Next Level Strategies
Job Description
Job Description
Valstad Shipworks is a venture-backed startup shipyard on a mission to transform the future of American shipbuilding. We’re seeking driven, high-performing individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the maritime industry. In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector is not just important-it’s essential. To reclaim its standing as a maritime power, the United States must rebuild the capability to produce ships domestically-and do so competitively.
At Valstad, we’re rising to that challenge. By taking a greenfield approach and leveraging the most advanced technologies available, we’re redefining how ships are designed and built in America. This endeavor demands a multidisciplinary team of exceptional talent professionals ready to work hard, think boldly, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
If you're ready to be part of something that matters, we want to hear from you.
We are looking for a skilled and innovative Welding Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team. In this role, you will design, program, and optimize automated welding systems, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and safe production processes. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robotic and automated welding solutions that reduce costs, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry standards. The work will be centralized around designing new process flows, utilizing robots for the construction of marine vessels. This position will be working within a startup and is therefore not a typical workday. The days will be long, challenging, yet rewarding.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Automation System Design & Implementation:
o Design and develop automated and robotic welding processes for new products.
o Select and integrate welding robots, tooling, fixtures, and auxiliary equipment.
o Develop weld sequences, programs, and part positioning strategies to ensure precision and repeatability.
Programming & Optimization:
o Program and fine-tune robotic welding systems (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa).
o Optimize welding parameters to meet mechanical, metallurgical, and quality requirements.
o Troubleshoot welding automation issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
o Drive cost reduction initiatives through process improvements and cycle-time reductions.
o Support the introduction of new welding technologies and automation innovations.
o Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma techniques to improve welding efficiency.
Collaboration:
o Work closely with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, robotic engineers) to deliver cutting edge solutions.
o Work with the team to ensure weldability of new product designs.
o Document designs, processes, and technical specifications.
o Effectively communicate with team members and key stakeholders.
Quality & Compliance
o Ensure welds meet applicable codes, standards, and specifications (AWS, ISO, ASME). An additional constraint of meeting the standards set forth by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
o Collaborate with quality engineers to conduct inspections, testing, and defect analysis.
o Implement corrective and preventive actions for welding-related issues.
Data & Analysis:
o Collect and analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.
o Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical methods to monitor performance.
Benefits
Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
o Proficiency in robotic programming (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or equivalent).
o Strong understanding of welding processes (MIG, TIG, laser, spot welding, arc welding).
o Knowledge of metallurgy, materials science, and weld inspection techniques.
o Experience with CAD tools and simulation software for welding automation.
o Familiarity with PLCs, sensors, and automation integration.
Experience:
o Shall have competed in FIRST Robotics Competition, Formula SAE or similar having been a key role in design and functionality of the product.
o Prior hands-on experience in welding automation, robotics or manufacturing engineering roles.
o Experience in welding is necessary. Bonus if the welding was on marine vessels.
Skills:
o Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
o Excellent teamwork and communication abilities.
o Creative mindset with attention to detail.
o Ability to work in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments and high-volume production environments.
Job Description
Valstad Shipworks is a venture-backed startup shipyard on a mission to transform the future of American shipbuilding. We’re seeking driven, high-performing individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the maritime industry. In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector is not just important-it’s essential. To reclaim its standing as a maritime power, the United States must rebuild the capability to produce ships domestically-and do so competitively.
At Valstad, we’re rising to that challenge. By taking a greenfield approach and leveraging the most advanced technologies available, we’re redefining how ships are designed and built in America. This endeavor demands a multidisciplinary team of exceptional talent professionals ready to work hard, think boldly, and contribute to something larger than themselves.
If you're ready to be part of something that matters, we want to hear from you.
We are looking for a skilled and innovative Welding Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team. In this role, you will design, program, and optimize automated welding systems, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and safe production processes. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robotic and automated welding solutions that reduce costs, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry standards. The work will be centralized around designing new process flows, utilizing robots for the construction of marine vessels. This position will be working within a startup and is therefore not a typical workday. The days will be long, challenging, yet rewarding.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Automation System Design & Implementation:
o Design and develop automated and robotic welding processes for new products.
o Select and integrate welding robots, tooling, fixtures, and auxiliary equipment.
o Develop weld sequences, programs, and part positioning strategies to ensure precision and repeatability.
Programming & Optimization:
o Program and fine-tune robotic welding systems (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa).
o Optimize welding parameters to meet mechanical, metallurgical, and quality requirements.
o Troubleshoot welding automation issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
o Drive cost reduction initiatives through process improvements and cycle-time reductions.
o Support the introduction of new welding technologies and automation innovations.
o Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma techniques to improve welding efficiency.
Collaboration:
o Work closely with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, robotic engineers) to deliver cutting edge solutions.
o Work with the team to ensure weldability of new product designs.
o Document designs, processes, and technical specifications.
o Effectively communicate with team members and key stakeholders.
Quality & Compliance
o Ensure welds meet applicable codes, standards, and specifications (AWS, ISO, ASME). An additional constraint of meeting the standards set forth by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
o Collaborate with quality engineers to conduct inspections, testing, and defect analysis.
o Implement corrective and preventive actions for welding-related issues.
Data & Analysis:
o Collect and analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.
o Utilize statistical process control (SPC) and other analytical methods to monitor performance.
Benefits
Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Technical Skills:
o Proficiency in robotic programming (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or equivalent).
o Strong understanding of welding processes (MIG, TIG, laser, spot welding, arc welding).
o Knowledge of metallurgy, materials science, and weld inspection techniques.
o Experience with CAD tools and simulation software for welding automation.
o Familiarity with PLCs, sensors, and automation integration.
Experience:
o Shall have competed in FIRST Robotics Competition, Formula SAE or similar having been a key role in design and functionality of the product.
o Prior hands-on experience in welding automation, robotics or manufacturing engineering roles.
o Experience in welding is necessary. Bonus if the welding was on marine vessels.
Skills:
o Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
o Excellent teamwork and communication abilities.
o Creative mindset with attention to detail.
o Ability to work in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments and high-volume production environments.