Robotic Application Engineer

Application Engineer – Robotic Welding & Automation

Onsite in Rock Island, IL

70/HR /-

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Application Engineer specializing in robotic welding and automation to support the design, development, programming, and integration of fully integrated robotic welding cells. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with robotic welding systems, robot programming, tooling, welding power supplies, and automation controls.

This individual will work closely with customers, engineering teams, and project management to develop effective automation solutions, troubleshoot technical challenges, and ensure successful implementation of robotic welding systems from concept through commissioning. Experience with Vectis and Panasonic robots is highly desirable, with candidates experienced in FANUC or KUKA robotics also encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Robotic Welding Programming: Develop, modify, and optimize robotic welding programs, including FANUC programming experience and familiarity with industrial robotic welding applications.
• Robotics Integration: Support the design, development, and integration of fully integrated robotic welding cells, including robots, tooling, welding equipment, and automation systems.
• Welding Systems: Demonstrate a strong understanding of robotic welding processes, welding parameters, and the integration of various welding power supplies with robotic systems.
• Robot Platforms: Program, configure, and troubleshoot robotic systems, preferably Vectis and Panasonic robots, with experience in FANUC and KUKA robotics also considered.
• Tooling and Fixturing: Apply familiarity with tooling, fixtures, and workholding systems to support repeatable weld quality, part positioning, and efficient automated production.
• Controls and System Architecture: Understand automation system architecture, control systems, and the interfaces required to integrate robots, welding equipment, safety systems, and peripheral devices.
• Customer Interaction: Interface directly with customers to understand application requirements, provide technical recommendations, resolve issues, and support the successful implementation of automation solutions.
• Project Planning: Assist with project management activities, including developing project timelines, schedules, milestones, and coordinating technical deliverables.
• Application Development: Evaluate customer applications and develop robotic welding solutions that meet production, quality, cycle time, and operational requirements.
• Testing and Commissioning: Participate in system testing, debugging, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning to ensure integrated robotic cells perform as intended.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and project engineering teams to deliver complete automation solutions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics and robotic welding applications.
• Experience with robotic welding programming, preferably FANUC, Vectis, or Panasonic systems.
• Strong understanding of robotic welding processes and the integration of welding power supplies with robotic controllers.
• Familiarity with tooling, fixtures, workholding, and automated welding cell design.
• Understanding of automation controls, system architecture, and robotic cell integration.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to interface professionally with customers and collaborate with internal engineering teams.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple technical priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming Vectis and Panasonic robotic systems.
• Additional experience with FANUC or KUKA industrial robots.
• Experience integrating different welding power supplies with robotic welding equipment.
• Project management experience, including timeline development, scheduling, milestone tracking, and coordination of deliverables.
• Experience supporting the design and implementation of complete robotic welding cells.
• Familiarity with system commissioning, process optimization, and production troubleshooting.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a motivated, hands-on Application Engineer who understands the complete robotic welding process, from application development and robot programming to tooling, controls integration, and welding equipment setup. This person is comfortable working directly with customers, collaborating across engineering disciplines, and helping bring fully integrated robotic welding solutions from concept to production.

Strong technical aptitude, practical welding knowledge, a proactive mindset, and the ability to manage project schedules and solve complex application challenges will be key to success in this role.