1st/2nd shift Robot Operator Trainee starting at $17.00 or more depending on experience

## Description

# 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.

## Qualifications
# Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Basic welding, fabrication, manufacturing, mechanical, or machine operation experience preferred but not required; prior robotic welding experience is not required.
• Ability and willingness to complete company-provided training for robotic welding equipment, safety procedures, quality standards, and production processes.
• Basic ability to read work instructions, understand part numbers, follow routing information, and recognize basic blueprint features; weld symbol knowledge is preferred but not required.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to read tape measures and understand fractions or decimals used in fabrication work.
• Ability to use or learn basic inspection tools such as tape measures, calipers, squares, and weld gauges.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, ask questions when unsure, and communicate equipment, quality, or safety concerns promptly.
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, or schedule changes as production needs require.
• Must comply with all company safety policies, attendance standards, quality expectations, and workplace conduct requirements.

# Environment/Physical Requirements with or Without Accommodation

• Work is performed in a heavy manufacturing fabrication facility with exposure to welding arc flash, sparks, fumes, smoke, grinding dust, metal chips, loud noise, moving equipment, forklifts, cranes, hoists, robotic welding cells, and varying temperatures.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, face shield, welding hood, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe footwear, sleeves, respirator, and other task-specific protection.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift and perform repetitive motions involving hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and upper body.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, push, pull, climb steps or platforms, and work around fixtures, tables, and equipment.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull materials, tools, fixtures, and parts up to 50 pounds as required; heavier items must be handled with team lifting or mechanical assistance.
• Must be able to visually inspect welds, parts, gauges, screens, indicators, and work instructions, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must be able to hear alarms, verbal instructions, equipment sounds, and safety signals in a manufacturing environment, with or without hearing protection or accommodation.
• Must be able to work near automated equipment and follow all safe-distance, guarding, interlock, and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.