Welding Program Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead welding operations across multiple fabrication departments.
• Supervise, coach, and develop welders, fitter/fabricators, supervisors, and team leads.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), AWS standards, and welding best practices.
• Improve first-pass weld acceptance while reducing weld defects, leaks, and rework.
• Evaluate welding processes and implement improvements that increase quality, consistency, and productivity.
• Create and manage welder qualification, onboarding, and ongoing training programs.
• Perform weld inspections and quality audits using visual inspection methods, weld gauges, fillet gauges, calipers, tape measures, and other inspection tools.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to investigate weld failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee welding equipment, consumables, and production methods to maintain consistent weld quality.
• Provide technical leadership for MIG (Spray Transfer/GMAW), FCAW, and other welding processes.
• Coordinate welding resources to meet production schedules and manufacturing goals.
• Promote OSHA compliance, workplace safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or previous welding instructor/trainer experience.
• Experience improving welding quality systems and overall welding program performance.
• Background in sheet metal fabrication, structural steel, heavy fabrication, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.