supporting complex troubleshooting, procedure development, quality improvement, and the implementation of new welding technologies.The ideal candidate brings a strong background in welding metallurgy, robotic welding systems, and process qualification, with the ability to solve complex technical challenges and improve manufacturing performance.This is a hands-on technical role, not a formal people-management position, with an emphasis on engineering expertise, collaboration, and mentoring.Key ResponsibilitiesWelding Engineering & Technical SupportServe as the primary technical resource for Robotic Welding Technicians I and II, providing hands-on troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action guidance.Review and approve complex robotic weld programs, weld paths, and parameter sets for new and challenging applications.Mentor technicians on welding metallurgy, process fundamentals, and advanced robotic programming techniques.Provide technical guidance and process oversight to the robotic welding team in partnership with the Automation Manager.Process Development & OptimizationDevelop, document, and qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and welding parameters for new materials, joint configurations, and customer applications.Select and optimize welding processes, including GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, robotic arc welding, and laser welding, to meet quality, cost, and productivity requirements.Collaborate with Engineering to design and evaluate weld fixtures, tooling, and robotic weld cell layouts for improved accessibility, repeatability, and cycle times.Evaluate new welding equipment, consumables, and technologies, recommending improvements to enhance process capability and manufacturing efficiency.Support new equipment integration, robotic commissioning, and process validation for new automation cells.Quality & ComplianceInvestigate weld-related nonconformances, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions in coordination with Quality.Ensure welding processes comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and customer requirements, including AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX, as applicable.Support internal and customer audits related to welding processes and documentation.Maintain accurate welding procedure specifications, qualification records, and supporting technical documentation.Project & Cross-Functional CollaborationProvide technical input for project quoting and estimating, including process feasibility, cycle times, and equipment requirements.Partner with Project Engineers and the Automation Manager to support project schedules and communicate welding process readiness.Travel occasionally as needed for equipment commissioning, customer meetings, or field support.Stay current on advancements and best practices in welding engineering, robotics, and automation.Follow all applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent education, training, and experience will also be considered.5–8+ years of progressive experience in welding engineering, welding process development, or robotic welding applications.Strong hands-on knowledge of welding processes, including GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, robotic arc welding, and laser welding, along with a solid understanding of welding metallurgy.Demonstrated experience developing and qualifying welding procedures and resolving complex welding issues in a production or automated manufacturing environment.Experience with robotic welding systems and offline programming software strongly preferred.Familiarity with applicable welding codes and standards, including AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX.AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) certification preferred.Opportunity HighlightsCompetitive annual salary of $130,000.Direct-hire opportunity.Hands-on technical engineering role with opportunities to solve complex welding challenges and improve automated manufacturing processes.Opportunity to mentor and support technical staff without taking on a formal management position.Limited travel.Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates as needed.