Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Welding)

At 1872 AI, we are transforming industrial manufacturing in the United States by building AI-native factories capable of lights-out production—from CAD to finished part with minimal human input. Our initial focus targets the energy and infrastructure sectors—power generation, grid infrastructure, and compute facilities—where critical supply chain bottlenecks in steel fabrication are limiting growth.

About the Role

Be the technical architect of our production process. You will take the "ready-to-run" facility delivered by the Build Team and turn it into a high-precision manufacturing engine. You are responsible for validating, optimizing, and continuously improving our AI-driven automated welding cells and fabrication systems to produce steel structures with minimal human intervention. Your goal is to bridge the gap between a CAD file and a finished, quality-verified part—defining the "1872 Standard" for lights-out production.

• Primary Interfaces : Automated Welding System partners, Automation & Controls Engineers, Production Technicians, Customer Engineering teams
• Key Metrics: First Pass Yield, Cycle Time, Uptime, Weld Quality, Lead Time
• Key Systems/Tools: AI-driven welding systems, CNC laser cutting, modeling software, Python/SQL for data analysis, in-line vision inspection systems

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate welding procedures (WPS/PQR), laser cutting parameters, and bending tolerances for varied steel grades and thicknesses to ensure AI systems can execute reliably.
• Monitor and validate AI-driven weld paths and parameters, providing feedback to optimize quality, speed, and consistency across production runs.
• Partner with customer engineering teams to refactor their product designs for automated manufacturing—simplifying geometry to maximize robot reach and minimize cycle time (DFM).
• Define the automated quality control loop: specify in-process inspection points, select metrology equipment, and implement statistical process control (SPC) to catch defects before they leave the cell.
• Analyze machine data and weld quality trends to identify root causes of defects, micro-stoppages, and process drift, then implement corrective actions to enable true unattended production.
• Design and iterate on modular fixturing strategies that allow for rapid changeovers between high-mix, low-volume part runs while maintaining tight tolerances for AI systems.
• Document your process parameters, validation results, and optimization workflows into the "1872 Manufacturing OS," ensuring that proven processes can be instantly deployed to future factories.
• Collaborate with AI system vendors to troubleshoot issues, validate system performance against acceptance criteria, and drive continuous improvement of autonomous capabilities.

Base Qualifications

• 5–10 years in Manufacturing or Welding Engineering, ideally in high-precision structural steel, automotive, aerospace, or heavy equipment sectors
• Expertise in welding metallurgy (MIG/TIG/Laser) and ASME/AWS code requirements with understanding of how process parameters affect weld quality
• Pragmatic approach with willingness to spend 50% of time on the floor, troubleshooting systems and working directly with production teams to solve real-time issues
• Experience validating and optimizing automated or robotic welding systems with focus on process stability and quality metrics

We consider equivalent experience. If you meet most of the requirements, apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Data-driven mindset with comfort using Python, SQL, or Excel to analyze production data, identify trends, and drive process improvements
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), automated inspection systems, and closed-loop feedback systems for manufacturing
• Moderate understanding and knowledge of NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) requirements for AWS D1.1 MIG welding

Why Join

• What you'll build first: Qualified weld procedures for AI-driven cells, validated process parameters, automated quality control systems, fixtures optimized for autonomous production, feedback loops that continuously improve system performance
• Impact: You provide the manufacturing intelligence that allows AI systems to handle real-world variance, turning cutting-edge technology into repeatable quality. By proving our automated processes meet strict code requirements, you unlock high-value contracts with hyperscalers and utility providers.
• Growth: The process data and validation frameworks you create train our core AI models, making every future factory smarter and faster. Direct path to Principal Manufacturing Engineer or Manufacturing Engineering leadership roles as we scale to multiple factories.

How to Apply

Fill out our application form and see what we can build together! Please include:

• Resume or LinkedIn profile
• Examples of welding procedures you've developed, process validations you've performed, or optimization projects where you improved automated system performance

This role is based on-site in Cincinnati, OH and is not open to remote work.

1872 AI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. To request a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected].

This position may be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable law. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration.