Position Summary
The Lead Welder is responsible for leading the daily activities of the welding team while serving as the technical expert for all welding operations. This hands-on position ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company quality standards, customer specifications, and production schedules.
The Lead Welder provides direction, training, and support to welders, assists with workload prioritization, performs complex welding assignments, troubleshoots fabrication issues, and partners closely with the Fabrication Supervisor, Customer Service, Warehouse, and Operations teams to ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
This role is expected to lead by example through strong workmanship, safety leadership, continuous improvement, and a commitment to quality.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership
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Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the welding team to meet production schedules and customer commitments.
- Assign work based on priorities, employee skill levels, and production requirements.
- Train, mentor, and coach new and existing welders on welding techniques, safety procedures, and company standards.
- Monitor employee performance and provide constructive feedback to the Fabrication Supervisor.
- Lead by example in attendance, professionalism, safety, and quality.
Welding & Fabrication
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Perform MIG, TIG, Stick, and other welding processes as required.
- Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, work orders, and specifications.
- Fabricate pipe assemblies and related products to company and customer specifications.
- Verify weld quality through visual inspection and measurement.
- Apply certification stamps and complete required production documentation.
- Assist with prototype work and complex fabrication projects.
Production
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Help ensure daily production goals and labor productivity standards are achieved.
- Identify production bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
- Coordinate workflow with fabrication, warehouse, and customer service teams.
- Ensure materials, consumables, and equipment are available for scheduled production.
- Minimize downtime through proactive planning and communication.
Quality
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Ensure all work meets company quality standards and applicable industry codes.
- Perform first-piece and in-process quality inspections.
- Assist in investigating weld defects and implementing corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate production and quality records.
Safety
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Promote a culture of safety throughout the fabrication shop.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
- Verify proper use of PPE and safe equipment operation.
- Report safety concerns, equipment issues, and maintenance needs promptly.
- Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
Equipment & Maintenance
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Perform routine inspections of welding equipment and tools.
- Report equipment failures and coordinate repairs.
- Help maintain welding machines, fixtures, and fabrication equipment in proper working condition.
- Ensure work areas remain clean, organized, and compliant with 5S principles.
Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
- Welding certification preferred.
Experience
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5+ years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Previous experience leading, mentoring, or training welders preferred.
- Experience with pipe fabrication is highly preferred.
- Experience working in a production environment with daily output expectations.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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Expert knowledge of MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes.
- Ability to read blueprints and fabrication drawings.
- Strong understanding of welding symbols and measurements.
- Knowledge of fabrication shop equipment including:
- Band saws
- Ironworkers
- Drill presses
- Pipe threading equipment
- Material handling equipment
- Ability to troubleshoot fabrication and welding issues.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple jobs while maintaining quality.
- Basic computer skills for production tracking and documentation.
- Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.
Physical Requirements
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Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb throughout the workday.
- Work in varying temperatures within a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to wear required PPE including welding helmet, gloves, respirator (when required), hearing protection, and safety glasses.
- Visual acuity sufficient to inspect weld quality and read blueprints.
Work Environment
This position is performed in a fabrication and manufacturing environment where exposure to welding fumes, heat, noise, moving machinery, and industrial equipment is common. Proper PPE is required at all times.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with experience in the following will be highly preferred:
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Pipe fabrication for fire protection systems
- Grooved piping systems
- Carbon steel and galvanized pipe welding
- Manufacturing or distribution environments
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement initiatives
- Leadership experience in a fabrication shop with production scheduling and quality control responsibilities
