Robotic Welding Operator

Robotic Welding Operator

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent – 45 Hours Per Week.

Salary: £14.50 Per Hour – Approximate Annual Salary of £33,930.

Location: Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11.

Schedule: Monday to Thursday from 07:00am to 5:15pm, Fridays from 07:00am to 13:00pm.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for safely setting up and operating a fleet of automated Yaskawa Motoman ArcWorld robotic welding cells, ensuring production targets and quality standards are achieved.

The role will involve operating a range of robotic welding systems, preparing components, carrying out visual and dimensional weld inspections, and undertaking manual MIG/MAG welding and rework where required.

You will also be expected to maintain equipment, follow health and safety procedures and support general fabrication activities to meet the changing needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Robotic Welding and Cell Operation

• Safely set up and operate Yaskawa Motoman ArcWorld robotic welding cells.
• Load and unload components and assemblies, ensuring correct positioning and secure fixturing.
• Select and run the correct welding programmes using Yaskawa teach pendants.
• Operate rotary tables, dual-positioner systems and multi-axis turn-tilt equipment as required.
• Monitor welding operations to ensure consistent quality and efficient production.
• Carry out routine checks and maintenance of welding torches, gas nozzles, contact tips, wire feed units and other consumables.
• Change welding wire spools and replace consumables as necessary.
• Check that machine guarding, safety interlocks, light curtains and fume extraction systems are functioning correctly before starting operations.

Component Preparation and Manual Welding

• Prepare components and assemblies for robotic welding.
• Carry out tack welding and manual MIG/MAG welding rework where required.
• Use appropriate hand and power tools, including grinders, saws and measuring equipment.
• Support manual fabrication and workshop activities when required by production demand.

Quality Assurance and Inspection

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, structural assembly drawings and welding symbols.
• Carry out visual and dimensional inspections of completed weldments.
• Check weld quality, including weld profile, throat size, undercut, spatter and other visible defects.
• Follow first-off inspection and sign-off procedures.
• Identify, segregate and report non-conforming components in accordance with company quality procedures.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and help minimise scrap and rework.

Health, Safety and Housekeeping

• Follow all company health and safety policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including specified welding protection, safety footwear and flame-retardant workwear.
• Follow safe operating procedures when working around automated machinery and moving equipment.
• Maintain clean, organised and tidy workstations across robotic welding cells and manual workshop areas, following 5S principles.
• Follow safe manual handling procedures and use lifting equipment only when appropriately trained and authorised.

Training and Development

• Participate in training provided by the Company to develop the skills required for the role.
• Undertake training in robotic cell operation, quality inspection, manual handling and health and safety as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by maintaining high standards of workmanship and identifying opportunities to improve working practices.

Skills and Experience Required

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in metal fabrication, sheet metal or structural engineering.
• Hands-on experience operating industrial robotic welding cells.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and welding symbols.
• Basic familiarity with robotic teach pendants, including selecting programmes and making permitted adjustments.
• Experience using hand and power tools, including grinders, saws and measuring equipment.
• A good understanding of weld quality and inspection requirements.
• A flexible approach, with the ability to work across automated welding cells and manual fabrication activities.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining quality standards.
• A reliable, punctual and safety-conscious approach to work.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

The following would be advantageous:

• Direct experience operating Yaskawa Motoman ArcWorld RS or CS robotic welding cells.
• Experience with coordinated-motion welding positioners.
• Basic robotic programming knowledge, including Yaskawa INFORM language.
• Relevant robot operator or basic programming certification.
• A valid overhead crane or forklift licence, where applicable.
• An apprenticeship, NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Fabrication and Welding or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with overhead lifting and slinging of larger fabrications.

Key Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Operate robotic welding equipment safely and efficiently, working towards specified production cycle times.
• Maintain consistently high weld quality and help minimise scrap and rework.
• Move effectively between robotic welding operations and manual fabrication tasks in line with production requirements.
• Maintain clean and organised workstations.
• Comply with all company health and safety requirements and operating procedures.

Salary and Company Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate of £14.50.
• Approximate gross weekly earnings of £652.50.
• Approximate gross annual salary of £33,930.
• Full-time, permanent employment directly with the Company.
• 25 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Competitive overtime rates: time and a half Monday to Saturday and double time on Sundays and bank holidays.
• Free, secure on-site parking.
• Company events and social gatherings.
• Bereavement leave.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.
• Company closure over the Christmas period.
• Training and development opportunities.