Fabrication Welder Lead - 1st Shift

Panelmatic; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSA

401(k) match

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Career advancement

Family-friendly environment

Job summary

Panelmatic is seeking an experienced Fabrication Welder Lead to support our fabrication team with hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and quality oversight for welding and metal fabrication activities.

The ideal candidate will balance hands-on production with coaching, read blueprints, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills are essential to meet customer specs and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years welding and metal fabrication in manufacturing/industrial settings.
• Prior lead, mentor, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficient in MIG welding; TIG welding experience preferred.
• Able to weld and fabricate mild steel, stainless, and aluminum.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and fabrication specs.
• Experience with grinders, drills, saws, clamps, measuring tools and layout equipment.
• Strong welding knowledge, tolerances and quality standards.
• Work independently while guiding others; strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily fabrication activities and assign work to team members.
• Perform MIG and TIG welding and general metal fabrication tasks.
• Read fabrication drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and shop docs.
• Fabricate, fit, and assemble metal components using hand and power tools.
• Ensure welds meet quality standards and customer requirements.
• Inspect completed work for accuracy and compliance with drawings.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to fabrication team members.
• Assist supervisors with troubleshooting and workflow improvements.
• Monitor progress to meet production schedules and deadlines.
• Promote a safe work environment and 5S in the workspace.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

Reading fabrication drawings

Team leadership

Quality oversight

Problem solving

Tools

Grinders

Drills

Saws

Clamps

Measuring tools

Layout equipment

Job description

Panelmatic is seeking an experienced Fabrication Welder Lead to support our fabrication team by providing hands‑on leadership, technical guidance, and quality oversight for welding and metal fabrication activities. This position will lead daily fabrication operations, ensure work is completed safely and efficiently, and assist team members in producing high‑quality components used in custom control panel assemblies.

The ideal candidate is a skilled welder/fabricator with strong attention to detail, the ability to read fabrication drawings, and experience guiding others in a manufacturing environment. This role requires a working leader who is comfortable balancing hands‑on production responsibilities with coaching and supporting team members.

Job Duties:

• Lead daily fabrication activities, assigning work and providing direction to fabrication team members.
• Perform MIG welding, TIG welding, and general metal fabrication tasks as required.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and shop documentation.
• Fabricate, fit, and assemble metal components using various hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment.
• Ensure welds meet quality standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Inspect completed work for accuracy, workmanship, and compliance with drawings.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to fabrication team members.
• Assist supervisors with troubleshooting production issues and improving workflow.
• Monitor progress to ensure production schedules and deadlines are met.
• Promote a safe work environment by following all safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S principles.
• Communicate production concerns, material shortages, quality issues, and equipment needs to leadership.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.

• 5+ years of welding and metal fabrication experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Previous lead, mentor, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficient in MIG welding; TIG welding experience preferred.
• Ability to weld and fabricate various metals including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and fabrication specifications.
• Experience using fabrication tools including grinders, drills, saws, clamps, measuring tools, and layout equipment.
• Strong understanding of welding techniques, measurements, tolerances, and quality standards.
• Ability to work independently while providing direction and support to others.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in electrical enclosure, control panel, industrial equipment, or custom fabrication manufacturing.
• Experience with structural steel or sheet metal fabrication.
• Experience training or developing less experienced welders/fabricators.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.

Testing Requirements:

****Welding Test Required****

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA, term life, AD&D, STD, LTD
• 100% medical premium paid for by Panelmatic for the employee‑only level medical coverage
• 80% paid for by Panelmatic and 20% paid for by the employee on all other level medical coverage (ie employee plus child, employee plus spouse, family)
• 401(k) contributions matched 100% up to 4%
• Scholarships, educational reimbursement, paid volunteerism, and paid personal and professional development provided
• PTO and paid holidays provided
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive wages
• Family‑friendly environment with average employee tenure above five years