Weld Technician | 1st Shift at Tate in Pocahontas, AR

Weld Technician | 1st Shift

Job Purpose:

The Weld Technician supports automated resistance welding operations by maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing robotic welding systems and associated production equipment within manufacturing operations. The role is responsible for executing equipment maintenance, process verification, fault diagnostics, and cross-functional problem resolution while partnering with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to achieve production objectives. Success in this role results in improved equipment reliability, weld quality, production throughput, operational safety, and overall manufacturing performance.

IMS Responsibilities:

• Adhere to the Employee Handbook, Group Code of Conduct, the Group Compliance Policy, the IMS Policy, and all other applicable company policies and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of the requirements of, and their individual contribution to and impact on the effectiveness of, the Integrated Management System (IMS), including Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental and Product Compliance objectives and requirements.
• Report on unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, incidents, and injuries, quality issues, compliance concerns, violations to the appropriate personnel without delay.
• Participate in required training, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Compliance Responsibilities:

All employees are required to adhere to the Group Code of Conduct and Group Compliance Policy. Employees are responsible for reporting compliance concerns, issues, or failures through appropriate channels and for participating in required compliance training. Full responsibilities are outlined in DIV-JD-HR-025.

Essential Job Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Welding Systems Operation & Equipment Reliability

• Own technical performance of robotic resistance welding equipment and processes.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain welding systems supporting production schedules.
• Monitor weld parameters to maintain quality standards and process stability.
• Perform electrode, tooling, and wear component inspections and replacements.
• Support equipment startups, changeovers, shutdowns, and production recovery activities.
• Assess weld defects and implement corrective actions to reduce scrap.

Automation Support & Cross-Functional Manufacturing Execution

• Troubleshoot robotic systems, automation controls, sensors, and material handling equipment.
• Perform robot fault recovery, mastering, teach-point verification, and adjustments.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality on process validation activities.
• Coordinate with Production teams to restore uptime during equipment failures.
• Monitor cell performance metrics including throughput, downtime, and OEE.
• Identify automation improvement opportunities supporting productivity and capacity goals.

Maintenance, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and process-related equipment failures.
• Perform preventive maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability performance.
• Interpret technical schematics for efficient troubleshooting and repair decisions.
• Document corrective actions, maintenance findings, and recurring equipment issues.
• Recommend process improvements supporting quality, safety, and cost objectives.
• Maintain compliance with LOTO procedures, SOPs, and quality requirements.

Skills, Education & Experience:

• Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent experience in Industrial Maintenance, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Welding Technology, or related field.
• One to three years of experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, or welding systems in a production environment.
• Working knowledge of resistance spot welding principles, weld schedules, and weld quality fundamentals.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems, motors, drives, sensors, relays, contactors, and control circuits.
• Ability to troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and robotic schematics.
• Experience with industrial robotic platforms including FANUC, Motoman/Yaskawa, or equivalent systems preferred.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices, root cause analysis, and equipment reliability principles.
• Understanding of quality systems, manufacturing work instructions, and standardized operating procedures.
• Experience utilizing continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or OEE improvement initiatives preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with manufacturing documentation, production reporting, and maintenance record systems.
• Industrial Maintenance, Automation, Robotics, AWS, or equivalent technical certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements:

With or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to manufacturing and operational sites as required.
• Ability to conduct site inspections, audits, and safety evaluations.
• Ability to walk manufacturing floors and operational environments regularly.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when in operational areas.

Competencies:

• Safety Focused – Competent – Shows thorough understanding of safety practices and actively contributes to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Competent – Works effectively in various team settings, actively contributes to team success, and facilitates collaboration across different work groups.
• Compliance – Competent – Effectively manages compliance requirements within their area of responsibility, demonstrates thorough understanding of regulations, and actively promotes compliant behavior.
• Quality Management – Competent – Proficient practitioner who can independently execute quality management processes, understand systemic quality approaches, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
• Manufacturing Practices – Competent – Independently manages production processes, understands equipment functionality, and contributes to quality and efficiency improvements within immediate work area.