Welding Automation Engineer

The Welding Automation Engineer provides technical leadership, training, and engineering support for manual and automated welding processes. This role develops and implements welding methods, procedures, and automation solutions to support production, quality, cost saving, and continuous improvement goals. The position combines technical knowledge in welding, robotics, welding with cobots, and manufacturing engineering with hands-on training, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production of Komatsu products.

• Lead, develop, and deliver hands-on training for welders, operators, supervisors, and international/domestic personnel on manual and automated welding processes; administer skills assessments and certification tests.
• Coordinate new hire welder assessments, maintain certification records, and manage training schedules and resources, including Weld Lab inventory, consumables, and equipment.
• Support the development and documentation of welding procedures (PQR, WPS) and evaluate new consumables, equipment, and new welding processes.
• Develop, change, and implement robotic welding programs, tooling, and fixtures using engineering drawings, CAD/CAM, and offline programming software; optimize weld sequences and parameters for quality, cycle time, and cost.
• Provide technical support for automation and robotic work cells, including troubleshooting, process improvements, and implementation of new applications.
• Aid product design engineering with design for manufacturability, weldability, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Conduct weld audits and investigations, analyze defects, and develop corrective actions, including repair procedures.
• Monitor, collect, and analyze welding process data and key performance metrics and report findings and recommendations to management.
• Support supervisory and inspection personnel with interpretation and compliance to AWS and Komatsu welding standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, Safety, Product Engineering, Maintenance, Suppliers, and Customers) to resolve welding and automation issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Participate in safety walks and audits, promote safe work practices, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.

Required Skills

• Welding processes and metallurgy
• Robotic welding programming
• Fixture and tooling design.
• Problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Data analysis and reporting
• Training and technical instruction
• CAD/CAM and manufacturing software
• Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems (SAP, C-spec Weld Office)
• Verbal and written communication
• Leadership and team collaboration
• Project management
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Preferred Skills

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (preferred).
• AWS Certified Welding Educator (preferred).
• AWS Certified Robotic Arc Welding Technician (preferred).

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Technology, or a related field and 4-10 years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of welding processes, robotic automation, and manufacturing engineering principles.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering drawings, technical documents, and industry standards.
• Demonstrated experience with welding procedure qualifications, fabrication, and robotic welding systems.
• Experience in training, mentoring, and collaborating with diverse teams across multiple locations (domestic and international).
• Willingness to travel up to 10-20% (domestic and international) for training, product support, and technical assistance.