Mechanical Engineer / Applications Specialist - Industrial Equipment

Robotic Automation & Weld Programmer – Yaskawa / MotoSim

Up to $35.00/hr + Shift Differentials & Profit Sharing • Duluth, MN / Superior, WI • Flexible Shift Options • Direct-Hire

• Pay & Incentives: Up to $35.00/hr starting baseline rate (commensurate with offline programming depth) + up to +$2.00/hr shift premiums, company-wide profit sharing, and full benefits package.
• Work Pattern/Schedule: Choice of 1st Shift (flexible start windows at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM), 2nd Shift, or 3rd Shift.
• Environment & Company Profile: Global manufacturing leader in heavy equipment attachments for construction, demolition, and scrap recycling; stable order backlog, state-of-the-art robotics plant floor, and a people-first culture.
• Core Functional Scope: Offline CAD-to-path simulation (Robotmaster or MotoSim), multi-axis Yaskawa/Motoman YRC1000 programming, heavy-gauge structural MIG welding, and cell troubleshooting.
• Strict Requirements & Authorization: Requires 3+ years of robotic weld cell setup and programming, blueprint and weld symbol literacy, US work authorization, and a daily commute to the Duluth, MN / Superior, WI region.

If you are an automation specialist or technical welder tired of standing in a smoky booth doing repetitive manual welds or fighting rigid shops that ignore floor innovation, this direct-hire seat offers a major step up. The employer is a global manufacturing leader in heavy equipment attachments, serving the international construction, demolition, and scrap recycling industries. Known for a deeply rooted "people-first" culture and ongoing capital investments in state-of-the-art robotics, they treat their programming team as core technical assets.

Rather than just clearing pendant errors, you will perform true ground-up offline programming, optimizing multi-axis cell movements and proving out first-article weldments for massive, high-stress industrial fabrications. The company culture actively rejects high-turnover job shop chaos, offering long-term stability, internal promotion tracks, and an unyielding global order backlog.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Execute Offline CAD-to-Path Simulation: Develop, simulate, and proof collision-free offline programs using Robotmaster or MotoSim software for complex, multi-pass first-article structural weldments.
• Optimize Welding Parameters: Fine-tune robotic travel speeds, torch angles, wire feed rates, weave patterns, and arc voltages to maximize cycle efficiency and achieve 100% full-penetration welds.
• Troubleshoot Cell Automation: Serve as the primary floor SME to resolve multi-axis robot motion faults, seam-tracking/touch-sensing errors, and hardware communication issues.
• Verify Weld Quality & AWS Compliance: Inspect finished weldments using visual and non-destructive methods to ensure full compliance with engineering blueprints, AWS structural codes, and tight tolerances.
• Train & Mentor Cell Operators: Support production operators by refining fixture loading sequences, standardizing setup procedures, and transferring basic pendant operation knowledge.
• Maintain Robotic Welding Equipment: Oversee routine maintenance schedules on robotic arms, torch liners, contact tips, wire feeder drives, and anti-spatter reamer stations.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• 3+ Years Robotic Welding Depth: Verifiable background setup, operating, and programming robotic weld cells (Yaskawa/Motoman YRC1000 experience strongly valued).
• Offline Programming Fluency: Practical proficiency with offline simulation packages (Robotmaster, MotoSim, or equivalent CAD-to-path software) for virtual path generation.
• Heavy Structural MIG Skillset: Strong foundation in heavy-plate MIG welding and blueprint reading, including complete weld symbol literacy (must be able to pass an on-site practical weld test).
• Fixture & Tooling Literacy: Analytical capability to review part geometry, evaluate fixture clearance, and establish efficient weld sequences from scratch.
• Employment Stability: Consistent work history demonstrating multi-year tenure, strong daily attendance, and team accountability.
• Location & Eligibility: Permanent residency established within comfortable commuting distance of the Duluth, MN / Superior, WI area; US Citizen or Green Card holder.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Educational Credentials: Associate Degree in Robotics, Automated Manufacturing, or Welding Technology.
• CWI / AWS Certification: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential or formal AWS robotic arc welding certifications.
• Multi-Pass Seam Tracking: Hands-on experience calibrating laser vision sensors, arc-seam tracking, or touch-sensing systems for heavy weldments.