Welding Supervisor The Welding Supervisor leads the day-to-day operations of the Welding Department within a high-volume steel fabrication and distribution environment. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all welding activitiesincluding code welding, submerged arc welding (SAW), and supporting processesto ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production of plate, structural, and pressure vessel components. The Welding Manager works closely with Fabrication, Maintenance, Quality, and Logistics to meet customer requirements, optimize throughput, and support continuous improvement in line with steel fabrication industry standards.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and direction to welding supervisors, lead welders, code welders, sub arc welders, roll operators, and helpers to meet daily production goals.
Plan, prioritize, and schedule welding work based on production plans, shop load, and customer delivery requirements; adjust resources and assignments as needed.
Ensure compliance with welding procedures (WPS), applicable codes (e.g., ASME Section VIII, AWS D1.1), and customer specifications for pressure vessel and structural work.
Oversee fit-up, welding, and inspection activities for plate, structural, and pressure vessel components; verify that joint preparation, preheat, interpass temperature, and weld sequence are followed.
Coordinate closely with the Rolling and Fabrication areas to manage flow of material into and out of the Welding Department, including cylinders, shells, cones, beams, and assemblies.
Monitor quality performance, review weld discontinuities and nonconformances, and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce rework and repair.
Work with Quality to maintain welder qualifications, procedure qualifications, and required documentation; support customer and third-party inspections when required.
Drive a strong safety culture in the Welding Department, enforcing PPE requirements, hot work rules, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and safe crane/forklift and rigging practices.
Review and approve time, overtime, and staffing plans; manage labor to achieve budgeted productivity and cost targets while meeting delivery commitments.
Support equipment reliability by coordinating with Maintenance on preventive maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for welding power sources, wire feeders, SAW systems, positioners, and manipulators.
Champion 5S, housekeeping, and organization in welding bays, flux handling areas, and staging zones to maintain a clean, efficient, and audit-ready department.
Collaborate with Engineering/Estimating and Sales on manufacturability, weld sequence, and joint design to improve throughput and reduce cost when quoting and planning jobs.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as safety incidents, first-pass yield, repair rates, throughput, on-time delivery, and productivity; use data to drive improvement.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, performance reviews, and coaching/discipline for Welding Department personnel; provide clear expectations and feedback.
Promote cross-training and skill development to build a flexible team capable of operating multiple welding processes and supporting equipment.
Support and model WMI values while maintaining a team-focused, respectful work environment aligned with company policies and goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
5+ years of experience in welding within a steel fabrication, pressure vessel, or structural steel environment.
3+ years of leadership experience (Lead, Supervisor, or Manager) in a welding or fabrication department.
Strong working knowledge of industrial welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW) and associated joint preparation, fit-up, and distortion control.
Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, flat patterns, weld symbols, and WPSs; solid shop math and measurement skills.
Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (e.g., ASME Section VIII, AWS D1.1, and related customer specifications).
Experience working in a steel service center or similar high-throughput fabrication environment, coordinating with rolling, cutting, and forming operations.
Proven track record of driving safety, quality, and production improvements through structured problem-solving and team engagement.
Experience with overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging practices for safe movement of heavy plate and structural assemblies.
Proficiency with basic computer systems, including ERP/production systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
High school diploma or GED required; additional technical training or certification in welding, fabrication, or industrial technology preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience overseeing pressure vessel and/or large structural weldments to code requirements.
Experience managing welder qualification programs and working with third-party inspectors or Authorized Inspectors (AIs).
Background in rolling, forming, and fabrication of heavy plate (A36, A572, AR, and similar grades).
Exposure to lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies in a fabrication environment.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Work is performed primarily in an industrial shop and yard environment with overhead cranes, forklifts, welding arcs, and heavy steel products.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, gripping, and climbing onto/around large fabrications and equipment; routine visual inspection at close range and at heights.
Regular exposure to noise, heat, fumes, dust, sparks, and changing temperatures consistent with welding and steel fabrication operations.
Regular use of PPE: hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, welding hood or face shield as needed, gloves, hearing protection, and other PPE as tasks require.
