Advanced Manufacturing Technician – Welding Technology

About CCAT: Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) is a manufacturing technology innovation and readiness center focused on helping manufacturers adopt advanced technologies and strengthen their operations. We work with companies across manufacturing and industrial supply chains to evaluate, implement, and integrate digital, 3D printing, and other critical technologies. By leveraging engineering expertise in model-based definition, digital thread, and additive manufacturing, along with technical evaluations, technology demonstrations, and hands-on training, CCAT enables companies to accelerate technology adoption and upskill employees to improve productivity and profitability.

CCAT is a nonprofit, non-traditional defense contractor and government fiduciary dedicated to advancing applied technologies and strengthening the U.S. industrial base. CCAT partners with federal and state agencies—including the DOW, DOE, NASA, SBA, and USDOC—through government-funded and commercial programs that support both defense and commercial manufacturing.

Position Title: Advanced Manufacturing Technician – Welding Technology

Why This Role Matters: The Advanced Manufacturing Technician – Welding Technology plays a key role in supporting research, development, demonstration, and customer projects involving advanced metal joining, additive manufacturing, and robotic manufacturing technologies. This position requires extensive hands-on experience with welding and fabrication processes, operating advanced manufacturing equipment, and troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems.

The successful candidate will work directly with engineers, researchers, customers, and industry partners to develop, demonstrate, and optimize manufacturing processes involving laser welding, wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), directed energy deposition (DED), robotic systems, and related technologies.

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and execute welding procedures for experimental and production-scale projects.
• Perform laser welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, and wire-feed additive manufacturing operations.
• Support the operation and development of wire-fed and powder-fed directed energy deposition systems.
• Support the operation and development of cold spray systems.
• Fabricate fixtures, tooling, and prototypes for customer and internal projects.
• Conduct process development trials and document process parameters and results.
• Assist with commissioning, calibration, and qualification of manufacturing systems.
• Interpret CAD models with associated PMI, welding specifications, and process documentation.
• Perform quality inspections using metrology and nondestructive evaluation methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on manufacturing development projects.
• Support customer demonstrations, training activities, and technology transfer efforts.
• Adhere to all CCAT safety policies, procedures, and laboratory protocols to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education: Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship, military training, or equivalent experience in welding, manufacturing technology, fabrication, mechatronics, robotics, or a related field.

What Helps You Succeed:

• 7+ years of hands-on industrial experience involving welding, fabrication, additive manufacturing, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated experience with multiple welding processes, including: GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), Laser welding
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T.
• AWS welding certifications or equivalent credentials.
• Experience in troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and process issues.
• Experience in troubleshooting electrical/mechatronics issues.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to safely operate shop equipment and manufacturing systems.

Nice to Haves:

Experience with:

• Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).
• Wire-fed or powder-fed Directed Energy Deposition (DED) systems.
• Cold spray technologies.
• Operating industrial robots.
• Robotic teach pendants and offline programming.
• Metallurgy, welding qualification, and weld defect analysis, especially AWS D17 (aerospace welding).
• Familiarity with process monitoring systems, machine vision, or industrial sensors.
• Familiarity with CNC machining and hybrid manufacturing systems.
• Experience supporting R&D, prototype development, or low-volume manufacturing environments.

Representative Tools and Technologies

Candidates should have experience with some combination of:

• Welding and Additive Manufacturing: Laser welding systems, TIG and MIG welding systems, WAAM systems, Directed Energy Deposition systems, Cold spray or thermal spray systems, Wire feeders, laser optics, and process monitoring systems
• Robotics: FANUC robots, ABB robots, KUKA robots, Yaskawa/Motoman robots, Universal Robots
• Software and Programming: RobotStudio, RoboGuide, KUKA WorkVisual, MotoSim, Offline robotic programming tools, Basic G-code and CNC controls

What the Work Environment Looks Like: This is an on-site role with occasional early mornings and late evenings as needed. The person in this position needs to move frequently within the office and laboratory to access and operate office, lab, and shop equipment. Continually operates computers and computer-based machinery and equipment, requiring the ability to view and read computer screens and printed material. The person in this position frequently communicates with individuals; they must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This person frequently operates or is near manufacturing equipment and must be able to work in a shop and laboratory environment safely. Occasionally moves equipment/materials of up to 50lbs for business needs. Works in a lab/manufacturing environment and must maintain proper safety protocols. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

What We offer:

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long and short-term disability benefits
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development, training, and learning opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects that impact the future of manufacturing and technology

CCAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Pay: $41.82 - $51.44 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person