Welder Lead - MFG

TEXAS PIPE AND SUPPLY COMPANY•Shreveport, LA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Weld Department Lead is responsible for coordinating daily welding operations, ensuring product quality, promoting safety, and supporting team development. This role serves as the primary point of contact between welders and the weld shop supervisor, ensuring smooth workflow and on-time completion of production schedules in compliance with ASME Section IX welding code requirements. The lead also directly supervises welders, assists in manpower coordination for all weld area operations, provides on-the-job training, and ensures all employees follow safe work practices and company procedures. They are expected to carry out daily operations in production when the supervisor is unavailable and participate in employee coaching, skill development, and continuous improvement activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Minimum 5 years of industrial welding or fabrication experience
Proven leadership or lead experience in a production or welding environment
Proficient in reading blueprints, weld symbols, and tape measure
Must be able to pass an open-root stainless plate test with backing strip (1G position)
Knowledge of and ability to interpret ASME Section IX welding codes and procedures required
Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, production tracking software)
Strong communication, organization, and time management skills
Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and welding equipment
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Experience with MIG, TIG, stick, and sub-arc welding processes preferred
Forklift certification preferred

Responsibilities

Lead daily work activities and assign welders to tasks according to the production schedule
Ensure welders meet all ASME Section IX code and internal quality expectations for each weld
Monitor progress of jobs, verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, and ensure all documentation and weld traceability requirements are completed
Train, guide, and mentor welders and fabricators in welding processes, equipment operation, and company standards
Perform welding and fabrication as needed, including layout, fit-up, and welds using various processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, Sub-Arc)
Conduct safety audits, enforce PPE requirements, and work with supervisors to address safety or equipment concerns
Plan and organize workflow for maximum efficiency and minimal downtime
Communicate clearly with the supervisor and other departments regarding production updates, quality concerns, and maintenance needs
Ensure housekeeping and 6S standards are maintained throughout the weld department
Support scheduling, shift changeovers, and equipment inspections
Set hourly and daily performance goals for the team and ensure accountability for meeting targets
Assist in troubleshooting weld issues and implementing process improvements
Report equipment maintenance needs using the company’s maintenance management system
Provide input on employee performance and training needs to the Weld Shop Supervisor
Perform other related duties as assigned by management
Directly lead welders and assist in coordinating manpower for all weld area operations
Provide on-the-job training and ensure all employees follow safe work practices and company procedures
Carry out daily operations in production when the supervisor is unavailable
Participate in employee coaching, skill development, and continuous improvement activities