Manager of Welding Technology
Qualdoc · Virginia Beach, VA · onsite
Essential 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 and safety-focused workplace.
- Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), welding standards, and applicable AWS requirements.
- Improve key 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 to strengthen workforce skills.
- 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.
Required Qualifications:
- 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, with 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
Why Join Us?:
- Competitive starting salary with opportunities for higher compensation based on experience.
- 10% Target Annual Bonus.
- Opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing welding team.
- A leadership role with a direct impact on manufacturing quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.