Welding Process Engineer - Laser & Robotic Welding

JOB DESCRIPTION

Welding Process Engineer

Location: Battle Creek, MI
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Engineering Manager
Shift: Monday-Friday, 1:45 PM - 9:45 PM

About Adient

At Adient, we are a global leader in automotive seating, engineering and manufacturing innovative seating systems for many of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. Our success is driven by advanced manufacturing technologies, continuous improvement, and a commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence.

The Battle Creek facility supports high-volume automotive production and relies on advanced welding technologies to deliver quality products to our customers. We are seeking a hands-on Welding Process Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex production and process challenges.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Lead Weld Engineer and Engineering Manager, the Welding Process Engineer will support and optimize laser welding, GMAW (MIG), and automated welding processes within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for process monitoring, weld quality, fixture adjustments, equipment troubleshooting, process capability improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting automated welding systems, possess strong troubleshooting skills, and be comfortable working closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and optimize laser welding, GMAW (MIG), and automated welding operations.
• Monitor welding processes and collect production and quality data to ensure process stability and performance.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Perform weld fixture adjustments to achieve dimensional and quality requirements.
• Modify and optimize weld programs to maintain acceptable weld performance and product quality.
• Troubleshoot welding equipment, tooling, fixtures, and automated systems to minimize downtime and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to diagnose and resolve equipment failures and unscheduled production interruptions.
• Investigate and react to process capability deviations identified through quality audits, C.C.T. lab results, inspections, and customer requirements.
• Support non-automated weld repair and containment activities when necessary.
• Assist with engineering projects, continuous improvement initiatives, equipment upgrades, and process development activities.
• Complete assigned preventive maintenance activities and support equipment reliability programs.
• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve process performance.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and engineering standards.
• Work closely with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Launch teams to support customer requirements and production goals.
• Complete all required Adient and customer-specific training.
• Adhere to all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support effective department operations.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Welding Engineering Technology (WET), Welding Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• Hands-on experience with automated welding processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting aptitude.
• Experience with weld fixture adjustments and process optimization.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to visually assess weld quality and identify weld defects.
• Experience using hand tools, measurement equipment, and diagnostic tools safely and effectively.
• Ability to work second shift, Monday through Friday from 1:45 PM to 9:45 PM.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience.
• Experience supporting laser welding systems.
• Experience supporting GMAW/MIG welding operations.
• Experience with robotic welding applications and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of weld quality standards, destructive testing, and process capability analysis.
• Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, APQP, PPAP, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Welding certifications and/or formal welding engineering training.

Skills and Competencies

• Welding Process Engineering
• Automated Manufacturing Systems
• Robotic Welding
• Laser Welding
• GMAW/MIG Welding
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
• Root Cause Analysis
• Manufacturing Process Improvement
• Dimensional Control
• Problem Solving
• Data Analysis
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, moving equipment, and production operations.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the facility.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry materials and tools as needed.
• Ability to safely wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Why Join Adient?

• Join a global automotive industry leader.
• Work with advanced welding and manufacturing technologies.
• Support innovative automotive programs and world-class customers.
• Collaborate with experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Grow your career in a dynamic, high-volume manufacturing environment.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Battle Creek Seating Component