Job Description

Job Title:

Robot/Cobot Operator

Location:

Columbus, NE 68601

Job Type:

Full-time

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM (40 hours/week) - occasional overtime as needed

Job Summary

Duo Lift, a leading manufacturer of agricultural and industrial trailers, is seeking a detail-oriented and safety-focused Robot/Cobot Operator to program, operate, and maintain both traditional industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots) in welding, material-handling, and assembly applications. The ideal candidate is comfortable with technology, quick to learn new systems, and thrives in a modern manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Robot & Cobot Operation

Safely operate industrial robotic welding cells and collaborative robots (cobots) for MIG welding, part positioning, and material handling. Load/unload parts, change weld tips, nozzles, liners, and consumables. Perform daily start-up, homing, and basic maintenance on robots and cobots.
Programming & Teach-In

Use teach pendants and hand-guidance (cobots) to create or modify paths, weld schedules, offsets, and speeds. Touch-up programs on the floor for fit-up changes or new parts. Optimize cycle times while maintaining weld quality and repeatability.
Manual Welding Support

Perform tack welding and touch-up welding with hand-held MIG gun as needed to keep production moving. Repair minor robot weld defects or complete welds the robot cannot reach.
Safety & Quality

Conduct daily safety checks (light curtains, interlocks, e-stops, force-limiting on cobots). Verify weld penetration, bead appearance, part placement, and dimensional accuracy. Complete quality checklists and report non-conformances immediately. Follow all lockout/tagout, ANSI/RIA robotic safety standards, and PPE requirements.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Clear faults/alarms, clean sensors, grease joints, and replace wear items. Identify and communicate recurring issues or spare-parts needs. Keep robot and cobot work cells clean and organized.
Workflow & Communication

Coordinate part flow with Welding, Pre-Assembly, and Production Leads. Stage fixtures, wire spools, shielding gas, and raw material. Suggest process improvements and participate in new part prove-outs.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

1+ years operating/programming industrial robots OR collaborative robots (cobots). Hands-on MIG welding experience, including tacking and touch-up/repair welding. Comfortable using teach pendants and/or hand-guidance programming on cobots. Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, and work instructions. Solid mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Experience with basic hand tools and precision measuring equipment.
Preferred Experience

Experience setting up or teaching-in cobot welding applications. Formal robotics/cobot training or certification. Strong manual MIG welding background in a production environment. Basic PLC or electrical troubleshooting.
Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs. Comfortable working alongside cobots (no safety fencing) and industrial robots. Must wear required PPE including safety glasses, welding helmet when needed, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.
Drug Screening

Must pass pre-employment drug screening.
Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Vacation and holiday pay Supplemental insurance options Consistent weekday schedule
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program
Experience:

Robotic Welding: 1 year (Required) MIG Welding: 1 year (Required) Robot Programming: 1 year (Required) Reading Blueprints & Work Instructions: 1 year (Required) Manufacturing: 1 year (Required)
Language:

English (Required)
Location:

Columbus, NE 68601 (Required)
Ability to Commute:

Columbus, NE 68601 (Required)
Work Location: In person