Lead Welder | 2nd Shift

Viking Group, Inc.; Doraville (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Viking Group, Inc. in Doraville, GA is seeking a Lead Welder to guide the daily welding operations, serve as the technical expert, and ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery in a fast-paced fabrication environment.

The role involves mentoring welders, interpreting blueprints, and performing MIG/TIG/STICK welding while coordinating with Fabrication, Customer Service and Operations teams to meet production schedules and customer specifications.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a welding team and coordinating daily activities.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings.
• Proficiency in MIG/TIG/Stick welding processes and inspection of welds.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily welding team activities to meet production schedules.
• Train, mentor, and coach welders on techniques, safety, and standards.
• Read blueprints, fabricate to specs, verify weld quality by inspection.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive process improvements.
• Promote safety compliance and maintain 5S in the shop.
• Maintain and coordinate welding equipment and production records.

Skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Team mentoring

Quality focus

Tools

MIG welding

TIG welding

Blueprint reading

Job description

Position SummaryThe Lead Welder is responsible for leading the daily activities of the welding team while serving as the technical expert for all welding operations. This hands-on position ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company quality standards, customer specifications, and production schedules.

Position SummaryThe Lead Welder is responsible for leading the daily activities of the welding team while serving as the technical expert for all welding operations. This hands-on position ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company quality standards, customer specifications, and production schedules. The Lead Welder provides direction, training, and support to welders, assists with workload prioritization, performs complex welding assignments, troubleshoots fabrication issues, and partners closely with the Fabrication Supervisor, Customer Service, Warehouse, and Operations teams to ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.

This role is expected to lead by example through strong workmanship, safety leadership, continuous improvement, and a commitment to quality.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the welding team to meet production schedules and customer commitments.
• Assign work based on priorities, employee skill levels, and production requirements.
• Train, mentor, and coach new and existing welders on welding techniques, safety procedures, and company standards.
• Monitor employee performance and provide constructive feedback to the Fabrication Supervisor.
• Lead by example in attendance, professionalism, safety, and quality.

Welding & Fabrication

• Perform MIG, TIG, Stick, and other welding processes as required.
• Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, work orders, and specifications.
• Fabricate pipe assemblies and related products to company and customer specifications.
• Verify weld quality through visual inspection and measurement.
• Apply certification stamps and complete required production documentation.
• Assist with prototype work and complex fabrication projects.

Production

• Help ensure daily production goals and labor productivity standards are achieved.
• Identify production bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
• Coordinate workflow with fabrication, warehouse, and customer service teams.
• Ensure materials, consumables, and equipment are available for scheduled production.
• Minimize downtime through proactive planning and communication.

Quality

• Ensure all work meets company quality standards and applicable industry codes.
• Perform first-piece and in-process quality inspections.
• Assist in investigating weld defects and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records.

Safety

• Promote a culture of safety throughout the fabrication shop.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Verify proper use of PPE and safe equipment operation.
• Report safety concerns, equipment issues, and maintenance needs promptly.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Perform routine inspections of welding equipment and tools.
• Report equipment failures and coordinate repairs.
• Help maintain welding machines, fixtures, and fabrication equipment in proper working condition.
• Ensure work areas remain clean, organized, and compliant with 5S principles.