Lead Fabricator/Welder

Superior Skilled Trades; 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 and more

Job summary

Superior Skilled Trades in Torrance, CA is seeking a Lead Fabricator/Welder to lead a team of welders and fabricators on a nuclear-grade production line. You will own weld quality, review WPS, and translate complex drawings into repeatable processes, partnering closely with Engineering and QC.

The role requires 8+ years welding/fabrication, 2+ years in a lead role, and AWS certification with GTAW proficiency. Strong leadership and safety focus are essential in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years welding/fabrication experience, including 2+ years in a lead role.
• AWS Certified Welder with GTAW proficiency on stainless and exotic alloys.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings, weld symbols and WPS.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME IX, B31.3).
• Proven track record leading and mentoring a weld team.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work with PPE.

Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and mentor a team of welders and fabricators.
• Own weld quality standards; review WPS and troubleshoot issues on the floor.
• Translate drawings and specs into repeatable fabrication processes with Engineering/QC.
• Coordinate production priorities with Manufacturing Manager to hit schedules.
• Champion shop safety, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Team leadership

Reading drawings

Welding quality control

Education

AWS Certified Welder

Tools

WPS documentation

ASME IX / B31.3

NDE processes

ERP/MES systems

Forklift certification

Job description

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