Welding Shop Supervisor

Laitram LLC; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram Machinery in New Orleans seeks a Welding Supervisor to lead welding operations for stainless steel seafood processing equipment and other stainless steel or aluminum fabrications.

The role requires coordinating daily work, ensuring safety, quality, and delivery while guiding welding processes and continuous improvement initiatives. Strong leadership and TIG welding expertise are essential for success in this hands-on supervisory position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of TIG welding or fabrication experience.
• Minimum 3 years of TIG welding or fabrication experience in a production environment.
• At least 1 year of lead or supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of welding processes, preferably GTAW/TIG.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings, weld symbols, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Ability to troubleshoot weld quality.
• Familiarity with welding codes and standards (AWS D1.1, AWS D1.6, ASME IX).
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 5S.

Responsibilities

• Plan and assign daily, weekly, and monthly work for the Welding Shop team.
• Manage labor, materials, equipment, and workflow to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals.
• Provide technical guidance for welding and fabrication processes, including fit-up, joint preparation, weld sequencing, and distortion control.
• Ensure work complies with drawings, weld symbols, and work instructions.
• Partner with Production Supervisors, Engineering, Quality, and Field Service to resolve fabrication and weld-quality issues.
• Oversee the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of welding equipment, tools, fixtures.
• Lead onboarding, training, qualification, and cross-training of employees.
• Monitor productivity, labor utilization, weld quality, rework, scrap, and schedule attainment; implement corrective actions.
• Lead Continuous Improvement, Lean, and 5S activities in the work area.
• Coach employees, conduct performance reviews, address disciplinary matters, and support team development.
• Communicate priorities, issues, and results across shifts and departments.

Skills

TIG welding

Supervision

Reading drawings

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Weld symbols

Communication

Problem solving

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

English fluency

Safety compliance

Team leadership

Tools

Robotic welding equipment

Weld positioners

Welding fixtures

Job description

Laitram Machinery is looking for a Welding Supervisor. This individual will be primarily responsible leading welding operations of stainless-steel seafood processing equipment as well as other mechanical equipment fabricated primarily from stainless steel or aluminum.

For over 70 years, Laitram Machinery has pioneered the manufacturing of high-performance shrimp-peeling equipment, and more recently, steam cookers, blanchers, nut pasteurizers, roasters, and sorters. All of our products are designed to increase efficiency, improve product quality and yield for processors worldwide. Laitram Machinery is one of four operating divisions of Laitram, L.L.C. and offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work for an established, yet growing company in the private sector. To learn more about our company culture, philosophy, and benefits, please visit our company page .

Responsibilities

• Plan and assign daily, weekly, and monthly work for the Welding Shop team.
• Manage labor, materials, equipment, and workflow to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals.
• Provide technical guidance for welding and fabrication processes, including fit-up, joint preparation, weld sequencing, and distortion control.
• Ensure work complies with drawings, weld symbols, and work instructions.
• Partner with Production Supervisors, Engineering, Quality, and Field Service to resolve fabrication and weld-quality issues.
• Oversee the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of welding equipment, tools, fixtures.
• Lead employee onboarding, training, qualification, and cross-training.
• Monitor productivity, labor utilization, weld quality, rework, scrap, and schedule attainment; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Lead Continuous Improvement, Lean, and 5S activities within the work area.
• Coach employees, conduct performance reviews, address disciplinary matters, and support team development.
• Communicate priorities, issues, and results effectively across shifts and departments.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant TIG welding or fabrication experience.
• Minimum 3 years of TIG welding or fabrication experience in a production environment.
• At least 1 year of lead or supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of common welding processes, preferably GTAW/TIG.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, weld symbols, bills of material, and work instructions.
• Ability to troubleshoot weld quality.
• Familiarity with applicable welding codes and standards, such as AWS D1.1, AWS D1.6, or ASME Section IX.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using production, labor-tracking, inventory, or ERP systems.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and 5S principles.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Ability to adapt plans and resources to changing production needs.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform the physical tasks outlined in the job’s functional description.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory experience in a welding, fabrication, or manufacturing environment.
• Current or previous welding certifications applicable to the work performed.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS), or equivalent training.
• Experience with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Experience with robotic welding, weld positioners, fixtures, or nondestructive examination methods.