OPT Welding Engineer Jobs
Welding Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, materials, or manufacturing engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing regularly hire and sponsor international engineers for this specialty.
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Job Overview
The Robotic Welding Engineer supports heavy fabrication manufacturing operations by developing, programming, supporting, and continuously improving robotic MIG/MAG welding processes for mild steel weldments. This position provides technical expertise for robotic weld systems, weld controls, tooling and fixture performance, weld procedure compliance, equipment reliability, technician support, and production troubleshooting. The role supports safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives by maintaining stable, repeatable welding processes and implementing improvements that reduce downtime, rework, and process variation.
Key Job Responsibilities
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Develop, program, and optimize robotic MIG/MAG welding systems for mild steel heavy fabrication, including robot paths, weld schedules, touch sensing, seam tracking, torch angles, travel speeds, shielding gas, wire selection, and process parameters.
-
Troubleshoot robotic weld issues related to programming, weld controls, fixturing, part fit-up, consumables, equipment condition, weld quality, and process variation. Lead root cause analysis and implement short- and long-term corrective actions.
-
Maintain welding systems to ensure manufacturing activities remain within specifications, including applicable WPS requirements, quality standards, process controls, KOM-MICs, and internal production requirements.
-
Support and monitor weld technicians by assisting with daily priorities, troubleshooting, training, and development from a MIG/MAG welding and robotic process perspective.
-
Partner with maintenance and production to support corrective maintenance activities, PM scheduling, spare parts readiness, robotic weld cell uptime, equipment reliability, and responsible equipment ownership.
-
Support new product introduction, engineering changes, tooling changes, and process launches by reviewing weld access, fixture repeatability, robot reach, cycle time, safety, manufacturability, and process documentation.
-
Collect, track, and analyze downtime, weld defect, rework, and process performance data. Recommend process improvements, automation updates, tooling improvements, and capital projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, or cost.
-
Support internal and external audits by providing welding process information, documentation, and evidence related to ISO 9001, customer standards, and company procedures as applicable.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent technical education and directly related welding/robotics experience may be considered.
Strong knowledge of MIG/MAG welding processes for mild steel, including weld parameters, consumables, shielding gas, weld defects, corrective actions, and welding system controls.
Common programming knowledge of robotics and weld controls for mild steel heavy fabrication applications. Experience with Komatsu, Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, Panasonic, or similar robotic platforms is preferred.
Knowledge of heavy fabrication equipment, fixtures, tooling, weld symbols, WPS requirements, engineering drawings, and manufacturing process documentation.
Ability to evaluate fixture repeatability, part fit-up, weld access, torch clearance, cycle time, weld quality, process stability, and manufacturability in a production environment.
Experience supporting weld technicians, maintenance activities, PM scheduling, equipment troubleshooting, production downtime response, and vendor communication for software, hardware, and welding system issues.
Computer skills including Microsoft Office are required. CAD experience, offline robot programming, simulation software, SAP, or maintenance/work order systems are helpful.
Must be able to communicate effectively with management, engineering, production associates, weld technicians, maintenance, quality, safety, suppliers, vendors, and auditors.
Additional Information
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Experience in heavy equipment, structural fabrication, or large mild steel weldment manufacturing.
-
Knowledge of AWS D1.1 or similar welding codes, weld procedure development, and weld inspection expectations.
-
Experience with robotic MIG/MAG weld cell launches, weld control systems, automation improvement projects, fixture design reviews, or capital equipment installation.
This position is focused on heavy fabrication and mild steel robotic MIG/MAG welding; resistance spot welding, projection welding, and aluminum welding are not primary responsibilities for this role.
Occasional support outside normal business hours may be required based on production needs, equipment downtime, launches, audits, or urgent quality issues.
Regular shop floor presence is expected to support production, troubleshoot robotic MIG/MAG welding equipment, observe weld processes, assist weld technicians, and work directly with operators, maintenance, quality, and engineering.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!
Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!
Job Overview
The Robotic Welding Engineer supports heavy fabrication manufacturing operations by developing, programming, supporting, and continuously improving robotic MIG/MAG welding processes for mild steel weldments. This position provides technical expertise for robotic weld systems, weld controls, tooling and fixture performance, weld procedure compliance, equipment reliability, technician support, and production troubleshooting. The role supports safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives by maintaining stable, repeatable welding processes and implementing improvements that reduce downtime, rework, and process variation.
Key Job Responsibilities
-
Develop, program, and optimize robotic MIG/MAG welding systems for mild steel heavy fabrication, including robot paths, weld schedules, touch sensing, seam tracking, torch angles, travel speeds, shielding gas, wire selection, and process parameters.
-
Troubleshoot robotic weld issues related to programming, weld controls, fixturing, part fit-up, consumables, equipment condition, weld quality, and process variation. Lead root cause analysis and implement short- and long-term corrective actions.
-
Maintain welding systems to ensure manufacturing activities remain within specifications, including applicable WPS requirements, quality standards, process controls, KOM-MICs, and internal production requirements.
-
Support and monitor weld technicians by assisting with daily priorities, troubleshooting, training, and development from a MIG/MAG welding and robotic process perspective.
-
Partner with maintenance and production to support corrective maintenance activities, PM scheduling, spare parts readiness, robotic weld cell uptime, equipment reliability, and responsible equipment ownership.
-
Support new product introduction, engineering changes, tooling changes, and process launches by reviewing weld access, fixture repeatability, robot reach, cycle time, safety, manufacturability, and process documentation.
-
Collect, track, and analyze downtime, weld defect, rework, and process performance data. Recommend process improvements, automation updates, tooling improvements, and capital projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, or cost.
-
Support internal and external audits by providing welding process information, documentation, and evidence related to ISO 9001, customer standards, and company procedures as applicable.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent technical education and directly related welding/robotics experience may be considered.
Strong knowledge of MIG/MAG welding processes for mild steel, including weld parameters, consumables, shielding gas, weld defects, corrective actions, and welding system controls.
Common programming knowledge of robotics and weld controls for mild steel heavy fabrication applications. Experience with Komatsu, Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, Panasonic, or similar robotic platforms is preferred.
Knowledge of heavy fabrication equipment, fixtures, tooling, weld symbols, WPS requirements, engineering drawings, and manufacturing process documentation.
Ability to evaluate fixture repeatability, part fit-up, weld access, torch clearance, cycle time, weld quality, process stability, and manufacturability in a production environment.
Experience supporting weld technicians, maintenance activities, PM scheduling, equipment troubleshooting, production downtime response, and vendor communication for software, hardware, and welding system issues.
Computer skills including Microsoft Office are required. CAD experience, offline robot programming, simulation software, SAP, or maintenance/work order systems are helpful.
Must be able to communicate effectively with management, engineering, production associates, weld technicians, maintenance, quality, safety, suppliers, vendors, and auditors.
Additional Information
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Experience in heavy equipment, structural fabrication, or large mild steel weldment manufacturing.
-
Knowledge of AWS D1.1 or similar welding codes, weld procedure development, and weld inspection expectations.
-
Experience with robotic MIG/MAG weld cell launches, weld control systems, automation improvement projects, fixture design reviews, or capital equipment installation.
This position is focused on heavy fabrication and mild steel robotic MIG/MAG welding; resistance spot welding, projection welding, and aluminum welding are not primary responsibilities for this role.
Occasional support outside normal business hours may be required based on production needs, equipment downtime, launches, audits, or urgent quality issues.
Regular shop floor presence is expected to support production, troubleshoot robotic MIG/MAG welding equipment, observe weld processes, assist weld technicians, and work directly with operators, maintenance, quality, and engineering.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!
See all OPT Welding Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Welding Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Welding Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT extension before applying. Welding engineering roles typically satisfy the STEM requirement, but your DSO must verify your specific program is on the STEM OPT designated degree list.
Highlight AWS certifications
American Welding Society credentials signal technical credibility to U.S. employers. Even entry-level certifications distinguish your application in a field where hands-on competency matters as much as your academic qualifications and degree specialization.
Focus on manufacturing-heavy industries
Aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and defense manufacturers hire welding engineers regularly and have established H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. These industries are accustomed to sponsoring international engineers and are less likely to reject OPT candidates outright.
Quantify process improvements in your resume
Employers want engineers who reduce defect rates, improve weld efficiency, or cut material waste. Attach specific numbers to your project outcomes. Concrete results make your application competitive and help justify sponsorship investment to hiring managers.
Apply before your OPT start date
Hiring timelines for engineering roles often run six to ten weeks from application to offer. Start applying two to three months before your OPT begins so authorization is active before your employment start date, avoiding compliance issues for you and the employer.
Address sponsorship directly but briefly
State your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter or early in interviews. Employers unfamiliar with OPT appreciate a clear, confident explanation. Framing your 36-month timeline positively reduces hesitation without making it the focus of the conversation.
Welding Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Welding Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Welding Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, materials science, or manufacturing engineering. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree. Your Designated School Official can confirm your specific CIP code appears on the official STEM OPT designated degree list before you apply.
Can I work as a Welding Engineer on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes, during your initial OPT period you can work for any employer without them sponsoring a visa. However, your position must be directly related to your degree field. For STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan with your DSO. Sponsorship only becomes a requirement if you transition to an H-1B or other long-term work visa after OPT expires.
Is Welding Engineer considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Welding Engineer roles that require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field, such as mechanical or materials engineering, generally meet the H-1B specialty occupation standard. Roles that accept any degree regardless of field, or that could be filled without a degree, face more scrutiny. Employers should ensure the job description ties the role explicitly to a specific engineering discipline when filing the petition.
How do I find Welding Engineer employers who sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to find Welding Engineer jobs from employers open to OPT candidates and visa sponsorship. Beyond that, large aerospace and defense manufacturers such as Boeing, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin have established international hiring programs. Oil and gas companies and heavy equipment manufacturers also sponsor regularly. Prioritizing companies with existing H-1B filing histories gives you the strongest indication of sponsorship willingness.
What happens to my Welding Engineer OPT if I change employers?
You can change employers on OPT as long as your new role is related to your degree and you report the change to your DSO within 10 days. There is no gap restriction, but you should not go more than 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT or 150 days during the STEM extension combined. Update your SEVIS record promptly and confirm your new employer meets E-Verify requirements if you are on the STEM extension.