Manufacturing Weld Engineering

Job Title: Weld Engineer

The Weld Engineer will perform a broad range of multi-trade engineering functions focused on welding and automation within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role owns the end-to-end process for new equipment in the weld area, particularly laser beam welding cells and associated robotic MIG cells, from understanding production needs and designing solutions, to managing costs and ordering final components. The engineer will improve legacy production processes, implement fixtures to prevent errors, enhance quality and efficiency, and support the safety of team members. The position requires close collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams to install, maintain, and upgrade production equipment, as well as implement new software and equipment modifications to optimize plant floor operations.

Own the end-to-end process for new welding equipment, including understanding production requirements, creating designs to meet those needs, managing costs, and ordering components according to design specifications.

Focus on welding operations with emphasis on laser beam welding cells and Motoman robotic MIG welding cells, ensuring robust, reliable, and efficient performance.

Improve legacy production processes by designing and implementing poka-yoke fixtures to reduce errors and increase quality, efficiency, and safety for production team members.

Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and maintenance teams to plan, install, maintain, and upgrade production equipment in the weld area and related processes.

Implement new software tools and equipment modifications to improve manufacturing processes and automation on the plant floor.

Troubleshoot, repair, install, and replace components on equipment, machinery, and facility systems, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical elements.

Apply basic design and simple fabrication skills to modify or create parts and fixtures that support welding and automated manufacturing operations.

Perform welding and cutting torch operations as needed to support maintenance, repair, and fabrication activities.

Use PLC ladder logic to understand machine operation and support programming, adjustments, and troubleshooting of automated equipment.

Maintain and repair test cables, and recommend suitable substitute components to ensure continuous and reliable equipment operation.

Read and interpret blueprints, engineering sketches, and designs, recognizing details and variations and using analytical skills to solve technical problems.

Keep accurate written records for ordering replacement parts and tracking quantities, and provide manuals, drawings, and spare parts information to maintenance for proper ordering and preventive maintenance scheduling.

Regularly inspect and adjust manufacturing equipment based on communication with operators and production supervisors to maintain optimal performance.

Work safely with rigging and scaffolding, using ropes, chains, cables, hoists, jacks, and lift trucks to move and position heavy equipment.

Operate powered hand tools and, when needed, stationary machine tools to perform maintenance, fabrication, and repair tasks.

Use precision measuring instruments to ensure proper fit, alignment, and function of components and assemblies.

Communicate effectively regarding scope of work, completion schedules, issues, solutions, and required materials or parts with colleagues across departments.

Perform other related duties as required and assigned to support equipment reliability, process improvement, and production goals.

Minimum 2 years of experience with weld conditions, robotic welding, and designing fixtures for weld cells, including laser and MIG processes.

• Advanced skills in electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and repair of automated equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with machine tools and welding operations in an industrial setting.
• 1–2 years of experience in an industrial or automotive manufacturing environment; internship or co-op experience may count toward this requirement.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of electrical power systems, including proper wire sizing, current, amperage, voltage, AC and DC.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic power systems, including cylinders, valves, fluid properties, and applied force.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic (air) power systems, including cylinders, valves, mufflers, and other air components.
• Ability to work with PLCs, including understanding ladder logic control and machine operation functions.
• Knowledge of light curtains and other safety devices used to maintain a safe work environment around automated equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering sketches, and technical designs, and apply analytical skills to identify details and variations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to discuss scope of work, schedules, problems, solutions, and material requirements.
• Capability to work with rigging equipment and material handling devices such as ropes, chains, cables, hoists, jacks, and lift trucks.

Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or welding engineering within industrial or automotive manufacturing operations.

Exp. in PLC programming and robotic welding systems, particularly in laser beam and Motoman MIG welding cells.

Ability to design and implement poka-yoke fixtures and other error-proofing solutions to improve quality and safety.

Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, maintenance, and production, to execute equipment installations and upgrades.

Familiarity with implementing new software and automation solutions to enhance plant floor processes.

Strong organizational skills for maintaining documentation, parts lists, manuals, and preventive maintenance schedules.

Willingness to learn and expand skills in automation and robotics, supported by training and development opportunities.

This role operates in an automotive manufacturing environment with a strong focus on welding and automated production equipment. The engineer works on and around laser beam welding cells, Motoman robotic MIG welding cells, PLC-controlled machinery, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and various machine tools. The environment is fast-paced and production-oriented, with regular interaction among engineering, maintenance, and operations teams. Work may involve standing for extended periods, moving through the plant floor, and working near heavy equipment and material handling devices such as hoists and lift trucks. The organization offers strong benefits, opportunities for training in automation technologies, and clear pathways for career advancement within a large, stable company.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of REYNOLDSBURG, OH.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.