Robot/Cobot Operator

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