GTAW Welding Process Applications Engineer

Department: Contract Manufacturing Services Engineering
Reports to: VP of Technology Development

Position Summary

The GTAW Welding Process Applications Engineer is responsible for leading Preco’s GTAW (TIG) and orbital welding technologies. This role provides advanced welding process expertise and project leadership to develop, qualify, and scale stainless steel welding processes for tubing assemblies and precision components within the Contract Manufacturing Services division.

The Engineer will lead process development, equipment selection, weld qualification, operator training, and the implementation of repeatable, code‑compliant welding systems. The role serves as the technical authority for GTAW/orbital welding and collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and customers to meet performance, cost, and manufacturability goals.

Job Responsibilities

1. Lead the introduction of GTAW/orbital welding systems, including power supplies, weld heads,
   fixtures, and controls.
2. Develop, document, and validate weld procedures (WPS/PQR) to meet AWS D18.2, ASME IX, or customer specifications.
3. Provide leadership to teams designing tooling, fixtures, and weld joint configurations.
4. Establish weld‑process monitoring, data logging, and traceability systems for production.
5. Lead root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
6. Provide hands‑on technical support to operators, engineers, and technicians.
7. Coordinate internal and external project reviews and provide clear communication on project status.
8. Support equipment justification, budget planning, and project scheduling.
9. Support customer interface activities, including manufacturability feedback and weld design recommendations.
10. Participate in audits and qualification activities for welded products and manufacturing processes.
11. Complete other assignments as required by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

• Four‑year engineering degree preferred; associate degree plus 10+ years of welding experience considered.
• Minimum of five years of hands‑on GTAW experience; orbital welding experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and scaling welding processes for production environments.
• Experience in qualifying welding procedures and interpreting codes such as AWS D17.1, D18.2, or ASME Section IX.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary project teams in a matrix organization.
• Working knowledge of metallurgy, weld joint design, fixture design, and thermal distortion control.
• Experience with automated orbital welding systems (AMI, Liburdi, Polysoude, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with PLC/HMI systems is a plus.
• Understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles and process capability concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with customers on technical and logistical matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background with CNC controllers.
• Skilled in pneumatics, hydraulics, programming, and mechanics.
• Laser machinery experience.
• HVAC experience.
• General machining and welding experience.
• Experience with clean room/clean environment.

Physical Demands

• Repetitive movements of the back, wrist, arm, shoulder, elbow, and fingers occur continuously.

All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring.  Also, each member of the Preco – Somerset team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem-solving teams as necessary