Weld Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Robotics & Welding- Engineer II
Classification: FT Non-Exempt (Hourly, Eligible for Overtime)
Reports To: Senior Engineer or General Manager
Compensation Range: $80,000 - $95,000 annually
Overtime Eligibility: Yes, in compliance with state and federal laws
Location: This is a field role, with 100% travel expectations. Applications must live near a major airport. Candidates living in Chicago or Milkwaulkee encoured to apply.
Summary
The Robotics & Welding Field Service Engineer (Engineer II) is responsible for installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing robotic welding and automated manufacturing systems at customer facilities.
This role will primarily service Cloos robotic welding systems and related equipment. However, the Service Engineer will also support additional robotic welding brands and integrated automation equipment as business needs require. The position requires strong hands-on mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability, robotic programming capability, and professional customer interaction in active production environments.
The Service Engineer functions as the company's on-site technical representative and is responsible for restoring equipment operation, supporting customer production, and maintaining system reliability.
Key Responsibilities
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, servo, safety, and control system failures
• Install, commission, calibrate, test, troubleshoot and repair robotic welding cells and automation equipment
• Perform robot start-ups and production validation
• Modify and troubleshoot robot programs using teach pendant and laptop interfaces
• Adjust weld parameters including voltage, wire feed speed, sequencing, and torch orientation
• Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and OEM documentation
• Restore customer production safely and efficiently during equipment failures
• Provide operator and maintenance training to customer personnel
• Document service activity including labor hours, travel, parts usage, and technical findings
• Communicate service findings and recommendations to customers and internal teams
• Coordinate with parts, engineering, and technical support to resolve service issues
• Identify repeat failures and recommend preventive solutions
• Follow all company and customer safety procedures
• Travel extensively and adapt to varying customer production schedules
Technical Scope of Work
Primary Equipment (Majority of Assignments):
• Cloos robotic welding cells
• Weld power sources and wire feed systems
• Coordinated motion axes and positioners
• Safety circuits and guarding systems
• Teach pendant programming and parameter setup
• Weld process optimization and arc stability troubleshooting
Additional Supported Equipment (As Needed):
• FANUC, Yaskawa/Motoman, ABB, or KUKA robots
• PLC-controlled automation systems (Allen-Bradley preferred)
• Sensors, scanners, and safety interlock systems
• Conveyance, tooling, and material handling systems
• Integrated third-party welding peripherals
Equipment Platform Expectations
• Learn and support multiple robotic platforms
• Service mixed-manufacturer customer systems
• Perform service work on non-Cloos equipment when assigned
• Follow OEM documentation and company service standards
• Escalate complex technical issues appropriately
Qualifications
• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Welding Technology, or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years experience in field service, industrial maintenance, robotics, or automation
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and diagnostic skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively
• Strong customer-facing communication skills
Preferred:
• Robotic welding experience
• Experience with Cloos systems or similar robotic welding platforms
• PLC familiarity (Allen-Bradley preferred)
• GMAW/MIG welding process knowledge
Additional Requirements
• Clean driving record
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in industrial manufacturing environments
• Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with internal teams
• Overnight and occasional weekend travel required
• Ability to respond to urgent production downtime situations
Tool Requirements for New Hire Engineers
The following tool list has been developed as a guideline to assist new Field Service Engineers in assembling a comprehensive personal tool kit necessary to perform their job effectively and safely while supporting OpEx service standards.
Engineers are responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and transporting their personal tools. Tool brand and quality level are at the discretion of the employee, provided all tools are safe, functional, and appropriate for industrial field service work.
Required Tools

• OSHA-approved hard hat (required on Day One for any onsite work)
• Ratchets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drives
• Socket sets (inch and metric; 6-point and 12-point)
• Extension bars and adapters
• Assorted pliers
• Adjustable locking pliers
• Adjustable wrenches
• Combination wrenches (standard and metric)
• Multimeter (UL-listed, rated to 600 VAC)
• Control screwdriver set
• Standard screwdriver set
• Driver bit set (screwdriver, Allen, and Torx bits)
• L-key Allen wrench sets (standard and metric)
• Torx key set
• Control cabinet key
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Flashlight
• Feeler gauges
• O-ring pick
• Dial caliper
• Quality level
• Cordless drill
• Cordless impact driver

Working Conditions
This role operates in a collaborative, fast-paced environment across remote, field, and technical settings. Field service requires frequent travel, independent decision-making, and direct interaction with industrial machinery and customers. All employees are expected to follow safety standards, uphold accountability, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Application Process
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. Depending on the role, a mechanical aptitude test may be required. Candidates may also be asked to sign a non-compete and non-solicitation agreement to protect company information, clients, and relationships.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the hiring process may contact HR at savannah@onptholdings.com. This employer participates in E-Verify.
About On Point Holdings, LLC
On Point Holdings, LLC is a values-driven management firm guiding five specialized businesses united by purpose and performance. Our portfolio includes On Point Solutions, LLC (metal fabrication equipment), SteelPoint Machine Tool, LLC dba DNE Laser USA (laser cutting systems), OpEx Service, LLC, LLC (machine tool service), Steel Mountain Marketing, LLC (digital agency), and Big Game Steel (sheet metal storage systems). We invest in excellence, lead with integrity, and empower our teams to create impact across industries.
Learn more here: https://www.opex-service.com/