Welder Lead at Standard Iron Sauk Centre, Todd County, MN

Join Our Team as a Welder Lead at Standard Iron.

We are seeking a Welder Lead to coordinate shop floor activities, mentor welders, and ensure fabricated components meet customer specifications and industry standards.

• Competitive Pay: $29.00 - $36.00 per hour (based on experience)
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) with employer match.
• Quarterly profit‑sharing, short‑term disability, PTO, and paid holidays.
• Employee growth opportunities: training provided for entry‑level candidates.

1st Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6:00am to 4:30pm

• Perform advanced welding on heavy plate steel, structural components, and custom fabrication projects.
• Lead day‑to‑day welding operations within a fabrication shop, assigning tasks and ensuring workflow efficiency.
• Interpret complex blueprints, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and bills of materials.
• Coordinate closely with fitters, fabricators, and machine operators to ensure proper assembly and welding sequence.
• Inspect welds and assemblies for dimensional accuracy, penetration, and compliance.
• Ensure proper joint preparation, fit‑up, and alignment prior to welding.
• Monitor production timelines and adjust manpower or priorities to meet delivery schedules.
• Train and mentor welders on techniques, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot fabrication and welding challenges, including distortion, material issues, and equipment malfunctions.
• Enforce strict adherence to shop safety protocols, including PPE, ventilation, and confined space procedures.
• Oversee maintenance and setup of welding machines, torches, fixtures, and positioners.
• Support continuous improvement efforts such as reducing rework, improving weld efficiency, and lean fabrication practices.
• Communicate effectively with shop supervisors, engineering, and quality control teams.

• High school diploma or GED required; welding certification or trade school training preferred.
• 5 years of heavy welding experience in a metal fabrication or structural steel environment.
• 2 years of leadership or lead welder experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes including cutting, forming, fitting, and assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed shop drawings and blueprints.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics, focusing on skills, safety, and job‑related qualifications in our manufacturing operations.