Lead Welder: Aerospace & Defense Production Leader

Aerotek; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek seeks a Lead Welder to manage a small team in a fast-paced shop environment, performing hands-on MIG welding while driving production and quality standards. The role emphasizes leadership, coaching, and adherence to weld procedures for aerospace and precision fabrication projects.

The ideal candidate will read blueprints, pass weld tests, and mentor others, ensuring safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Experience leading welding teams in a shop environment.
• Hands-on MIG welding proficiency with test capability.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and weld symbols.
• Familiarity with AWS welding standards and quality procedures.
• Experience managing production and throughput in aerospace/defense or precision fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a team of approximately four to six welders in a production welding and fabrication environment.
• Perform hands-on MIG welding on a regular basis and step in to weld as production needs arise.
• Drive production throughput while maintaining strict quality standards for aerospace, defense, and precision fabrication projects.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize work orders to ensure on-time completion and alignment with production goals.
• Interpret and work from blueprints and weld symbols to ensure accurate fabrication and assembly.
• Inspect weld quality and verify compliance with weld procedures and applicable AWS standards.
• Train, coach, and mentor welders to improve their technical skills, productivity, and adherence to quality expectations.
• Manage employee performance by setting clear expectations, monitoring results, and providing feedback and guidance.
• Hold team members accountable to established quality, safety, and production standards.
• Support and manage workforce planning, including task assignments, shift coverage, and workload balancing.
• Monitor and manage production metrics and KPIs to drive throughput improvement and consistent performance.
• Apply continuous improvement principles, including lean manufacturing, 5S, and root cause analysis, to enhance processes and resolve issues.
• Support fabrication shop workflow by coordinating with other departments and ensuring smooth handoffs between processes.
• Ensure the welding area remains organized, safe, and compliant with shop practices and procedures.
• Contribute to structural, sheet metal, precision, and custom fabrication projects as required.

Skills

Team leadership

MIG welding

GMAW

Read blueprints

AWS standards

Quality control

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Mentor welders

Safety compliance

Job description

Aerotek seeks a Lead Welder to manage a small team in a fast-paced shop environment, performing hands-on MIG welding while driving production and quality standards. The role emphasizes leadership, coaching, and adherence to weld procedures for aerospace and precision fabrication projects.

The ideal candidate will read blueprints, pass weld tests, and mentor others, ensuring safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement on the shop floor.