Manufacturing Engineer (Robotic Welding)

Job Description

Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer – Robotic Welding & Automation

Locations: Alexandria, MN; Sauk Centre, MN; Hartford, WI; or Grand Island, NE
Job Type: Full Time

Position Summary

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support and improve automated manufacturing operations within a high-volume production environment.

This is a backfill opportunity supporting the Robotic Welding group , where the engineer will work regularly with industrial robots and automated welding systems. The role also provides an opportunity to grow into a specialized Robotic Welding Engineering position in the future.

The position will focus on manufacturing process improvement, robotic automation support, equipment implementation, production troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives designed to improve quality, throughput, safety, reliability, and overall manufacturing performance.

While the role involves hands-on interaction with robotic welding systems, the primary focus is broader manufacturing engineering rather than dedicated robot programming .

Key Responsibilities

• Support, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing processes , with a focus on robotic welding and automated production equipment.
• Assist with programming, troubleshooting, recovery, and optimization of industrial robots ; ABB experience is preferred, while FANUC, Motoman/Yaskawa, or similar platforms are acceptable.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase product quality, productivity, efficiency, and equipment utilization.
• Support new product launches, equipment installations, process development, and manufacturing process validation .
• Troubleshoot robotic, mechanical, electrical, controls, and process-related issues to minimize downtime and production disruptions.
• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Tooling, Quality, and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing performance.
• Support fixture improvements, tooling modifications, robot recovery, TCP calibration, and preventive maintenance initiatives .
• Analyze production and manufacturing data to identify bottlenecks, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement .
• Participate in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, process standards, and technical procedures .
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable quality, safety, and production standards .
• Provide hands-on engineering support to production teams and assist with implementing corrective and preventive actions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience supporting industrial robots , preferably ABB; FANUC, Motoman/Yaskawa, or similar platforms are also acceptable.
• Working knowledge of robotic welding processes , including MIG/GMAW and/or FCAW.
• Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment and production systems .
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical documentation, and CAD models .
• Experience with manufacturing process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies .
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills .
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, fast-paced production environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.