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Job Description
The Weld Supervisor leads a team of welders in a defense manufacturing environment, overseeing daily production operations to ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, and in full compliance with engineering specifications, weld procedure standards, and quality system requirements. This role is responsible for workforce planning, hands-on technical guidance, first-article and in-process inspection support, and driving continuous improvement on the production floor.
Responsibilities
- Directly supervise a team of welders performing MIG, TIG, stick, and/or flux-core welding operations on defense and commercial production programs.
- Coordinate material staging, tooling, fixtures, and jig availability so welders can maintain uninterrupted workflow.
- Verify that all weld operations are performed in accordance with engineering drawings, weld symbols, weld procedure specifications (WPS), and applicable codes (e.g., AWS D1.1, NAVSEA standards).
- Monitor weld preparation, fit-up, in-process quality, and post-weld finishing (grinding, cleaning, visual inspection) to ensure conformance before parts move downstream.
- Review and interpret blueprints, work orders, and technical data packages prior to job start; communicate requirements to the weld team.
- Track material availability and flag shortages to production planning to prevent schedule disruptions.
- Enforce safe work practices, PPE compliance, and housekeeping standards; participate in safety audits and incident investigations as needed.
- Inspect completed weldments against blueprint tolerances and quality acceptance criteria; document nonconformances and initiate corrective actions.
- Monitor production pace and adjust staffing, overtime, or work sequencing to meet daily and weekly output targets.
- Train, mentor, and evaluate welders; conduct performance discussions, recommend corrective actions, and support welder qualification and re-certification activities. Record production data, labor hours, and job status in the MES system accurately and on time. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum five (5) years of welding experience.
- Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience in a manufacturing or fabrication setting.
- Working knowledge of AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code).
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and hold a production team accountable for safety, quality, and schedule performance.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to relay technical instructions clearly to floor personnel and report status to management.
- Must be able to pass a hands-on weld test as a condition of employment.
- Must provide personal welding hood and gloves; all other PPE provided by the company.
- This position requires access to information controlled under ITAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR §120.62.
Preferred
- Welder certification (AWS, ASME, or equivalent); equivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of certification.
- Experience in an ISO 9001 or AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.
- NAVSEA welding or naval/military fabrication experience.
- Experience with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or similar production tracking software.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly, work in extreme temperature conditions, and stand, squat, kneel, push, and pull for extended periods.
Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability/Veteran