Lead Welder

Machitech; Livermore (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Machitech leads the search for a Lead Welder who coordinates the welding department’s daily operations and supervises a team of about six welders, while contributing to assembly and welding work.

The role requires reading blueprints and welding symbols, setting up MIG welding equipment, and planning tasks to meet production schedules with a focus on safety and quality. A vocational welding credential and 3–5 years MIG experience plus leadership are required.

Qualifications

• Vocational Diploma or Technical Certification in Welding is required.
• 3-5 years of MIG welding experience (steel) in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in a lead or supervisory role is required.
• Strong ability to read welding symbols and fabrication drawings.
• Comfortable working with imperial and metric measurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate welding department operations and supervise a team of ~6 welders.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and technical specifications.
• Set up, adjust, and operate MIG welding equipment and related gas systems.
• Plan and prioritize daily work activities to meet production schedules.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on support to welders and ensure safety, quality and housekeeping.

Skills

MIG welding

Team leadership

Reading blueprints

Reading fabrication drawings

Communication

Safety leadership

Education

Vocational Diploma or Technical Certification in Welding

Tools

MIG welding equipment

Metal fabrication equipment (press brake, lathe, plasma cutter)

Job description

Reporting to the Deputy Production Manager, the Lead Welder is responsible for the daily coordination of welding department operations while actively contributing to assembly and welding work. He or she supervises a team of approximately six welders and ensures the efficiency, quality, and safety of operations. The position requires hands-on leadership, strong technical expertise, and a continuous improvement mindset.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Welding & Fabrication

• Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and technical specifications
  
• Prepare materials and surfaces (cleaning, fitting, grinding, polishing as required)
• Align, position, and secure components using clamps, bolts, and tack welds
• Set up, adjust, and operate welding equipment (primarily MIG welding ) and related gas systems
• Perform welding, grinding, and finishing work in accordance with company quality standards
• Plan and prioritize daily work activities to meet production schedules
• Assign tasks based on employee skill level and workload
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on support to welders
• Monitor workflow, productivity, and quality output
• Communicate regularly with the Deputy Production Manager regarding progress, issues, and staffing or equipment needs
  

Safety, Quality & Housekeeping

• Enforce all workplace health and safety policies and procedures
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Perform other duties as required to support efficient welding department operations

REQUIREMENTS

• Vocational Diploma or Technical Certification in Welding (required)
• 3-5 years of MIG welding experience (steel), preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Previous experience in a lead, supervisory, or team - lead role (required)
• Strong ability to read and interpret welding symbols and fabrication drawings
• Comfortable working with both imperial and metric measurement systems
• Experience with metal fabrication equipment (press brake, lathe, plasma cutter, etc.) is an asset
• Ability to interpret complex assembly and fabrication blueprints
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

THIS ROLE IS FOR ME IF I AM...

... an experienced MIG welder and team lead who takes pride in precise, clean work and in helping others sharpen their skills. I am an organized and solution-driven professional who plans priorities, supports my crew with hands-on guidance, and champions a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.