Welding Shop Lead

Ace Electric • Valdosta, GA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Welding Shop Lead is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing daily welding and fabrication operations. The role performs complex welding and metal fabrication work while coordinating shop workflow, supporting team members, and ensuring projects meet safety, quality, and production standards. The lead works with drafters, detailers, project managers, shop leadership, and quality inspectors, and trains and mentors team members. The position reports to the Engineering and Fabrication Shop Manager.

Work takes place primarily in an active manufacturing and welding shop, with exposure to welding arcs, sparks, hot metal, fumes, dust, airborne particles, moving machinery, sharp materials, noise, and temperature variations. Applicable personal protective equipment must be worn. The schedule is 40 hours per week plus overtime as required, and travel to job sites may be required.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of welding or fabrication experience using MIG, stick, and flux-cored welding processes.
• High school graduate or GED.
• Valid state driver's license as required by job conditions or the company.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week plus overtime as required.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, project specifications, and tape measurements.
• Ability to operate metal band saws, chop saws, and CNC plasma cutting equipment.
• Strong knowledge of welding safety practices and ability to follow and enforce safety procedures.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities, organize shop workflow, and support project deadlines.
• Effective communication, problem-solving, training, and team leadership skills.
• Ability to perform the physical and mental functions described, including standing and walking for extended periods; frequently bending, kneeling, reaching, and working in varied positions; and frequently lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to read drawings and measurements, inspect welds and fabricated parts, and communicate in a noisy manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, work instructions, safety rules, and equipment procedures.
• References, background check, and drug screen testing are mandatory hiring requirements.
• Ability to travel to job sites if required.

Nice To Haves

• Welding certification.
• Proven experience as a welder with expertise in various welding techniques and processes.
• Experience in fabrication environments.
• Experience working closely with drafters, detailers, project managers, and quality inspectors.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising welding, fabrication, or shop operations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Desire to mentor and share knowledge to help others succeed.
• Ability to develop and follow construction schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily welding and fabrication operations, assign work, and organize workflow to support production schedules.
• Perform hands-on welding using MIG, stick, flux-cored, and, when applicable, TIG processes.
• Fabricate metal components and assemblies according to project specifications, technical drawings, and blueprints.
• Use tape measures and other measuring tools to complete precise fabrication work.
• Safely operate metal band saws, chop saws, and CNC plasma cutting equipment.
• Collaborate with drafters and detailers and use CAD/CAM software when applicable to support fabrication and plasma-cutting activities.
• Manage routine shop functions, including material handling, equipment upkeep, work-area organization, and production flow.
• Promote and enforce safety procedures and maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Coordinate with project managers, the Shop Foreman or Manager, and quality inspectors to meet deadlines and maintain quality.
• Train, coach, and mentor team members to strengthen technical skills, productivity, and adherence to shop standards.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of welding supplies, fabrication materials, tools, and equipment.
• Identify workflow, quality, or equipment concerns and promptly communicate them to appropriate stakeholders.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Accident insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• 401(k) with match
• Access to Ace University, including an apprenticeship program, leadership training, and skill-building classes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED