Weld Engineer

Harsco is recognized for technical leadership and worldwide experience in virtually all major aspects of railway track maintenance.  We enable railroads to operate at peak efficiency over smooth, precisely aligned track that increases railway safety while reducing fuel consumption and other key operating costs. Our broad array of equipment and services support every type of railway operator, from major national and international railway systems, to short lines and high-speed urban transit networks.

The Manufacturing Process/Weld Engineer II will lead process design, optimization, and improvement initiatives for the Welding area. This role requires expertise in welding processes, workflow optimization, equipment/tooling design, and lean manufacturing. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including production, quality, and design engineering—to ensure high-quality output, improved efficiency, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Process Design & Improvement

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for welding operations, including work center and flow cell layout.

• Collaborate with Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) to improve drawings and weld maps.

• Create and maintain work instructions, process flows, and SOPs.

• Promote best practices across all organizational levels, from shop floor to leadership.

Production Support

• Troubleshoot and resolve large-scale assembly and welding issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.

• Partner with production teams to meet schedule, quality, and output targets.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all quality standards, codes, and industry regulations.

• Lead defect investigations and develop long-term corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining product quality.

Equipment & Tooling

• Specify, procure, and maintain equipment and tooling for welding and assembly.

• Ensure equipment meets operational and safety standards.

• Design fixtures to improve welding accuracy and productivity.

Data & Reporting

• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

• Report on KPIs and recommend data-driven action plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with design teams to ensure manufacturability of new products (DFM).

• Coordinate with supply chain for timely material delivery.

• Mentor and guide entry-level process engineers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field) with 5+ years’ experience; OR 7–10 years manufacturing engineering experience in lieu of degree, preferably in Weld shop.

• Strong knowledge of welding processes, tools, and techniques (EN standards preferred).

• Proficient in CAD software (Solid Edge or SolidWorks preferred).

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (LN preferred).

• Expertise in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 50 lbs.

• Willingness to wear required PPE.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

If you have a difficulty applying for any job posted on Harsco Rail’s website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, Harsco Rail offers the following alternate application procedure: Contact Matthew Fink, HR Director NAOM, at 803-822-7440 and Harsco Rail will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job.  Please call only for disability application. All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.