Project Engineer Tooling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Weld Engineer to support welding operations, process development, quality improvement, and production efficiency initiatives. This position serves as the technical authority for welding processes, equipment, automation, training, and quality standards while working closely with engineering, quality, maintenance, and production teams.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in robotic and manual welding processes, welding automation, process validation, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for welding processes, equipment, tooling, and production operations.
• Evaluate existing welding methods and recommend improvements to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
• Support engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams with welding-related technical guidance for both existing and new product programs.
• Develop and maintain welding procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and quality standards.
• Establish welding parameters and specifications to ensure compliance with product, customer, and industry requirements.
• Support welding process validation, qualification, and certification activities.
• Develop and deliver training programs for production personnel on welding techniques, procedures, quality requirements, and best practices.
• Provide technical training and support to maintenance personnel regarding troubleshooting and repair of welding equipment and automation systems.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to welding defects, process variation, and equipment performance.
• Participate in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), process development, and new product launch activities.
• Support the design, development, and implementation of welding cells, fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to recommend product and process improvements that enhance manufacturability and quality.
• Support robotic welding operations, including robot setup, programming coordination, process optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain welding drawings, specifications, records, and technical documentation.
• Monitor welding process performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports, performance metrics, and project updates as required.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders regarding welding processes, quality concerns, and technical requirements.
• Participate in departmental meetings, training programs, audits, and customer visits as needed.
• Support company quality, safety, and operational objectives.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience supporting welding operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of welding processes, welding metallurgy, and fabrication techniques.
• Experience developing welding procedures, process documentation, and work instructions.
• Strong understanding of welding quality standards, inspection methods, and process control techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard engineering software.

Preferred

• Experience with robotic welding systems and welding automation.
• Experience with GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), resistance welding, or other industrial welding processes.
• Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Welding certifications or industry-recognized credentials are a plus.
• Experience supporting automotive, heavy industrial, metal fabrication, or high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with robotic programming and automated manufacturing equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong technical understanding of welding processes and welding quality requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, quality, maintenance, production, customers, and suppliers.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing production environments.
• Frequent interaction with welding equipment, automation systems, production personnel, and engineering teams.
• Exposure to heat, noise, welding operations, and industrial manufacturing conditions.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required in designated production areas.
• Travel to customer, supplier, and manufacturing locations may be required based on business needs.