Senior Welding Fabrication Team Lead

Plank Manufacturing Enterprises; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro-Cise, Inc. seeks a working lead for the second shift fabrication team to weld and fit components, mentor peers, and drive safety and quality on the floor.

You will read blueprints, apply GD&T, and manage daily workflow to meet customer specifications while coaching welders and ensuring ISO-compliant processes. This role demands hands-on welding plus leadership in a fast-paced shop.

Qualifications

• Technical or equivalent welding education with hands-on fabrication discipline.
• Experience leading welders in a manufacturing setting is preferred.
• Must meet welding qualification requirements and pass tests as specified.

Responsibilities

• Fit and weld components and sub-assemblies following drawings and work instructions.
• Provide technical direction to second-shift welders/fitters; coach and troubleshoot.
• Read blueprints, apply GD&T, and use inspection tools to ensure quality.
• Coordinate daily job flow with the Production Supervisor to meet schedules.
• Onboard, train, and mentor new team members for procedures and quality.

Skills

MIG/GMAW welding

Blueprint reading

GD&T interpretation

Leadership / mentoring

Problem solving

Precision measurement

Welding quality assurance

Communication

Education

Technical Diploma in Welding

High School Diploma/GED + 6 years welding/fabrication experience

Tools

MIG Welder

TIG Welder

Precision inspection tools

Job description

A day in the lifeAs 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 tackleIndependently 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 escalate 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 scopeProvide 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.QualificationsAdvanced 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 & certificationsTechnical Diploma in Welding preferred; ORHigh 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 proficienciesGD&TPrecision Measurement & Hand MetrologyBlueprint ReadingGMAW/MIG WeldingManufacturing ProcessesMetal FabricationQuality AssuranceTIG WeldingWeld InspectionWelding TechnologyISO Quality SystemsMachines & technologies you'll useMIG WelderTIG WelderPhysical demandsStand 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 demandsLead 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 environmentRegular 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.