Position Summary

The Robot Welder Trainee supports production by learning to safely set up, load, operate, monitor, and maintain robotic welding equipment used to fabricate heavy metal components and assemblies. This entry-level role is designed for individuals with mechanical aptitude, basic welding knowledge, and a strong willingness to learn automated welding processes in a fast-paced heavy manufacturing environment. The trainee will work under the direction of experienced operators, leads, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and engineering support to develop the skills needed to produce consistent, high-quality welds while following all safety, quality, and production standards.

Traits Displayed

• Safety-focused mindset and willingness to follow established procedures every time.
• Strong attention to detail, especially when checking weld quality, part fit-up, and fixture alignment.
• Mechanical aptitude and curiosity about robotics, welding equipment, fixtures, and tooling.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work in a production environment.
• Coachability and willingness to accept feedback from trainers, leads, supervisors, quality, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
• Ability to stay organized, maintain a clean work area, and complete required documentation accurately.
• Team-oriented approach with clear communication when issues, defects, alarms, or safety concerns are identified.
• Persistence and problem-solving attitude when learning new equipment, weld processes, and production expectations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Learn and follow all company safety rules, robotic cell safety practices, lockout/tagout requirements, machine guarding expectations, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Load, unload, position, and secure parts in welding fixtures according to work instructions, drawings, and trainer direction.
• Operate robotic welding cells under supervision, including starting approved programs, monitoring the weld cycle, and responding appropriately to alarms or process interruptions.
• Perform basic part preparation tasks such as cleaning, grinding, deburring, removing spatter, or verifying fit-up as required by the work order.
• Observe weld quality during production and identify common weld concerns such as excessive spatter, porosity, undercut, missed welds, poor fit-up, incomplete fusion, or inconsistent bead appearance.
• Use basic measuring and inspection tools, such as tape measures, calipers, squares, gauges, or weld gauges, to support first-piece and in-process quality checks.
• Replace or assist with replacing common welding consumables such as contact tips, nozzles, liners, wire, anti-spatter supplies, and shielding gas components as trained.
• Assist experienced personnel with basic troubleshooting of robot faults, wire feed issues, torch problems, fixture concerns, and quality deviations.
• Read and interpret basic work instructions, production schedules, blueprints, weld symbols, and quality requirements with trainer support.
• Document production activity, quality checks, downtime, defects, rework, and equipment concerns as required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area using good housekeeping practices.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by communicating observed problems, repeat defects, fixture issues, or opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Perform related fabrication, material handling, or production support duties as assigned and within training level.