Job Summary
We are looking for a skilled Welder to join our sheet metal workshop. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience welding thin-to-medium gauge sheet metal components using MIG welding, along with experience operating collaborative robot (cobot) laser welding systems. Strong understanding of sheet metal weld quality standards, distortion control, and fabrication processes is essential, along with a commitment to workshop safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform MIG welding on sheet metal components (thin-to-medium gauge MS, SS, and aluminum) as per engineering drawings, weld symbols, and specifications.
- Set up, program, and operate cobot (collaborative robot) laser welding systems for automated/semi-automated welding of sheet metal parts and assemblies.
- Select appropriate welding parameters (voltage, wire feed speed, gas flow, travel speed, laser power) suited to sheet metal thickness and joint type to minimize heat input and distortion.
- Load, position, clamp, and fixture sheet metal components accurately for both manual and cobot-assisted welding.
- Teach/adjust cobot welding paths and parameters for new sheet metal jobs fine-tune programs to maintain weld quality, seam consistency, and cycle time.
- Weld a variety of sheet metal joints (butt, lap, corner, edge, fillet) on fabricated enclosures, panels, brackets, and assemblies.
- Control heat input and welding sequence to minimize warping, distortion, and discoloration on thin sheet metal sections.
- Inspect welds for defects (porosity, undercut, spatter, burn-through, distortion) and perform rework or corrections as needed.
- Conduct routine checks and basic maintenance of welding equipment, torches, contact tips, and cobot tooling.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, weld symbols (AWS/ISO), sheet metal fabrication drawings, and work instructions.
- Coordinate with the sheet metal workshop (cutting, punching, bending operations) to ensure components are weld-ready and dimensionally accurate.
- Maintain quality records, weld traceability logs, and production documentation.
- Follow all workplace health and safety (EHS) protocols, including proper use of PPE, fume extraction, and safe handling of welding/laser equipment.
- Collaborate with quality, design, and maintenance teams to resolve weld defects and improve process efficiency.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, lean manufacturing) on the shop floor.
Required Skills & Experience
- 2-5 years of hands-on experience as a welder in a sheet metal fabrication/manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience in MIG welding on sheet metal - mild steel, stainless steel, and/or aluminum in thin-to-medium gauges.
- Hands-on experience operating cobot laser welding systems (e.g., programming/teaching weld paths, adjusting parameters) on sheet metal components.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, weld symbols, and sheet metal fabrication specifications.
- Understanding of weld quality standards, distortion/warping control, and common weld defects and their remedies on thin sheet metal.
- Knowledge of sheet metal materials and their welding characteristics (heat sensitivity, gauge thickness, joint fit-up).
- Familiarity with cobot/robot welding software or teach-pendant programming is a strong plus.
- Basic understanding of upstream sheet metal processes (laser cutting, punching, bending) and how they affect weld fit-up.
- Basic knowledge of measuring instruments and quality inspection methods.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Preferred Qualifications
- ITI / Diploma in Welding Technology, Mechanical, Sheet Metal, or related trade.
- Welding certification (e.g., AWS, ASME, or equivalent) is a plus.
- Prior experience working with cobot/robotic welding cells (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or dedicated cobot welding platforms) in a sheet metal workshop.
- Prior experience in a workshop using Trumpf or similar laser cutting, punching, and bending equipment upstream of welding.
- Experience working in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment.
