Robotic Welding Technician Lead

Etnyre InternationalIllinois, United StatesOn-siteFull-timeSenior, 5–8 yearsListed 1 week ago

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About this role

Build Your Future with SMF!

Why Choose SMF?

At SMF , we dont just offer jobs—we build careers . As part of Etnyre International , we have a 50-year legacy in high-quality metal fabrication , serving industries like construction, power generation, agriculture, and mining .

We take pride in being a Tier One supplier to Fortune 500 OEMs, which means high standards, excellent quality, and rewarding work . Our team of skilled professionals and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities (spanning 200,000+ square feet) make SMF one of the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwide .

In 2020, SMF joined Etnyre International , fueling even more growth and opportunity— and we want YOU to be part of it!

Now Hiring: Robotic Welding Technician Lead

Starting Pay Rates on Experience & Pre-Employment Test Results:

- Robotic Welding Technician Lead: $34.75

What Youll Do:

Robotic Welding Operations & Process Ownership

- Provide day-to-day technical leadership to Robotic Welding Technicians.

- Coordinate technician assignments and support coverage based on production requirements and individual skill levels.

- Monitor safety, quality, productivity, downtime, and equipment performance.

- Serve as the primary escalation point for complex robotic welding problems.

- Ensure consistent operating practices across robotic welding cells and shifts.

- Assist Production leadership with identifying training and staffing needs.

- Mentor and develop Technician I, II, and Senior Technicians.

- Support technician skill evaluations and advancement recommendations.

- Serve as the technical owner for robotic welding processes.

- Establish and maintain best practices for robot operation and welding processes.

- Analyze recurring quality, downtime, and productivity issues.

- Lead or support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

- Recommend improvements to robot programs, fixtures, tooling, equipment, and processes.

- Work with Engineering and Quality to validate process changes.

- Drive continuous improvement in cycle time, weld quality, uptime, and productivity.

Troubleshooting

- Lead troubleshooting of complex robotic welding problems.

- Determine whether issues are related to programming, equipment, tooling, fixtures, welding processes, materials, or maintenance.

- Coordinate with Maintenance on mechanical, electrical, controls, and equipment-related problems.

- Coordinate with Engineering on process, programming, and automation issues.

- Provide hands-on technical support during major production interruptions.

- Identify recurring problems and develop permanent corrective actions.

Quality

- Ensure robotic welding processes meet established quality requirements.

- Support weld-quality investigations and corrective actions.

- Monitor recurring weld defects and process variation.

- Work with Quality and Engineering to improve process capability and consistency.

- Ensure robot programs and process parameters remain controlled and documented.

Equipment Care

- Perform routine inspections of robotic welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, welding guns, wire-feed systems, and consumables.

- Identify equipment conditions that could affect safety, quality, or productivity.

- Perform operator-level preventive-maintenance activities as required.

- Coordinate with Maintenance when equipment requires technical repair.

Safety

- Promote and enforce safe robotic welding practices.

- Ensure technicians follow required PPE, machine safety, lockout/tagout, robotic-cell, and hot-work requirements.

- Immediately address unsafe conditions or practices.

- Ensure safety devices, guarding, and interlocks are not bypassed outside approved procedures.

- Participate in safety investigations and improvement initiatives.

Training & Development

- Develop and maintain training standards for Robotic Welding Technicians.

- Train technicians on robotic welding operation, troubleshooting, quality, and process fundamentals.

- Mentor Senior Technicians preparing for advanced programming or leadership responsibilities.

- Establish clear expectations for progression from Technician I through Senior Technician.

- Identify skill gaps and recommend targeted training

- Work closely with Production Management to meet production requirements.

- Partner with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

- Work with Engineering on new equipment, automation projects, programming, and process improvements.

- Work with Quality to maintain weld quality and resolve process issues.

- Communicate technical issues, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadership

Qualifications

What Were Looking For:

- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical education in robotics, welding, automation, electrical systems, or manufacturing preferred.

- Extensive experience operating and troubleshooting robotic welding systems.

- Advanced knowledge of robotic welding processes and automated manufacturing.

- Demonstrated experience with industrial robot programming and teach-pendant operation.

- Strong knowledge of welding parameters, weld defects, fixtures, tooling, and process control.

- Ability to read engineering drawings, weld symbols, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.

- Advanced mechanical and troubleshooting skills.

- Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide technical leadership.

- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work effectively under production pressure.

What We Offer – Total Rewards Package:

- ANNUAL BONUS for ALL team members

- ANNUAL Wage Increases to reward your dedication

- Competitive Pay Based on Experience

- $2.50/hour Shift Premium for 2nd shift

- 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Additional Paid Holiday Break Days

- Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation & Flex Time)

- Excellent Benefits Package:

LOW-COST Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- Company-Paid Life Insurance & Disability Coverage

- 401(k) with Employer Match & Profit Sharing

- Accident, Hospital, & Critical Illness Coverage Options

Why Join SMF?

- Work for a company thats in the top ½ percent of machine shops nationwide

- Be part of a fast-growing organization with state-of-the-art manufacturing

- Take pride in contributing to high-quality, Fortune 500 OEM projects

If you're energetic, detail-oriented, and ready to grow , we want you on our team!

Apply today and start your career with SMF!