Lead Operator Kaizen Technician

SURGE Staffing; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

SURGE Staffing is seeking a Lead Operator Kaizen Technician to direct welding operations on the 1st shift, test welding equipment, review specifications, and collaborate with engineering and production to improve processes.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on welding and fabrication experience, blueprint literacy, and a proactive Kaizen mindset with documentation and continuous improvement responsibilities.

Qualifications

• HHands-on welding and fabrication experience.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, and job orders.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to work independently and provide direction to others.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering personnel with testing and evaluating welding equipment, metals, and alloys.
• Conduct experiments and evaluate data to improve welding techniques, procedures, and practices.
• Inspect welded joints and perform testing to ensure welds meet specifications.
• Identify and recommend improvements to equipment, processes, and welding applications.
• Record inspection results and prepare reports.
• Review work orders and assist with production scheduling.
• Read and interpret specifications, blueprints, and job orders.
• Troubleshoot production problems and support Kaizen initiatives.

Skills

Welding & fabrication

Blueprint reading

Independent work

Excel & Word

Quality inspection

Tools

MIG welding

TIG welding

Stick welding

Gas welding

Drill press

Sanders

Grinders

Saws

General hand tools

Job description

Lead Operator Kaizen Technician

Pay: $19.00 per hour
Schedule: 1st Shift
Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

We are seeking a Lead Weld (Kaizen) Operator to support manufacturing and welding operations. This position works closely with engineering and production teams to test and evaluate welding equipment, materials, techniques, and processes while helping improve production methods and procedures.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on welding and fabrication experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to read blueprints and job specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineering personnel with testing and evaluating welding equipment, metals, and alloys.
• Conduct experiments and evaluate data to help develop improved welding techniques, procedures, and practices.
• Inspect welded joints and perform testing to ensure welds meet company and customer specifications.
• Identify and recommend improvements to equipment, processes, and welding applications.
• Record inspection and test results and prepare reports.
• Review work orders and assist with production scheduling.
• Determine material and supply requirements based on production needs.
• Read and interpret specifications, blueprints, and job orders.
• Assign duties and provide direction to production employees.
• Inspect and measure parts and products to verify they meet specifications.
• Establish or adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
• Troubleshoot production problems and assist employees with resolving issues.
• Support continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation and production records.

Qualifications

• Hands-on welding and fabrication experience.
• Knowledge of MIG, TIG, Stick, and Gas welding.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and job orders.
• Experience using common fabrication tools and equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to inspect and measure parts for quality.
• Ability to work independently and provide direction to others.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.

Tools & Equipment

Experience with the following is preferred:

• MIG, TIG, Stick, and Gas welding
• Drill press
• Sanders
• GrindersDrills
• Saws
• General hand tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands for handling tools, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.