What are the responsibilities and job description for the Robot/Cobot Programmer position at Duo Lift?
Build Your Future with Duo Lift
At Duo Lift, we don’t just build equipment, we build teams that succeed. Join us, and you’ll find a company where your strengths matter, your hard work is recognized, and your potential has no ceiling. We thrive on collaboration, celebrate success, and give our people every opportunity to grow.
We believe our greatest asset isn’t in our shop, it’s in our people. That’s why we’re looking for driven, hands-on individuals who take pride in their work and know the power of working together to get the job done.
Why Duo Lift?
For over 80 years, Duo Lift Manufacturing has been engineering and building American-made equipment that stands the test of time. We’re committed to long-term relationships with our employees and our customers by delivering quality, reliability, and innovation in everything we do.
When you join Duo Lift, you’re not just taking a job; you’re joining a legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, and performance. We invest in you with training, resources, and benefits that make a difference:
Health Insurance
HSA
PPE provided
Incentive pay & bonuses
Life Insurance
401K with company match
Paid holidays & vacation
Production uniforms with cleaning service
Competitive Pay. Real Opportunity.
We reward hard work with competitive wages, performance-based bonuses, and clear opportunities for advancement.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Duo Lift is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fairness and respect in every aspect of employment.
Duo Lift isn’t just a place to work, it’s a place to build something that lasts.
Robot/Cobot Programmer
Job Summary
Duo Lift, a leading manufacturer of agricultural and industrial trailers, is seeking a detail-oriented and safety-focused Robot/Cobot Operator to program, operate, and maintain both traditional industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots) in welding, material-handling, and assembly applications. The ideal candidate is comfortable with technology, quick to learn new systems, and thrives in a modern manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Robot & Cobot Operation
- Safely operate industrial robotic welding cells and collaborative robots (cobots) for MIG welding, part positioning, and material handling.
- Load/unload parts, change weld tips, nozzles, liners, and consumables.
- Perform daily start-up, homing, and basic maintenance on robots and cobots.
Programming & Teach-In
- Program and set up robotic welding jobs
- Use teach pendants and hand-guidance (cobots) to create or modify paths, weld schedules, offsets, and speeds.
- Touch-up programs on the floor for fit-up changes or new parts.
- Optimize cycle times while maintaining weld quality and repeatability.
Manual Welding Support
- Perform tack welding and touch-up welding with hand-held MIG gun as needed to keep production moving.
- Repair minor robot weld defects or complete welds the robot cannot reach.
Safety & Quality
- Conduct daily safety checks (light curtains, interlocks, e-stops, force-limiting on cobots).
- Verify weld penetration, bead appearance, part placement, and dimensional accuracy.
- Complete quality checklists and report non-conformances immediately.
- Follow all lockout/tagout, ANSI/RIA robotic safety standards, and PPE requirements.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Clear faults/alarms, clean sensors, grease joints, and replace wear items.
- Identify and communicate recurring issues or spare-parts needs.
- Keep robot and cobot work cells clean and organized.
Workflow & Communication
- Coordinate part flow with Welding, Pre-Assembly, and Production Leads.
- Stage fixtures, wire spools, shielding gas, and raw material.
- Suggest process improvements and participate in new part prove-outs.
Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
- 1 years operating/programming industrial robots OR collaborative robots (cobots).
- Hands-on MIG welding experience, including tacking and touch-up/repair welding.
- Comfortable using teach pendants and/or hand-guidance programming on cobots.
- Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, and work instructions.
- Solid mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Experience with basic hand tools and precision measuring equipment.
Preferred Experience
- Experience setting up or teaching-in cobot welding applications.
- Formal robotics/cobot training or certification.
- Strong manual MIG welding background in a production environment.
- Basic PLC or electrical troubleshooting.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working alongside cobots (no safety fencing) and industrial robots.
- Must wear required PPE including safety glasses, welding helmet when needed, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.
Drug Screening
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Vacation and holiday pay
- Supplemental insurance options
- Consistent weekday schedule
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
Experience:
- Robotic Welding: 1 year (Required)
- MIG Welding: 1 year (Required)
- Robot Programming: 1 year (Required)
- Reading Blueprints & Work Instructions: 1 year (Required)
- Manufacturing: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
Location:
- Columbus, NE 68601 (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Columbus, NE 68601 (Required)
Work Location: In person