Job Description

Position Summary
The Welding Superintendent is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all welding and fabrication operations within the shop and/or field. This individual ensures that all welding work is performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality, meeting project specifications, codes, and deadlines. The superintendent leads, mentors, and manages welding personnel, coordinates with other departments, and is the ultimate on-site authority for all welding-related activities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Personnel Management:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of welders, fitters, and other fabrication personnel.
• Schedule work assignments, manage labor resources, and ensure adequate staffing for project requirements.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and manage disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Foster a positive, safe, and productive team environment.

2. Safety & Compliance:

• Champion a culture of "Safety First" by enforcing all company and OSHA safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, and job site inspections.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all personnel possess and maintain required certifications (e.g., welding certs, rigging, forklift).

3. Quality Assurance & Control:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all welding quality matters.
• Ensure all work complies with project specifications, relevant codes (e.g., AWS D1.1, D1.5, ASME), and company standards.
• Oversite of Weld Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR).
• Manage and document non-destructive testing (NDT) processes (e.g., UT, MT, PT, RT).
• Work directly with QA/QC managers and third-party inspectors to resolve any quality issues promptly.

4. Production & Operational Efficiency:

• Plan, organize, and direct daily welding operations to meet project schedules and budgets.
• Read and interpret complex fabrication drawings, blueprints, and ISO layouts.
• Monitor workflow, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements to increase productivity.
• Manage welding consumables (wire, gas, rods) and equipment inventory to ensure availability and control costs.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of all welding equipment and tools.

5. Project Management & Coordination:

• Collaborate with Project Management, Engineering, and Estimating departments from project kick-off to completion.
• Provide input during the estimating phase on weld procedures, man-hours, and feasibility.
• Track labor hours and production metrics, reporting on progress against project milestones.
• Communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience
Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in welding/fabrication, with at least 5+ years in a supervisory or superintendent role.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification or equivalent (e.g., SCWI, CWE) is highly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SAW) and cutting processes (Plasma, Oxy-Fuel).
• In-depth understanding of welding codes (AWS, ASME), symbols, and blueprint reading.
• Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, and labor crews.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite, project management software).

Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
• Experience in [mention specific industry, e.g., structural steel, pipe welding, shipbuilding, heavy equipment repair].
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.

Skills & Competencies

• Unwavering Commitment to Safety: A demonstrated leader in safety protocol and culture.
• Exceptional Leadership: Ability to motivate, train, and hold teams accountable.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and root-cause analysis skills to resolve technical and logistical issues.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with all levels of the organization.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on quality and precision.
• Organizational: Superior planning, scheduling, and time-management skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, fumes, and varying temperatures.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• May require travel to various job sites.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Skills Required