Job Information
Aerotek Collaborative Welding Operator in Maryville, Tennessee
Job Title: Collaborative Welding Operator
Job Description
The Collaborative Welding Operator sets up and operates collaborative robotic welding (cobot) systems to produce high-quality welded components in a fast-paced fabrication environment. This role combines hands-on MIG welding, basic cobot programming adjustments, and detailed quality inspection to ensure all parts meet blueprint and specification requirements while supporting continuous improvement across the production process.
Responsibilities
Operate collaborative welding (cobot) systems to complete assigned production tasks safely and efficiently.
Load, position, and securely fixture parts prior to welding to ensure accurate and repeatable welds.
Complete production parts and job orders in a timely manner to meet department output and schedule goals.
Inspect completed welds and parts to verify they meet quality standards, blueprints, build sheets, and specification requirements.
Perform weld touch-ups or rework as needed to correct defects and maintain product quality.
Adjust and modify cobot programs within established parameters to improve weld quality, consistency, and efficiency.
Troubleshoot basic equipment, programming, or production issues and promptly escalate concerns when necessary.
Prioritize daily work tasks to align with production schedules and changing priorities.
Maintain proper weld settings, including wire speed, voltage, and gas flow, according to job requirements.
Ensure all parts conform to blueprint dimensions, weld symbols, and measurement requirements.
Communicate quality issues, delays, or equipment concerns clearly to the supervisor and relevant team members.
Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to resolve issues, refine processes, and support new product introduction.
Coordinate with upstream operations to maintain workflow continuity and minimize bottlenecks.
Perform routine cleaning, organization, and basic maintenance of welding equipment, cobots, and the work area.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, safety, or quality.
Assist with setup of new parts, fixtures, or welding sequences, including verifying programs and first-piece quality.
Cross-train within the Advanced Fabrication department as required to support overall production needs.
Essential Skills
Ability to operate MIG welding equipment and demonstrate understanding of basic welding principles, with MIG welding preferred.
Experience or aptitude in working with robotic or automated welding systems, including cobots.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, build sheets, weld symbols, and detailed work instructions.
Capability to understand and apply measurement requirements to verify part accuracy.
Basic knowledge of robotic or cobot programming concepts to adjust and optimize weld paths within defined parameters.
Proficiency in using measuring tools such as tape measures, squares, and gauges to check dimensions and weld locations.
Attention to detail to identify weld defects and quality issues and perform appropriate rework.
Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet production schedules and department goals.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous welding or manufacturing experience preferred.
Experience with robotic or automated welding systems considered a plus.
Comfort working with collaborative robots and adapting to new technologies and processes.
Willingness to cross-train within the Advanced Fabrication department and support multiple production areas.
Interest in continuous improvement and contributing ideas to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety.
Why Work Here?
Employees join a team that takes pride in producing fully custom products and values craftsmanship at every step of the process. The company fosters a supportive, people-focused culture where leaders genuinely care about employee well-being, offering thoughtful touches like seasonal treats and morale-boosting events. Team members enjoy special company gatherings, including large summer and Thanksgiving events with catered food and prizes, which reinforce a strong sense of community. Training and development are a priority, with supervisors from each department involved in the hiring process and ongoing support for learning new skills and advancing into different roles. Flexible A and B shifts, along with a strong track record of promoting from within, provide opportunities for long-term growth and work-life balance.
Work Environment
The role is based in a hands-on fabrication and welding environment that uses MIG welding equipment, collaborative robotic welding systems, and standard measuring tools such as tape measures, squares, and gauges. The facility is not climate-controlled, and conditions can be warm in the summer, but leadership actively supports employee comfort by providing chilled beverages, ice cream, and popsicles during hot periods. Work is organized around A and B shifts with flexible scheduling options, and employees collaborate closely with Engineering, Production, and other fabrication teams on the shop floor. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with routine cleaning and basic maintenance of equipment and work areas expected as part of daily operations
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Maryville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Maryville,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.