Welding/Joining Engineer- Body Shop

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Orion, MI on a full-time basis.

The Role:

We are seeking a Welding/Joining Engineer for Orion Assembly, you will play a foundational role in launching the T1XX-X program by developing and validating base-level joining systems. Focused on startup activities, you will ensure that welding processes, equipment, and tooling are optimized for production readiness. Working closely with the Lead Welding Engineer, you will support the installation, commissioning, and refinement of joining systems, including resistance spot welding, MIG welding, and adhesive bonding.  This role is vital through launch and into steady-state production, where you will maintain process integrity, support quality investigations, and drive continuous improvement. You will collaborate with suppliers, equipment integrators, and internal teams to ensure joint quality and compliance with engineering specifications. Your work will directly impact vehicle safety, structural performance, and long-term durability.

What You'll Do:

• Support the setup and validation of welding and joining systems for the T1XX-X program.

• Assist in commissioning weld cells, validating weld schedules, and ensuring equipment readiness.

• Collaborate with tooling and controls teams to optimize joining processes for launch.

• Work with manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to ensure joint integrity and process stability.

• Support supplier readiness and equipment validation, including occasional travel to supplier sites.

• Participate in build events and troubleshoot joining-related issues during early-stage production.

• Validate weld parameters and joint designs to meet structural and safety requirements.

• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for weld-related quality issues.

• Monitor joining metrics and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure joining processes comply with engineering specifications and GM standards.

• Assist in developing process documentation, weld maps, and quality control plans.

• Support training and development of Tech 5 roles and other technical team members.

• Share best practices and contribute to building long-term joining expertise within the plant.

• Assist in preparing weld quality reports and reviews for plant leadership.

• Communicate findings clearly to support strategic decision-making and launch success.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or welding/joining engineering or related experience

• Bachelor’s degree in welding engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Solid understanding of welding principles, including resistance spot welding, MIG welding, and adhesive bonding.

• Familiarity with weld schedules, joint design, and process validation.

• Experience with weld quality inspection and troubleshooting techniques.

• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and contribute to shared goals.

• Experience with root cause analysis and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).

• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to mentor and train technical roles, including Tech 5 welding team members.

• Perform Red X projects

• Flexibility to work different shifts as needed is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting new vehicle program launches.

• Understanding of Body Shop joining systems and their impact on vehicle structure and safety.

• Familiarity with weld cell commissioning and supplier equipment validation.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor technical roles and support team development.

• Comfort navigating weld inspection tools and joining process documentation.