Lead Welding Engineer – Robotic Systems & Process Qualification

Location: Pewaukee, WI Area |
Schedule: Full-Time, Direct Hire, 1st Shift / Mon-Fri, On-Site |
Compensation: Up to $110,000/yr

A family-owned custom automation integration company known for advanced technology and strong R&D investment is seeking a Lead Welding Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority for weld process development, procedure qualification, and quality compliance. This supervisor-level role is central to ensuring complex, one-of-a-kind automation builds meet rigorous customer and code requirements while mentoring the next generation of robotic welding talent.

• Act as technical lead for Robotic Welding Technicians, providing hands-on troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and review of complex robot weld programs and parameters
• Develop, document, and qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and parameters for new materials, joint configurations, and automated processes
• Select optimal welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, robotic arc, laser welding) and partner with design engineers to evaluate fixtures and cell layouts for part access and repeatability
• Investigate nonconformances, implement corrective actions, and ensure full compliance with applicable codes (AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX) and defense-adjacent customer specs
• Provide technical input on project estimating regarding weld process feasibility, cycle times, and equipment requirements
• Support new equipment integration, robot commissioning, and process validation, with occasional travel to client facilities for startup support

• 5-8+ years of experience in welding engineering, weld process development, or robotic welding technical leadership
• Deep technical capability in GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, robotic arc welding, laser welding, and metallurgy dynamics
• Verifiable track record developing, qualifying, and documenting welding procedures (WPS/PQR) and resolving complex weld defects in an active production or automation environment
• Practical knowledge of industry welding codes, specifically AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX standards
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card) required, residing within a comfortable daily commuting distance of the Pewaukee, WI area
• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent hands‑on experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) certification
• Experience with industrial robotic welding systems (FANUC, ABB) and offline simulation programming software

• Baseline starting salary up to $110,000/yr, scaling with welding engineering and process leadership depth
• 401(k) retirement match
• Full corporate health/dental/vision/life benefits
• Short-term disability coverage

This is a direct-hire, supervisor-level opportunity to serve as the primary technical authority on weld process development and quality standards within a stable, family-owned custom automation integrator offering continuous project variety and dedicated R&D.