W LEAD

Job Title: Welding Department Lead (Hands-On Technical Leader)

Job Summary

The Welding Department Lead is a highly skilled, hands-on welder who serves as the technical backbone of the welding department. This role is responsible for floating throughout the department to support welders, improve processes, identify quality and efficiency issues, and train team members through direct, real-time coaching.

This position is not a desk job. The ideal candidate leads by example, demonstrates best practices on the floor, and elevates the entire team’s welding capability through hands-on instruction and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Support

• Serve as the go-to technical expert for MIG, TIG, and/or robotic welding (based on shop needs)
• Jump in to weld parts as needed to demonstrate correct techniques, troubleshoot problems, or support workload
• Assist welders with complex setups, weld procedures, fixturing, and part orientation
• Identify root causes of weld defects and show team members how to correct them

Training & Skill Development

• Train and mentor welders through hands-on, side-by-side instruction
• Standardize best welding practices across the department
• Help onboard and train new welders to company standards
• Identify skill gaps and coach individuals to improve speed, consistency, and quality

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify quality issues, rework trends, and inefficiencies
• Work with welders to improve weld appearance, penetration, consistency, and repeatability
• Suggest improvements to fixtures, weld sequences, joint design, and process flow
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and productivity

Department Support

• Float between welding cells as needed to support production priorities
• Communicate issues, improvement opportunities, and training needs to management
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe welding environment
• Lead by example in work ethic, attitude, and craftsmanship

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
• Strong technical knowledge of welding processes (MIG required; TIG and robotic welding a plus)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and work instructions
• Proven ability to troubleshoot weld defects and process issues
• Strong communication skills with the ability to teach and coach others
• High attention to detail and quality standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a lead welder, trainer, or technical specialist
• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume contract manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with fixture design and process optimization
• Welding certifications (AWS or equivalent)

Key Traits for Success

• Hands-on and humble—leads by doing, not just telling
• Patient teacher who enjoys helping others improve
• Problem-solver who looks for better ways to do the work
• Respected by peers for technical ability and attitude
• Takes ownership of quality and team performance

Why This Role Matters

This position plays a critical role in improving weld quality, reducing rework, increasing throughput, and developing stronger welders. The Welding Department Lead directly impacts customer satisfaction and overall shop performance by making the team better every day.

Benefits:

• Performance & Attendance Bonuses
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance at 60 days
• Long and Short-Term disability coverage
• Critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity
• HSA and FSA opportunities
• 401(k) with company match after 60 days
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Personal Time
• Weekly Pay

*** This survey must be completed at the time of the application being submitted. ***

If you have any questions or issues, please call 260-488-1800.

Join the team that makes a Meaningful Difference in Lives!

Monday-Thursday 6 am - 4 pm
(2) 10-minute breaks, 20-minute paid Lunch.
We ask that you do not leave the facility during lunch since it is paid