Weld Shop Manager; Lead Welder

Position: Weld Shop Manager (Lead Welder)
Weld Shop Manager (Working Lead)

Location:

North Suburbs of Chicago, ILPay: $65,000–$90,000 - Hourly while under contract period before hired on

Schedule:

1st Shift | Monday–Friday (6:30 AM–3:00 PM) + Half Day Saturdays Type:
Contract-to-Hire (6 months)
A well-established custom industrial equipment manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Weld Shop Manager (Working Lead) to oversee a team of welders while remaining actively involved on the shop floor. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing company with a modern facility, a strong leadership team, and a family-oriented culture where employees are valued and empowered to make an impact.

This is not a desk job. You'll spend the majority of your time leading by example—fabricating, TIG welding, mentoring less experienced welders, ensuring quality, and helping keep production on schedule.

What You'll Be Doing Lead and mentor a team of welders while remaining hands-on in fabrication and welding

Organize daily work orders and prioritize production schedules

Perform TIG welding and fabrication of stainless steel pipe and square tubing assemblies

Review blueprints, inspect completed weldments, and ensure work meets quality standards

Coordinate with production to maintain workflow and meet customer deadlines

Train and develop junior welders while promoting safe and efficient shop practices

Perform final inspections before assemblies move to the next stage of production

What We're Looking For5+ years of TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment

Previous Lead, Supervisor, Manager, or strong mentoring experience

Experience welding stainless steel, pipe, and structural assemblies

Strong blueprint reading and fabrication skills

Familiarity with AWS and/or ASME Section IX welding codes

Ability to pass a 5G pipe weld test and become certified to company procedures

Comfortable using fabrication equipment including grinders, horizontal band saws, drill/mill machines, and other shop tools

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a hands-on manufacturing environment

Why You'll Want This Opportunity Clean, modern manufacturing facility with updated equipment

Tight-knit, family-oriented culture with approachable leadership and an open-door environment

Opportunity to make an immediate impact leading a skilled welding team Stable, growing company that designs and manufactures custom industrial equipment serving a diverse customer base Excellent opportunity for an experienced Lead Welder ready to step into more responsibility or a current Supervisor looking for a long-term home

Full benefits available upon permanent hire

If you're a hands-on TIG welder who enjoys mentoring others and wants to be part of a company where leadership is visible and your contributions matter, we'd love to speak with you.
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