Lead Fabricator/Welder

sstjobs; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Flexible Time off

Job summary

sstjobs is seeking a Fabrication/Welding Lead to run day-to-day operations on the weld shop floor in Torrance, CA. You will own production scheduling, weld quality, and safety standards for nuclear-grade components, while mentoring a growing team and partnering with engineering and quality.

This is a hands-on leadership role building both the team and the process from the ground up. The position offers relocation support to Torrance, CA, and a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),

Qualifications

• 8+ years welding/fabrication experience with 2+ years in a lead/supervisory role.
• AWS Certified Welder (or equivalent) with GTAW proficiency on stainless/alloys.
• Able to read complex drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME IX, B31.3).
• Proven track record leading, training, or mentoring a team of welders.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and wear PPE on shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and mentor a team of welders and fabricators daily.
• Own weld quality standards; review/approve WPS and address issues.
• Collaborate with Engineering and QC to translate specs into processes.
• Coordinate production priorities with Manufacturing Manager to meet schedules.
• Champion shop safety, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Hire/train develop welders; conduct performance reviews and skills assessments.

Skills

Leadership/mentoring

Production scheduling

Welding quality control

Safety compliance

Reading drawings/WPS

Tools

AWS Certified Welder

CWI (Certified Weld Inspector)

ASME IX/ASME B31.3 knowledge

GTAW (TIG) welding

Job description

We are looking for a Fabrication/Welding Lead to run day-to-day operations on our weld shop floor and lead a growing team of welders and fabricators. You will own production scheduling, weld quality, and safety standards for components going into our modular nuclear reactor systems, while mentoring the team and partnering closely with engineering and quality. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for building both the team and the process from the ground up.

Location: Torrance, CA

Salary: $100,000 to $150,000 depending on experience

Shift: Mon-Fri from 8 am to 5 pm

Comprehensive benefit: 401(k), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Retirement plan, Vision insurance, Flexible Time off and more!

Relocation: Generous relocation assistance to Torrance, CA is available for the right candidate

Key Responsibilities for Lead Fabricator/Welder

• Lead, schedule, and mentor a team of welders and fabricators across daily production.
• Own weld quality standards; review and approve WPS, and troubleshoot process or quality issues on the floor.
• Partner with Engineering and QC to translate drawings and specifications into repeatable, nuclear-grade fabrication processes.
• Coordinate production priorities and timelines with the Manufacturing Manager to hit build schedules.
• Champion shop safety, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives on the floor.
• Hire, train, and develop welders as the team scales; conduct performance reviews and skills assessments.
• Maintain documentation for weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances per quality procedures.

Basic Qualifications for Lead Fabricator/Welder

• 8+ years of professional welding/fabrication experience, including 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• AWS Certified Welder (or equivalent) with strong GTAW (TIG) proficiency on stainless steel and exotic alloys.
• Demonstrated ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME Section IX, B31.3, and similar).
• Proven track record leading, training, or mentoring a team of welders or fabricators.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop-floor setting with appropriate PPE.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent.
• Experience welding or leading teams in nuclear, aerospace, or other highly regulated quality environments.
• Experience standing up welding processes, procedures, or a new production line from scratch.
• Familiarity with ASME Section IX / Section III code welding and NDE processes.
• Experience with production scheduling or ERP/MES systems.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification