GTI Fabrication · 7 hours ago
Sr. Automation Engineer
Phoenix, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expGTI Energy, a division of GTI Fabrication, designs and builds advanced modular infrastructure for mission-critical markets. They are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer to lead the development, deployment, and optimization of automated robotic welding systems across production lines, ensuring high safety and quality standards.
IndustrialLogisticsManufacturingTest and Measurement
Responsibilities
Partner with operations, manufacturing engineering, and quality to identify automation use cases that improve safety, quality, and throughput
Develop capital expenditure justifications and ROI/payback analyses to support automation project funding
Lead cross-functional project teams (quality, safety, operations, manufacturing engineering, and facilities) assigned to automation initiatives
Develop specifications for individual automation projects and create GTI-wide standards for control systems, preferred robot manufacturers, and welding equipment OEMs
Write project-specific performance clauses and high-level automation requirements for new system deployments
Design, specify, and implement robotic welding cells for modular steel fabrication
Select and oversee external integrators to execute detailed design work
Lead internal and external design reviews to verify system safety, quality, and technical alignment
Coordinate installation, validation, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of automation systems with integrators and plant teams
Ensure integration of robotics (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Motoman, etc.), tooling, sensors, and safety systems
Develop and modify PLC/HMI logic (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.) to control robotic welding cells and integrate them with conveyors, positioners, and vision systems
Ensure robust communication between robots, PLCs, and peripheral equipment using Ethernet/IP or Modbus
Write and optimize robot programs for MIG, TIG, and spot welding applications
Tune welding parameters, robot paths, and cycle times to improve throughput and first-pass yield while reducing rework and scrap
Provide hands-on support to troubleshoot automation systems and minimize downtime
Lead preventive maintenance schedules for robotic welding systems and controls equipment
Own sustaining work post-installation, ensuring stable long-term performance of robotic systems
Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and quality issues
Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement in robotic welding operations
Lead new product introduction (NPI) ramp-ups from prototype to full-scale automated production
Partner with mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure production readiness of automated systems
Support design-for-manufacturability efforts on new products to enable automated fabrication
Maintain detailed technical documentation including robot programs, schematics, and SOPs
Train and mentor technicians, operators, and junior engineers on robotic welding system operation, troubleshooting, and programming
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering
8–10+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or controls engineering
Hands-on experience implementing and supporting robotic welding systems
Proficiency with industrial welding robots (FANUC, ABB, Motoman, KUKA or similar)
Strong experience with PLC programming and controls integration (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)
Proven success leading cross-functional automation projects and managing integrators
Strong understanding of welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, resistance spot welding) and metallurgy basics
Knowledge of industrial safety standards (OSHA, NFPA79) and risk assessments for robotic systems
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
Strong project management skills to coordinate multiple automation projects and vendor integrations
Effective communicator and collaborative team player with leadership experience
Preferred
Experience with robotic simulation tools (RoboGuide, RobotStudio, etc.)
Experience integrating vision systems, sensors, motion control, or automated material handling
Familiarity with CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for fixture or tooling design
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
Benefits
Competitive compensation and benefits
Company
GTI Fabrication
GTI Fabrication designs and manufactures custom modular structures and container-based buildings.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Rich Stapleton
Member
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