Welding Robotics Engineer - Senior Automation Engineer

Job Description Job Title: Welding Robotics Engineer - Senior Automation EngineerLocation: Goodyear / Phoenix, ArizonaDepartment: EngineeringEmployment Type: Full-Time | On-SiteFLSA Status: ExemptAbout GTI EnergyGTI Energy, a division of GTI Fabrication, designs and builds advanced modular infrastructure for mission-critical markets, including energy storage systems, data centers, and defense applications. We are growing rapidly and investing heavily in automation to increase capacity, precision, and efficiency at our industrial fabrication facilities.Position OverviewWe are seeking a Welding Robotics Engineer - Automation Engineer to lead the development, deployment, and optimization of automated robotic welding systems across our production lines. This is a hands-on technical role focused on designing, programming, integrating, and maintaining robotic welding cells with PLC controls.This position will play a key role in advancing GTI's automation strategy, ensuring our fabrication processes achieve the highest standards of safety, quality, efficiency, and scalability.Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation Applications, Strategy & CapEx JustificationPartner with operations, manufacturing engineering, and quality to identify automation use cases that improve safety, quality, and throughput.The Welding Robotics Engineer will develop capital expenditure justifications and ROI/payback analyses to support automation project funding.Lead cross-functional project teams (quality, safety, operations, manufacturing engineering, and facilities) assigned to automation initiatives.Develop specifications for individual automation projects and create GTI-wide standards for control systems, preferred robot manufacturers, and welding equipment OEMs.Write project-specific performance clauses and high-level automation requirements for new system deployments.Automation System Design & IntegrationThe Welding Robotics Engineer will design, specify, and implement robotic welding cells for modular steel fabrication.Select and oversee external integrators to execute detailed design work.Lead internal and external design reviews to verify system safety, quality, and technical alignment.Coordinate installation, validation, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of automation systems with integrators and plant teams.Ensure integration of robotics (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Motoman, etc.), tooling, sensors, and safety systems.PLC Programming & Controls EngineeringDevelop and modify PLC/HMI logic (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) to control robotic welding cells and integrate them with conveyors, positioners, and vision systems.Ensure robust communication between robots, PLCs, and peripheral equipment using Ethernet/IP or Modbus.Programming & OptimizationWrite and optimize robot programs for MIG, TIG, and spot welding applications.Tune welding parameters, robot paths, and cycle times to improve throughput and first-pass yield while reducing rework and scrap.Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Sustaining EngineeringProvide hands-on support to troubleshoot automation systems and minimize downtime.Lead preventive maintenance schedules for robotic welding systems and controls equipment.Own sustaining work post-installation, ensuring stable long-term performance of robotic systems.Continuous Improvement & NPI SupportAnalyze production data to identify bottlenecks and quality issues.The Welding Robotics Engineer will implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement in robotic welding operations.Lead new product introduction (NPI) ramp-ups from prototype to full-scale automated production.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure production readiness of automated systems.Support design-for-manufacturability efforts on new products to enable automated fabrication.Documentation & TrainingMaintain detailed technical documentation including robot programs, schematics, and SOPs.Train and mentor technicians, operators, and junior engineers on robotic welding system operation, troubleshooting, and programming.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering8–10+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or controls engineeringHands-on experience implementing and supporting robotic welding systemsProficiency with industrial welding robots (FANUC, ABB, Motoman, KUKA or similar)Strong experience with PLC programming and controls integration (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)Proven success leading cross-functional automation projects and managing integratorsStrong understanding of welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, resistance spot welding) and metallurgy basicsKnowledge of industrial safety standards (OSHA, NFPA79) and risk assessments for robotic systemsExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skillsStrong project management skills to coordinate multiple automation projects and vendor integrationsEffective communicator and collaborative team player with leadership experiencePreferred QualificationsExperience with robotic simulation tools (RoboGuide, RobotStudio, etc.)Experience integrating vision systems, sensors, motion control, or automated material handlingFamiliarity with CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for fixture or tooling designLean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certificationWhy Join GTILead automation for a rapidly growing industrial fabrication companyHands-on, high-impact technical role in a fast-paced environmentCompetitive compensation and benefitsWork with advanced robotic technology to build mission-critical infrastructureGTI Energy is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity in our workforce.