The Champion GSE, a division of the Dedienne Aerospace Group, is a recognized leader in the design and manufacture of reusable shipping and storage containers and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for civil and defense aerospace markets. With nearly 75 years of experience, The Champion GSE produces large, heavy‑duty welded steel and aluminum structures designed for long service life and demanding operational environments.
As part of Dedienne Aerospace’s continued growth in the U.S. market, The Champion GSE is expanding and standardizing its automated welding operations across multiple single‑robot welding cells. This position is designed to evolve into a Senior / Lead Welding Robot Programmer role, supporting long‑term automation strategy, standardization, and industrialization.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Welding Robot Programmer is responsible for programming, commissioning, maintaining, and optimizing robotic welding cells used in container manufacturing. In addition to production support, the role works closely with Design Engineering and Methods / Manufacturing Engineering teams to define welding sequences, processes, and tooling concepts optimized for robotic welding.
This position supports both new product introduction and ongoing production, working closely with manufacturing, welding engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure safe, repeatable, and efficient robotic welding operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Program, debug, and optimize single‑robot welding cells using Fanuc robot programming language.
- Develop accurate robot weld paths, motion sequences, tool orientations, and speed parameters for large container assemblies.
- Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure parts and assemblies are suitable for robotic welding (accessibility, tolerances, weld joint design).
- Work with Methods / Manufacturing Engineering to define welding sequences, takt time objectives, and robot‑friendly processes.
- Contribute to the definition and validation of welding fixtures, tooling, and positioners in coordination with engineering teams.
- Commission new robotic welding cells and support production start‑up and ramp‑up.
- Perform robot touch‑ups and program modifications to support daily production across multiple cells.
- Standardize robot programs, naming conventions, and programming methodologies.
- Optimize cycle time, arc‑on time, robot utilization, and weld repeatability.
- Troubleshoot robot alarms, motion issues, and automation‑related welding defects.
- Provide on‑the‑floor technical support to manufacturing teams.
- Maintain robot program backups, documentation, and revision control.
- Ensure robotic welding operations comply with safety rules and internal procedures.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Technical degree, associate degree, or equivalent experience in robotics, automation, welding, or industrial manufacturing.
- Strong hands‑on experience with Fanuc industrial robot programming, such as Fanuc M710ic/12L with R30iB+ controller.
- Experience with robotic arc welding processes (GMAW/MIG, FCAW, or TIG).
- Experience programming robots for large, welded structures or heavy fabrication.
- Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and fixture designs.
- Familiarity with welding fixtures, positioners, and production manufacturing environments.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience programming industrial robots in a production setting.
- Experience in aerospace, GSE, defense, or heavy manufacturing preferred.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive salary package
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Long‑term career growth within the Dedienne Aerospace Group
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be eligible to work for any employer within the United States
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment screening, including background checks
GROWTH & EVOLUTION OF THE ROLE
As The Champion GSE’s automation footprint grows, this position is expected to evolve toward a Senior / Lead Robot Programmer, with responsibilities including:
- Technical leadership for robotic welding programming across multiple cells
- Ownership of robot programming standards and best practices
- Early involvement in design‑for‑automation and industrialization reviews
- Mentoring and training of programmers, technicians, or operators
- Acting as a key technical interface with equipment suppliers and integrators