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Robotic Weld Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Robotic Weld Operator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$21

$32

How much do robotic weld operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for robotic weld operator in Reston, VA is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by robotic weld operators when setting up new welding programs?

Robotic Weld Operators often encounter challenges such as fine-tuning robotic paths for complex welds, ensuring proper fixture alignment, and troubleshooting inconsistencies in weld quality during the initial setup of new welding programs. These tasks require attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and collaboration with engineers or quality control teams. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for ensuring production efficiency and maintaining high-quality weld standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a robotic weld operator?

To thrive as a Robotic Weld Operator, you need a solid understanding of welding techniques, blueprint reading, and basic mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or welding certification. Familiarity with robotic welding systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and quality inspection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precise welds, safe operation, and efficient production in automated manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Robotic Weld Operator vs Manual Weld Operator?

AspectRobotic Weld OperatorManual Weld Operator
CertificationsWelding certifications, robotic programmingWelding certifications, hands-on skills
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants with robotic systemsWorkshops, fabrication shops
Job ResponsibilitiesProgramming, monitoring, and maintaining robotic weldersPerforming manual welding tasks
Tools & EquipmentRobotic welding stations, control panelsWelding torches, safety gear

The main difference between a Robotic Weld Operator and a Manual Weld Operator lies in their work methods. Robotic Weld Operators focus on programming and overseeing automated welding systems, while Manual Weld Operators perform welding tasks manually. Both roles require welding certifications, but the Robotic Weld Operator also needs skills in robotic programming and system maintenance. The choice depends on the industry and the level of automation used in manufacturing processes.

What is a robotic weld operator?

A Robotic Weld Operator is a skilled technician responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining robotic welding machines in manufacturing environments. They ensure that the robots are correctly programmed to weld materials according to precise specifications, monitor the welding process, and inspect finished products for quality. Robotic Weld Operators may also troubleshoot equipment, perform routine maintenance, and make adjustments to improve efficiency and product quality. This role requires knowledge of welding techniques, robotics, and safety procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Robotic Weld Operator jobs in Reston, VA?

For Robotic Weld Operator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Robotic Weld Operator jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Robotic Weld Operator jobs in Reston, VA are:

Sales Director, EWS Strategic Accounts

ESAB

North Bethesda, MD • On-site, Remote

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description:
Founded in 1904, ESAB Corporation is a premier narrowly diversified global leader in connected fabrication technology and gas control solutions. Our rich history of innovative products, workflow solutions, and business system, ESAB Business Excellence, enables our purpose of Shaping the World We Imagine™. We're looking to hire a talented Sales Director, EWS Strategic Accounts based remotely in proximity to customer accounts.
Reporting to the VP of Sales and Marketing, the Sales Director, EWS Strategic Accounts is responsible for leading ESAB's commercial growth strategy and execution for strategic Railcar accounts across North America. This role develops and manages executive-level customer relationships, builds and converts a qualified opportunity pipeline, and leads cross-functional execution to support profitable growth, customer satisfaction, and market share expansion. The position serves as the primary commercial leader for strategic accounts, partnering closely with Sales, EWS, Application Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to align customer needs with ESAB's solution capabilities and execution readiness.
Primary Duties
  • Develop and execute the North America Railcar segment strategy by account, region, product platform, and opportunity type.
  • Own the commercial roadmap for priority Railcar accounts, including target customers, white-space opportunities, pricing strategy, margin improvement, and long-term agreements.
  • Translate customer potential into a qualified pipeline with defined actions, milestones, ownership, and financial impact.
  • Drive commercial discipline through account planning, opportunity prioritization, competitive positioning, and conversion tracking.
  • Partner with operations, plant leadership, engineering, supply chain, quality, and production teams to support customer execution requirements.
  • Ensure customer commitments align with production readiness, technical capability, quality requirements, and delivery expectations.
  • Identify and resolve execution gaps that could impact customer satisfaction, quality, schedule adherence, or growth opportunities.
  • Escalate risks and support cross-functional problem solving to improve execution reliability and business performance.
  • Partner with the EWS team to identify customer workflow challenges and convert them into value-based solution opportunities.
  • Develop opportunities across filler metals, equipment, automation, robotics, digital solutions, and productivity-improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate customer trials, technical validation, commercial proposals, implementation planning, and post-implementation follow-up.
  • Track EWS-related pipeline activity, including value, stage, timing, probability, and barriers to closure.
  • Establish an operating cadence to review account priorities, customer commitments, pipeline health, execution risks, and action ownership.
  • Provide leadership updates on business performance, opportunities, customer feedback, and support requirements.
  • Build trusted relationships with customer executives, engineering, procurement, production, and plant leadership.
  • Position ESAB as a strategic partner focused on improving productivity, quality, automation readiness, workflow efficiency, safety, and cost performance.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field required. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in industrial sales, strategic account management, business development, manufacturing, engineered solutions, or related commercial leadership roles.
  • Demonstrated success by growing large accounts, increasing market share, improving margins, and leading cross-functional business execution.
  • Experience managing large, complex industrial, OEM, transportation, heavy fabrication, or manufacturing accounts.
  • Experience operating in matrix organizations with Sales, Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance stakeholders.
  • Strong commercial acumen in account planning, pricing, negotiation, margin management, and pipeline development.
  • Ability to operate effectively between executive-level strategy and plant-level execution.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and technical execution environments.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams through influence, communication, structure, and accountability.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage customers, operational teams, and senior leaders.
  • Technical background or Engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience in welding, fabrication, railcar, transportation, heavy manufacturing, or engineered industrial solutions.
  • Experience working across U.S. and Mexico commercial and operational environments.
  • Experience with automation, robotics, digital workflow tools, or productivity-improvement solutions.
  • Spanish language capability preferred.

Working Conditions
  • Remains in a stationary position 50% of the time and involves additional physical demands such as ascending/descending stairs, walking, stooping, and standing.
  • Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working in or visiting manufacturing and plant locations.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment, including printers, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • May move, transport, position, or remove equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. and push/pull products weighing up to 200 lbs. using approved safety equipment.
  • Frequently visits customer facilities, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and operational locations.
  • May be exposed to varying weather conditions during customer and business travel.
  • Requires extensive domestic and international travel, including regular travel to customer locations and ESAB facilities

Pay Range:
$131,699.00-$153,599.00