Welding Lead

Saic; Bedford (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saic is seeking an experienced Welding Lead to join our Bedford Production Facility, supporting integration efforts for our DoD customer. The Welding Lead will develop and implement processes to establish production capacity while ensuring compliance with AWS standards.

Candidates must possess expertise in welding, leadership skills to guide a team, and be proactive in solving operational challenges.

Advanced technical certifications in welding or fabrication are preferred, making this a great opportunity for skilled individuals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in advanced welding techniques and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to develop and implement production welding/fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead all aspects of welding operations.
• Develop, implement, and improve processes for production objectives.
• Act as subject matter expert for welding activities.
• Perform critical welds and troubleshoot issues.
• Collaborate with program team to ensure alignment with welding processes.

Skills

Welding and fabrication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Associate degree in related discipline with 9+ years experience or High school diploma with 11+ years experience

Tools

MIG welding

TIG welding

Stick welding

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Welding Lead to join our growing team at the Bedford Production Facility, supporting critical integration efforts for our Department of Defense (DoD) customer. The Welding Lead addition will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing processes and procedures to establish a production capacity for multi‑unit electro‑mechanical system integration efforts while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance with American Welding Society (AWS) welding standards.

Candidates must have demonstrated expertise in welding and fabrication, possess the leadership acumen to guide and mentor a team; and be comfortable in communication responding proactively to operational challenges with hands‑on involvement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead all aspects of the welding operations within the project related tasking, ensuring compliance with standards and customer requirements.

• As part of the project management team, develop, implement, and improve processes and procedures for welding and fabrication tasks to meet production and integration objectives.

• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for projects welding and fabrication activities, resolving technical challenges and training team members to encourage skill growth and quality assurance.

• Perform critical welds as needed, develop jigs/fixtures, and troubleshoot issues to ensure high‑quality installations meet the customer’s desired results.

• Collaborate with the program team to analyze technical documentation including drawings, schematics, and layouts, ensuring practical alignment with welding processes for production.

• Evaluate and adapt tools, equipment, and methods to optimize production capacity and process efficiency.

• Collect, organize, and analyze technical data to support ongoing process improvement initiatives and provide quality control in welding.

• Conduct inspections, tests, evaluations, and document results for equipment and processes, proactively identifying and resolving issues to minimize rework.

• Lead and inspire a team of welders and fabricators, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management to achieve production and leadership objectives.

• Partner with external vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders for planning, process alignment, and effective project execution.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in a related discipline with a minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma/GED with at least eleven (11) years of experience in welding and fabrication. Advanced technical certifications in welding or fabrication are preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in advanced welding techniques and manufacturing processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, as well as proven hands‑on experience developing and implementing production welding/fabrication processes and standards.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Formal training or certifications in welding (e.g., AWS or a comparable accreditation) preferred.

• Advanced problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to develop and implement process improvements under challenging deadlines.

• Strong technical competencies, including the interpretation of engineering schematics, drawings, and operational procedures.

• Leadership capabilities to effectively manage and inspire a skilled team through production expansion, process improvement, and program milestones.

• Knowledge of industry quality expectations and compliance standards (experience with DoD programs preferred).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear communication with team members, leadership, and external stakeholders.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Highly Desired Skills and Experience

• Formal training or certifications in welding (e.g., AWS or similar).

• Active DoD Secret clearance.