Automation Technician

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionTechnique is looking for a Automation Technician to join our team at our North Carolina chassis facility. Reporting to the Prototype Welding Manager, this role involves progressive use of MIG/TIG welding equipment to weld both stainless steel and carbon steel in accordance with job and customer demand. The Robotic Welding Technician supports the quality assurance team with part layouts and inspections, assists in the design, development, and implementation of production fixturing, and operates and recovers welding robots for all phases of production. This is a hands-on, technically demanding position that requires mastery across multiple skill levels – from basic weld setup through advanced robotic programming and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate brings at least 2 years of industrial welding experience and demonstrates competency in both GTAW and GMAW processes on mild steel. They are comfortable reading blueprints and applying GD&T, can perform first-piece table layouts, and know how to assemble and verify prototype fixtures. At the advanced level, the right person can independently operate and troubleshoot robotic welders (Motoman, Panasonic, Fanuc), utilize offline programming software, interpret CMM reports, and drive process improvements – all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety and quality. Responsibilities:Welder Setup & Operation – Set up the welder and perform GTAW & GMAW welding on mild steel joints; read and apply basic weld symbols; distinguish different material types; change over wire and gas for regular operations.Projection Welder Operations – Demonstrate ability to set up and troubleshoot the projection welder and change settings accordingly; understand weld fixture locations and the return process.Blueprint Reading & Layout – Pass basic blueprint reading test; perform 1st piece table layouts; apply basic GD&T understanding to interpret engineering drawings and verify part conformance.Prototype Welding & Troubleshooting – Understand build issues and troubleshoot prototype welding; process all job folders and complete documentation required by quality; assemble all prototype fixtures and verify them prior to quality approval.Robot Welder Loading & BSR Operations – Load and run the robot welder in auto mode; make needed repairs on assemblies after robotic welding for BSR functions; recover the robot from fault conditions and restart programs.CMM Report Interpretation – Understand CMM reports and troubleshoot from CMM data; adjust robot points and parameters; apply intermediate GD&T knowledge to diagnose dimensional issues and drive corrective actions.PLC Programming & Fixture Changeover – Change programs from the PLC screen; perform fixture changeovers to support production and new part launches.Advanced Robotic Welder Operation & Adjustment – Make advanced adjustments on robotic welders including harmonizing, timing, and setting up new fixtures; troubleshoot robot welder independently or with assistance from Miller as required.Offline Programming & First Piece Quality – Utilize offline programming software to prepare jobs; understand CMM reports and troubleshoot builds independently to obtain a good first piece and implement process improvements without assistance.Quality Support & Documentation – Support the quality assurance team with part layouts and inspections; complete all required quality documentation; apply basic layout and inspection tools to verify dimensional conformance.Fixturing Design & Implementation – Assist in the design, development, and implementation of production fixturing; contribute to new fixture setup and validation for production part launches.Workplace Safety – Follow all company and department-specific safety procedures; work safely at all times and support a culture of safety throughout the department; work overtime and maintain flexibility in schedule as needed. Requirements:High school diploma or GED required; vocational training preferred (STEM Program, Career Center, or Technical Trades Training)Minimum 2 years of welding experience in an industrial settingBasic understanding of GD&T and print readingBasic understanding of hand tools and layout/inspection toolsPreferred robotic welding experience with Motoman, Panasonic, or Fanuc systems, including point touch-ups, adjustments, and troubleshootingExperience with PLC programming and robotic system calibration preferredAbility to perform robotic welder preventative maintenance: replacing torches, liners, and wire drive systems; grease and battery replacement for external axis; greasing robotic joints; maintaining air cleaner units, collectors, and filters; following a weekly preventative maintenance scheduleDesired: advanced GD&T understanding; advanced layout/inspection procedures; offline programming; CAD/SolidWorks; weld fixture design experienceVery active position requiring standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing throughout the shift; must be able to frequently lift and/or move items over 50 poundsSpecific vision abilities required including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focusComfortable working in a manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, moving mechanical parts, industrial equipment, vibration, and loud noise levelsNo travel requiredMust be eligible to work in the United States by means of U.S. Citizenship, Work Visa, or H1B sponsorship; E-Verify partner employer Position Type and Expected Hours: This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a minimum of 40 hours per week with overtime as needed. This position operates on a Monday–Thursday schedule. Note: days and hours required may vary. Flexibility in work schedule is required. About Technique: Technique is a Michigan-based precision sheet metal and welded assemblies manufacturer serving aerospace, defense, automotive, motorsports, medical, and food processing industries. We specialize in high-speed prototypes, ultra-low volume stampings, tubing, and assemblies for production and emergency-based manufacturing. Our employees enjoy a work culture that values safety, integrity, teamwork, learning opportunities, and results. Technique benefits include paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), 401(k), 401(k) matching, professional development, referral program, paid training, on-the-job training, employee assistance program, and tuition reimbursement. Benefits:Paid Time OffHealth InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceDisability InsuranceHealth Savings AccountFlexible Spending Account401(k)401(k) MatchingProfessional DevelopmentReferral ProgramPaid TrainingOn The Job TrainingEmployee Assistance ProgramTuition Reimbursement Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Technique is an equal employment opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.