Assembly Engineer - Welding

The Assembly Weld Engineer is responsible for planning, specifying, launching, and supporting welding and assembly equipment to meet automotive customer quality, timing, and production requirements. This role owns equipment development from concept through production launch, working hands-on with welding technologies, automation suppliers, and plant operations to ensure robust, repeatable manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Automotive Quality Requirements

• Interpret automotive customer requirements related to product quality, welding standards, and assembly expectations
• Translate customer requirements into equipment specifications, process plans, and validation criteria
• Support customer PPAP activities and ensure compliance with automotive quality standards

Welding & Automation Technologies

• Support and launch MIG welding and resistance spot welding processes
• Specify, troubleshoot, and support robotic welding systems, with a strong working knowledge of ABB robots
• Provide hands-on technical support during equipment debug, launch, and production ramp-up

Equipment Development & Supplier Management

• Order welding and assembly equipment and manage suppliers through design, build, and launch phases
• Lead vendor coordination, timelines, and quality for assembly automation suppliers
• Conduct equipment buy-offs at supplier facilities and ensure equipment meets functional, safety, and quality requirements

Installation, Launch & Production Support

• Coordinate infrastructure, utilities, and resources required for equipment installation at the manufacturing site
• Lead installation, commissioning, and home-line trials for welding and assembly equipment
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to equipment performance, fixtures, robotics, and weld quality during launch and production

Sustainment & Training

• Define spare parts requirements and long-term support plans for assigned equipment
• Coordinate operator and maintenance training for welding and assembly systems
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment reliability, quality, and throughput

Required Experience

• 10+ years of hands-on experience supporting project-based work for automotive metal assemblies and welding
• Direct experience with MIG and spot welding in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Proven experience ordering equipment and managing automation suppliers through launch
• Strong hands-on background supporting welding equipment, robotics, and assembly processes

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred (Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related discipline)

Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on, floor-oriented engineering mindset
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage suppliers against aggressive timelines and quality expectations
• Working knowledge of robotic welding systems and automation integration
• Excellent communication and organizational skills in cross-functional automotive teams

About Expert Connections
Expert Connections is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in leadership and technical placements in manufacturing, automotive and automation industries. We partner closely with clients and candidates to deliver a high-touch, insight-driven search experience rooted in deep industry knowledge.