Senior Welding Fabrication Team Lead

Plank Enterprises, Inc.; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro-Cise, Inc. seeks a working lead for our second-shift fabrication team to plan, weld, and coach while maintaining quality and safety on the shop floor.

You will balance hands-on MIG/GMAW welding with mentoring, diagnostics, and daily prioritization with the Production Supervisor, ensuring timely, accurate weldments that meet customer specs.

This role requires strong leadership, blueprint reading, GD&T, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in MIG/GMAW welding processes.
• Expert blueprint reading with GD&T interpretation.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple jobs in a fast-paced setting.
• Solid problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient with precision measurement and inspection tools.
• Meticulous attention to detail and quality.
• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Collaborative across departments and shifts.
• Organized with excellent time management.
• Reliable, punctual, and self-directed.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Independently fit and weld components and sub-assemblies using established techniques.
• Deliver weldments that meet dimensional, quality, and throughput targets using drawings and specs.
• Provide technical direction to second-shift welders; mentor and troubleshoot.
• Coordinate daily job flow with Production Supervisor to meet schedules and customer needs.
• Monitor workmanship; address issues and escalate when needed.
• Read blueprints; apply GD&T and use inspection tools.
• Perform MIG/GMAW welding on ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
• Assist fixture design and fabrication; suggest process improvements.
• Onboard and mentor new team members to ensure adherence to procedures and quality.
• Be a go-to resource for welding methods and fabrication best practices.
• Complete labor reporting, work orders, and WIP identification.
• Follow ISO procedures and safety programs including PPE guidelines.
• Champion a safe work environment and safety policy compliance.
• Operate forklifts and hoists safely.
• Communicate shift activities and production status during transitions.
• Pass required welding certifications as per customer contracts.
• Support supervisors with productivity tracking and continuous improvement.
• Take on additional duties to support team and company goals.

Skills

MIG/GMAW welding

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Leadership/mentoring

Prioritization/multitasking

Problem solving

Precision measurement

Attention to detail

Communication

Collaboration

Time management

Safety

Continuous improvement

Employee development

Education

AWS D1.1 certification

Technical Diploma in Welding or HS Diploma + 6 years welding/fabrication with leadership

Experience leading welders in manufacturing

Job description

A day in the life

As the working lead for our second-shift fabrication team, you arrive with a plan. You scan the build queue, review complex prints, prep fixtures, and line up material for smooth handoffs. Throughout the shift, you balance hands-on welding and fitting with coaching, troubleshooting, and quality checks - transforming parts into precise weldments that meet Pro-Cise, Inc. standards and exacting customer specifications. You coordinate priorities with the Production Supervisor, communicate clearly at shift change, and drive a safe, efficient, and productive floor.

What you'll tackle

• Independently fit and weld components and sub-assemblies using established techniques and processes.
• Deliver weldments that meet dimensional, quality, and throughput targets using drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide technical direction to second-shift welders/fitters; coach, mentor, and assist with troubleshooting.
• Coordinate daily job flow and priorities with the Production Supervisor to satisfy schedules and customer needs.
• Continuously monitor workmanship and quality; address issues proactively and elevate when needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints; apply GD&T and use inspection tools (tape measures, squares, protractors, weld gauges, and precision instruments).
• Perform MIG/GMAW welding on ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
• Assist with fixture design and fabrication; recommend process improvements that enhance quality and efficiency.
• Onboard, train, and mentor new team members to ensure adherence to procedures and quality standards.
• Act as a go-to resource for welding methods, blueprint interpretation, and fabrication best practices.
• Accurately complete labor reporting, work orders, and proper WIP identification.
• Follow ISO procedures and safety programs, including required PPE and equipment operation guidelines.
• Champion a safe work environment and ensure compliance with company safety policies.
• Operate forklifts, jib cranes, hoists, and other lifting devices safely and efficiently.
• Communicate shift activities, production status, quality concerns, and project updates during shift transitions.
• Pass required welding certifications, including those specified by customer contracts.
• Support supervisors with productivity tracking, manpower planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Take on additional duties as needed to support team and company goals.

Leadership scope

Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for second-shift welding and fitting personnel. This role does not administer disciplinary actions but supports training, performance feedback, quality oversight, and workflow coordination.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in MIG/GMAW welding processes.
• Expert blueprint reading with strong fabrication and GD&T interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to guide, mentor, and lead peers.
• Proven skill prioritizing and coordinating multiple jobs in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and sound decision-making.
• Skilled with precision measurement and inspection equipment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to top-tier quality.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication.
• Collaborative mindset across departments and shifts.
• Organized with excellent time management.
• Reliable, punctual, and effective with minimal supervision.
• Dedication to safety, continuous improvement, and employee development.

Education & certifications

• Technical Diploma in Welding preferred; OR
• High School Diploma/GED plus at least six (6) years of welding/fabrication experience, including leadership or lead-person experience.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or training welders in manufacturing preferred.
• Must meet Pro-Cise, Inc. welding qualification requirements and pass applicable certification tests.
• AWS D1.1 certification required.
• Forklift and lifting-device operation certification (company provided).

Technical proficiencies

• GD&T
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Blueprint Reading
• GMAW/MIG Welding
• Manufacturing Processes
• Metal Fabrication
• Quality Assurance
• TIG Welding
• Weld Inspection
• Welding Technology
• ISO Quality Systems

Machines & technologies you'll use

• MIG Welder
• TIG Welder

Physical demands

• Stand for extended periods; reach with hands and arms; handle tools and materials regularly.
• Frequent walking; occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Visual acuity requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Mental demands

• Lead others while maintaining personal productivity and quality.
• Maintain strong focus and situational awareness for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Interpret written/verbal instructions, engineering drawings, and work orders.
• Troubleshoot welding, fabrication, quality, and workflow issues.
• Prioritize multiple assignments and help the team meet deadlines.
• Make effective decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Work environment

• Regular exposure to welding fumes, airborne particles, and hot surfaces.
• Frequent contact with moving mechanical parts and high-temperature materials.
• Loud noise levels - hearing protection required.
• Manufacturing floor setting with required PPE, ventilation, and safety protocols.