Shift Lead Welder - Cross-Dept Production Champion

Laser Tech; Riverside, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Laser Tech is seeking a Shift Lead who will keep the entire shift running and perform hands-on MIG welding. You will coordinate across departments, ensure safety and quality, and act as the first point of contact for team members.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years welding in manufacturing, with MIG proficiency and ability to read blueprints. AWS CW certification is a plus, as is prior lead experience. This on-site role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on welding experience (MIG, TIG, Stick) in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in MIG (GMAW); TIG (GTAW) or Flux‑Core a plus.
• Able to read blueprints, weld symbols, and engineering drawings.
• AWS Certified Welder (CW) or equivalent a plus.
• Prior lead or shift coordination experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary point of contact for all departments on shift.
• Coordinate work across departments to keep production flowing and on schedule.
• Plan daily shift coverage and adjust assignments as priorities shift.
• Field questions on work orders, processes, equipment, or scheduling.
• Escalate concerns to Manufacturing Manager promptly.
• Monitor safety, quality, and procedural standards shift-wide.
• Communicate shift status and changes to management and departments.
• Support onboarding and cross-training across the shift, welding included.
• Maintain accurate shift records: completions, scrap, rework, output.
• Perform hands-on welding as part of duties with quality checks.

Skills

MIG welding

Blueprint reading

Cross-department coordination

Safety & housekeeping

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Welder training (preferred)

Job description

Laser Tech is seeking a Shift Lead who will keep the entire shift running and perform hands-on MIG welding. You will coordinate across departments, ensure safety and quality, and act as the first point of contact for team members.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years welding in manufacturing, with MIG proficiency and ability to read blueprints. AWS CW certification is a plus, as is prior lead experience. This on-site role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.