Welding Lead

Lehigh Heavy Forge Corporation; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Astec is seeking a lead welder to guide a team in a heavy equipment production environment in Illinois. You will read blueprints, oversee welding operations, and contribute to process improvements to deliver high-quality fabrications.

The role requires MIG, stick, and arc gouging welding skills, plus 5+ years of experience, and a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Trade school or community college coursework preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with heavy equipment production line welding.
• Knowledge and ability to perform all Grinder tasks required.
• Ability to read and understand weld symbols.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety rules and perform work at a quality level.
• Read and understand assigned blueprints prior to starting a project.
• Participate in process and product development and improvement programs.
• Accurately inspect metal prior to welding to ensure clean welds.
• Perform grinding operations that comply with Astec's standards.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of team members engaged in welding for fabricating equipment framework.
• Lead team through 6S (Safety, Sort, set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
• Read and follow job order specifications and blueprints to plan production sequence.

Skills

Heavy equipment welding

Blueprint reading

MIG welding

Stick welding

Arc gouging

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school education preferred

Tools

Welding equipment

Job description

Description

BUILT TO CONNECT

At Astec, we believe in the power of connection and the importance of building long‑lasting relationships with our employees, customers and the communities we call home. With a team of more than 4,300 strong, our employees are our #1 advantage. We invest in skills training and provide opportunities for career development to help you grow along with the business. We offer programs that support physical safety, as well as benefits and resources to enhance total health and wellbeing, so you can be your best at work and at home.

Our equipment is used to build the roads and infrastructure that connects us to each other and to the goods and services we use. We are an industry leader known for delivering innovative solutions that create value for our customers. As our industry evolves, we are using new technology and data like never before.

We're looking for creative problem solvers to build the future with us. Connect with us today and build your career at Astec.

About the Position

Under the direction of the supervisor, the lead person provides training, guidance and direction to assigned employees in an efficient, clean, safe and cost‑effective manner in order to achieve the goals and key performance metrics in line with the organization's objectives.

Deliverables & Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety rules and perform work at a quality level
• Read and understand assigned blueprints prior to starting a project.
• Participate in process and product development and improvement programs.
• Accurately inspect metal prior to welding to ensure clean welds.
• Perform grinding operations that comply with Astec's standards.
• Support team by providing an efficient layout of the plants equipment to ensure proper welding.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of team members engaged in welding for the purpose of fabricating framework of equipment, this includes setting up, instructing, and maintaining workflow through the department.
• Provide PPE suggestions and supplies if and when needed.
• Apply knowledge of fabricating process in training new employees.
• Maintain level of work performance in accordance with Astec Mobile Screens Quality Control Standards and/or job order specifications. Inspect and tag components that are ready for next procedure.
• Read and follow job order specifications and blueprints to plan production sequence.
• Comply with OSHA Safety and Health rules. Assure team is following safety policies and procedures.
• Report any machine or equipment malfunctions to Maintenance personnel.
• Maintain a team-oriented crew.
• Lead team members through 6S (Safety, Sort, set in order, Shine Standardize, and Sustain).
• Perform or assist in other assigned duties as qualified.

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Trade school or community college course work preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with heavy equipment production line welding.
• Computer experience desired, particularly the ability to use a mouse and locate and open/close programs/files.
• Knowledge and ability to perform all Grinder tasks required.
• Ability to properly and safely MiG weld, stick weld, and arc gouging required.
• Ability to read and understand weld symbols required.

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

None

Our Culture and Values

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

Travel Requirements:

% of travel, regional, international

Manufacturing Environment

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person's veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.