Senior Welding Engineer

Working at Watlow
Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.


Position Overview
This role is responsible for developing, specifying, and qualifying welding requirements and processes in compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and relevant customer/industry standards. The Welding Engineer will partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering to drive innovation in welding automation, process optimization, and production scalability.


Key Responsibilities
• Welding Procedure Development & Qualification
◦ Develop, qualify, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ) per ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 & 2 and Section IX.
◦ Lead qualification testing, oversee destructive and non-destructive examination, and maintain compliance documentation.
• Automation & Process Integration
◦ Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to identify, design, and implement automated and semi-automated welding solutions (e.g., robotic welding cells, orbital welding systems, mechanized SAW).
◦ Evaluate new welding technologies to improve throughput, consistency, and quality while reducing labor intensity.
• Design & Manufacturing Support
◦ Review weld symbols, joint designs, and material selections for manufacturability and code compliance.
◦ Recommend welding techniques, filler materials, and heat treatment processes suitable for a range of materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys used in heat exchangers.
• Quality & Compliance
◦ Ensure compliance with ASME BPVC, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.
◦ Interface with Authorized Inspectors (AI) and third-party auditors for code-related approvals.
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization
◦ Drive improvements in weld quality, reduce rework, and enhance cost-effectiveness of welding operations.
◦ Contribute to productivity gains through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 integration where applicable.
• Training & Technical Support
◦ Train and mentor welders, technicians, and engineers in welding techniques, code interpretation, and automation equipment operation.
◦ Serve as the technical subject matter expert for welding-related inquiries and audits.


Qualifications & Requirements
• Education:
◦ Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
◦ AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential preferred.
• Experience:
◦ 5–10+ years of welding engineering experience in industrial heat exchanger, pressure vessel, or heavy fabrication environments.
◦ Demonstrated expertise with ASME BPVC (Sections VIII & IX) and North American regulatory frameworks.
◦ Hands-on experience with welding automation or robotic welding systems is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
◦ Deep understanding of welding process selection, metallurgy, heat treatment, and distortion control.
◦ Familiarity with advanced NDE methods (RT, UT, PAUT, PT, MT).
◦ Proficiency in CAD tools and manufacturing process simulation a plus.
• Other:
◦ Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities.
◦ Excellent collaboration skills for working across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.


Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan
The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:
• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

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