Phd In Robotics Salary Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Description

Robotic Welding Engineer

Full-time | Permanent 

Salaried | $85K - $128K 

About Us: 

Vander-Bend is a U.S.-based manufacturer dedicated to building the precision infrastructure that powers tomorrow's AI. Our expertise in server racking and power delivery solutions provides the backbone for next-generation data centers, enabling hyperscalers and integrators to innovate and scale globally. With a focus on trusted, domestic manufacturing, we deliver quality, speed, and innovation at scale-redefining AI infrastructure for the future. 

We are a newly created division of Vantedge Medical, the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do - and have a lot of fun doing it. 

About this Role:

The Robotic Welding Engineer serves as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for all robotic welding operations within the facility. This position is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining automated welding processes that deliver world-class quality, productivity, and safety. 

Working closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Program Management, the Robotic Welding Engineer leads process development for new product introductions (NPI), drives continuous improvement initiatives, supports Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and resolves complex manufacturing challenges.  This position provides technical leadership for robotic welding but is not responsible for direct supervision of production personnel. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop, program, commission, and optimize robotic welding systems for new and existing products.  
• Establish robust welding parameters that maximize quality, repeatability, throughput, and equipment utilization.  
• Lead robotic weld cell startup activities, process validation, and production release.  
• Troubleshoot complex welding, robotic, and automation issues.  
• Optimize cycle times while maintaining customer quality requirements.  
• Develop standardized robotic welding practices across all production lines.  
• Lead manufacturing engineering support for new welded products.  
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with customers and internal engineering teams.  
• Develop manufacturing strategies for new welded assemblies.  
• Design and validate weld fixtures and tooling.  
• Support prototype builds through production launch.  
• Lead projects focused on: Scrap reduction, Weld quality improvement, Cycle time reduction, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Automation improvements, Cost reduction, Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Analyze production data to identify improvement opportunities.  
• Serve as the company's technical expert in robotic welding processes.  
• Mentor technicians, programmers, operators, and manufacturing engineers.  
• Develop robotic welding standards and best practices.  
• Evaluate new welding technologies, equipment, consumables, and automation solutions.  
• Support capital equipment selection and implementation.  
• Ensure all welding processes comply with customer specifications and applicable industry standards.  
• Develop and maintain welding process documentation.  
• Lead root cause investigations for weld-related defects.  
• Support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).  
• Work closely with Quality Engineering to improve first-pass yield.  
• Support production during startup, process changes, and troubleshooting.  
• Develop work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing procedures.  
• Support Maintenance in preventive maintenance strategies for robotic weld equipment.  
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding welding equipment and consumables.  

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in: 

• Welding Engineering  
• Manufacturing Engineering  
• Mechanical Engineering  
• Industrial Engineering  
• or related engineering discipline  
• Equivalent experience may be considered. 

Preferred: 

• 5+ years of robotic welding engineering experience.  
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing.  
• Experience with robotic MIG welding.  
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication.  
• Experience launching new manufacturing processes.  
• Experience supporting NPI.  
• Preferred experience with: 
• Yaskawa robots  
• ABB robots  
• Fanuc robots  
• Panasonic robots  

Strong knowledge of: 

• Robotic programming  
• MIG welding  
• Weld metallurgy  
• Welding parameters  
• Weld fixture design  
• GD&T  
• Blueprint interpretation  
• Process validation  
• Statistical process control  
• Root Cause Analysis  
• PFMEA  
• Control Plans  
• APQP  
• Lean Manufacturing  
• Continuous Improvement  
• Experience with CAD software such as: 
• SolidWorks  
• AutoCAD  
• Experience using ERP/MES systems.