Manager of Welding Technology

Qualdoc • Virginia Beach, VA

23h

About The Position

The Manager of Welding Technology leads and improves welding operations in a large-scale sheet metal fabrication manufacturing environment. The role is responsible for welding quality, improving first-pass weld acceptance, reducing rework and weld leaks, and developing a high-performing welding program. The manager serves as the technical authority for welding activities and works with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve performance, develop employees, and maintain consistent weld quality. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on people development, process improvement, quality, accountability, and safety.

Requirements

• Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
• Proven experience managing welders, fitter/fabricators, welding supervisors, and multiple fabrication or manufacturing departments.
• Extensive knowledge of MIG welding, including Spray Transfer GMAW, and a strong understanding of additional welding processes.
• Demonstrated experience developing, maintaining, and implementing Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
• Proven success improving welding quality, increasing first-pass weld acceptance, and reducing weld failures, leaks, and rework.
• Experience developing and delivering welding training programs to improve employee performance and technical skills.
• Strong background in weld inspections and quality evaluations using AWS standards, fillet weld gauges, weld gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection equipment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication specifications.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and organizational skills.
• Professional demeanor, positive attitude, and a growth mindset focused on driving change and continuous improvement.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, Quality, and leadership teams.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) certification or previous welding instructor/trainer experience.
• Experience leading significant improvements in welding quality and overall welding program performance.
• Background in sheet metal fabrication, heavy fabrication, structural steel, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee welding operations across multiple fabrication departments in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Manage, mentor, and develop welders, fitter/fabricators, welding leads, and supervisors while promoting a positive, safety-focused workplace.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), welding standards, and applicable AWS requirements.
• Improve welding performance metrics, including first-pass weld acceptance, weld defect reduction, leak prevention, and rework reduction.
• Evaluate welding methods and implement process improvements that enhance quality, consistency, productivity, and efficiency.
• Develop and lead welder qualification, onboarding, and ongoing training programs.
• Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection techniques, fillet weld gauges, measuring equipment, and other applicable inspection tools.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to investigate weld failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor welding procedures, equipment, consumables, and production methods to maintain consistent weld quality and process control.
• Provide technical leadership for MIG (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and other welding processes used throughout the facility.
• Support production scheduling and manufacturing operations by aligning welding resources and personnel with production demands.
• Promote OSHA compliance, safe work practices, and continuous improvement throughout the fabrication operation.

Benefits

• 10% target annual bonus.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing welding team.
• Leadership role with a direct impact on manufacturing quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Starting salary of $130,000 per year, with higher compensation available based on experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed