Lead Welder

ICES: Data, Discovery, Better Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Career growth

Year-round work

Job summary

Westar Marine Services in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks an experienced Lead Welder to direct welding and fabrication across our fleet and shop. This hands‑on leadership role requires you to execute high‑quality marine welds, fabricate and repair steel and aluminum structures, and mentor a small crew.

You will read blueprints, plan jobs, enforce safety, and ensure work meets ABS/USCG standards. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in marine welding and a proven leadership track record.

Qualifications

• 5+ years welding/fabrication experience in marine/shipyard environments.
• ABS welder certification required.
• Proficient in SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW.
• Capable of leading a small welding/fabrication crew.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day welding operations across vessels, barges, and shore-side equipment.
• Mentor and train junior welders and fabricators; enforce safety standards.
• Plan jobs, assign tasks, and prioritize work to meet schedules and specs.
• Read and interpret blueprints and welding symbols; prep materials to spec.
• Inspect welds and finished work to ensure ABS/USCG compliance; address defects.
• Maintain welding equipment and work-area in safe, organized condition.
• Work in marine environments including shipyards, drydocks, and confined spaces.

Skills

Marine welding

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Multiple welding processes

Safety compliance

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Welder to direct welding and fabrication work across our fleet and shop. The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and leading a small team of welders and fabricators. This is a hands‑on leadership role: you will be on the tools, setting the standard for workmanship, safety, and productivity, while planning jobs and mentoring less experienced crew members.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes.
• Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum components, including hull plating, frames, brackets, piping supports, deck fittings, and railings.
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings; lay out and prep material to spec.
• Lead day‑to‑day welding operations: assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure jobs are completed on schedule and to specification.
• Inspect welds and finished work for compliance with ABS, USCG, and company quality standards; identify and correct defects.
• Mentor and train junior welders and fabricators; promote a culture of safety, accountability, and craftsmanship.
• Maintain welding equipment, consumables, and the work area in safe, organized, ready‑to‑work condition.
• Work in marine environments: shipyards, drydocks, on vessels afloat, and in confined spaces, often in variable weather.
• Follow all Westar Marine Services safety procedures, USCG requirements, OSHA standards, and applicable hot‑work permitting practices.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience, with significant time in a marine, shipyard, or offshore environment.
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) welder certification.
• Proficiency in multiple welding processes: SMAW (stick), FCAW (flux core), GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG).
• Demonstrated ability to weld and fabricate in both steel and aluminum.
• Strong blueprint reading and layout skills.
• Prior experience leading or supervising a small welding/fabrication crew.
• Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on the water.
• Physically able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to Bay Area job sites.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1 (steel) and/or D1.2 (aluminum).
• Experience working to USCG and ABS repair standards on commercial vessels.
• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with pipe welding and shipboard piping system repairs.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay of $, based on experience and certifications.
• Full‑time, year‑round work with a stable, established Bay Area marine operator.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunity to lead and grow a skilled fabrication team.
• Varied, hands‑on work across a diverse fleet — no two days are the same.