Robot Welding Supervisor

Position Summary

The Robot Welder Lead is responsible for the leadership of the robotic pipe welding team including robot welding operators, fit-up welders, weld preparation helpers, and pipe cutting & profiling operators to ensure consistent productivity, welding quality, and machine reliability across our fleet of robotic welding operations and pipe cutting stock. This role sets up and adjusts machine parameters for different pipe designs and fit conditions, monitors weld quality in real time, troubleshoots machine issues in coordination with the equipment manufacturer, and trains operators on proper machine operation as well as ensure to maintain machine PM program. The Lead is the technical and operational backbone of the robotic welding operations, driving high machine uptime while maintaining strict quality standards as the department scales.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Setup & Parameter Management

- Set up and configure robot welding parameters for different pipe sizes (10", 14", 20", and future sizes) and weld designs based on job/customer requirements.

- Adjust and change weld parameters in real time to match the actual fit-up condition of each spool, since fit conditions can vary spool to spool.

- Validate parameter changes against weld procedure specifications (WPS) and quality standards before production runs.

Weld Quality Monitoring

- Constantly monitor weld quality during production runs, not just at end-of-shift inspection, to catch defects as they occur rather than after the fact.

- Identify and correct root causes of weld defects related to machine setup, fit-up, or operator error.

- Partner with QC/inspection to review weld quality trends and drive corrective actions.

Machine Uptime & Troubleshooting

- Troubleshoot machine malfunctions and performance issues, working directly and remotely with the equipment manufacturer's technical support as needed.

- Perform first-level diagnostics to minimize downtime before escalating to the manufacturer.

- Track recurring machine issues and work with manufacturer/maintenance to resolve underlying causes.

- Maintain a high uptime target across all robotic welding units.

Operator Oversight & Standards Enforcement

- Closely and remotely monitor robot welding operators to ensure they are running machines correctly and not deviating from set parameters.

- Ensure operators keep spools properly leveled and seated in the pinwheels/positioners so machines can index and weld correctly — improper spool positioning is a known root cause of quality issues and machine faults.

- Enforce standard work practices to prevent operators from making unauthorized changes to machine parameters.

- Coach operators in real time when deviations are observed; escalate repeat issues per company policy.

Production Data & Reporting

- Track and report weld production data by shift (welds completed per shift, per machine, per operator) to monitor productivity.

- Compare actual output against target/expected production rates, look beyond surface-level ("face value") numbers to identify gaps between reported and actual performance.

- Flag productivity or quality trends to management and recommend adjustments to staffing, scheduling, or machine allocation.

Training & Team Leadership

- Train new and existing robot welding operators, fit-up welders, and weld prep helpers on proper procedures, machine operation, and quality standards.

- Develop training materials/checklists for machine setup, spool loading, and basic troubleshooting.

- Lead, schedule, and coordinate daily work assignments across the robotic welding team to meet production goals.

- Support onboarding as the team grows with the addition of 4 new robotic welding machines.

- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement within the team.

Qualification

Education

- High school diploma or GED required.

- Technical/vocational welding certificate or associate degree in welding technology, manufacturing, or related field preferred.

Experience

- Minimum 3-5 years of experience with CNC machine operations, or robotic/automated welding is preferred, including hands-on parameter setup and adjustment.

- Minimum 1-2 years of experience leading, training, or supervising a production or welding team preferred.

- Experience working in a pipe fabrication or pipe spool manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

- Experience working directly with equipment manufacturers on technical support/troubleshooting calls preferred.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

- Strong working knowledge of pipe welding processes (GTAW/GMAW/SAW as applicable) and weld quality standards (e.g., ASME, AWS codes as applicable to the facility).

- Demonstrated ability to set, adjust, and troubleshoot robotic welding machine parameters for varying pipe sizes and fit-up conditions.

- Ability to read and interpret weld procedure specifications (WPS), pipe spool drawings, and isometrics.

- Working knowledge of robot positioners, pinwheels/turning rolls, and proper spool loading/alignment practices.

- Basic computer proficiency for entering production data, tracking shift output, and using manufacturer diagnostic software.

- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills.

Certifications

- Welding certification(s) relevant to pipe welding processes used in-house preferred (e.g., AWS structural/pipe welder certification).

- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent quality credential is a plus, not required.

- Manufacturer-specific robotic welding training/certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within a defined period after hire.

Leadership & Behavioral Criteria

- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold a team accountable to standard work and quality expectations.

- Strong communication skills, including the ability to give real-time, constructive feedback to operators.

- High attention to detail with a proactive approach to catching quality and machine issues before they escalate.

- Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

- Comfortable working across multiple machines/stations and prioritizing issues in a fast-paced, growing production environment.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work on the production floor, including standing, walking, and monitoring multiple machine stations throughout a shift.

- Ability to respond quickly to machine alarms/issues across the shop floor.

- Ability to lift/move materials (manual lifting maximum of 50lbs) as needed in a fabrication shop environment (per company physical demands policy).

Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35 - $40