PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Assembles steel components of various gauges and dimensions and welds together for strength and position, according to design specifications, company quality standards and within close tolerances. Uses various welding and fabrication equipment including: MIG and robotic welders, grinders, buffer and related equipment.
JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Logs onto computer system to determine production priorities and status of work orders in process.
• Reviews part specifications and blueprint drawings; verifies parts numbers, identifications, etc.
• Selects parts from various staging areas and positions at work cell; ensures proper jig and/or fixture is in place.
• Uses forklift and/or overhead crane as needed to position, align, lift and transport steel components, jigs and fixtures.
• Sets up and adjusts hand welding equipment (MIG) as needed; controlling voltage, temperature, gas flow, wire type; changing tips, speed, etc.
• Aligns and tacks parts together; either hand welds components or completes process using robotic welding equipment.
• Sets up robotic equipment; checking coolant levels, making program selection and fixture selection, according to part specification requirements.
• Modifies robot welder program, as needed, to ensure proper welds, sequencing, arm position, etc. *Writes robotic welder programs as needed for new products, redesigned components and quality corrective actions.
• Positions part/components onto work table and secures into place; cleans weldment areas as needed to assure quality welds.
• Visually inspects parts prior to and after welding to ensure quality and design specifications are met.
• Performs first part and periodic quality reviews using basic shop and precision measuring instruments such as: needle scales, square, metric yard stick, tape measure, caliper, gauges, straight edge, etc.
• Completes and finishes welds such as: grinding and buffing or finish welding to tie in the weld.
• Places finished parts onto pallets or basket, as specified, adds parts and/or order identification, shipping labels, process code and employee initials.
• Operates banding machine to secure parts onto pallet in prescribed manner.
• Scans order complete to update production data in tracking systems.
• Transports completed work to designated staging area.
• Advises supervisor of quality problems and status of job.
• Performs repair work, as directed, on specified parts.
• Builds jigs and layout fixtures as needed.
• Rotates and assists throughout the welding department as needed to facilitate the flow of work, which includes processes such as fabricating sub assemblies, main deck assemblies, rings, booms, brackets, etc.
• Conducts crane check prior to use to ensure safe operation; completes report.
• Uses hand grinder to deburr and smooth edges as needed.
• Maintains good housekeeping standards in assigned area.
• Performs all duties following established safety procedures and guidelines using assigned safety equipment.
• Performs other duties as required.
• The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Requirements
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Must have a thorough knowledge of procedures, processes and requirements for the fabrication and welding of steel components. Must know company products, terminology, parts identification system and quality standards. Requires the ability to read and interpret blueprints, product specifications and related technical data. Must be skilled in the set up, adjustment and operation of hand (MIG) welding equipment and robotic welder system. Must know steel welding techniques and related metal finishing requirements. Requires the ability to use basic hand tools and precision measuring equipment and must be able to maintain close tolerances. Must have computer skills and know specified software programs and parts tracking systems. Requires the ability to operate overhead magnetic crane and be certified as a forklift operator. Must know company safety guidelines. Must be knowledgeable in basic shop math. Must be skilled in the use of basic shop equipment such as: grinder, buffer and cutting torch.
EXPERIENCE:
Formal welding training in a technical school or the equivalent in practical work experience is required. Up to three months in the position is be required to become proficient in most phases on the job; an additional month or more is required to because proficient at each additional work cell position.